Performance Characteristics of a Stationary Impact Decorticator on Jatropha Seed

Adejumo, A.O.D and Okunola, Abiodun A. and Komolafe, C.A (2015) Performance Characteristics of a Stationary Impact Decorticator on Jatropha Seed. Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST), 2 (5). pp. 1226-1231. ISSN 3159-0040

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Abstract

Jatropha (curcas species) is a major source of bio-fuel, one of the prominent obstacles in its processing is the decorticating of the seed. An identified decorticator was modified and the evaluation was carried out on Jatropha seed using four speeds (650, 800, 950 and 1100 rpm); three masses (200, 400 and 600g) with two replications. The mean decorticating efficiency ranged from 23.5 to 79 % and the overall average mean decorticating efficiency was 56.54 %. The mechanical seed damage ranges from 13 to 51 % with average mean of 27.51 %. The cleaning efficiency was 14.89 to 53.7 %, while the seed loss ranged from 3.5 to 13 % for the four speeds. The maximum obtained decorticating efficiency for the machine was 79 %. Generally, the machine decorticating efficiency, cleaning efficiency, percentage of seed damage increased and percentage of seed loss decreased with increase in drum speed and throughput. Keywords— Jatropha seed; decortications; machine speed ; machine efficiency.

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