The performance evaluation of a cassava pelletizer
Loading...
Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Canadian Journal on Science and Industrial Research
Abstract
This paper reports on the development and performance evaluation of a machine for cottage level
production of pellets from cassava mash. Cassava flour was produced by peeling, grating and
drying freshly harvested cassava tubers. Experiments were conducted to determine the physical
properties, such as moisture content, particle size distribution and bulk density and the chemical
composition of the flour. The flour was mixed with water at different blend ratios to form
cassava mash of different moisture contents. A cassava pelletizer was then developed
incorporating relevant properties of the flour. The pelletizer consists of a barreled screw auger,
which compresses cassava mash against a perforated end plate, through which the pellets are
extruded. The barrel is encased in a co-axial counter flow heat exchanger to provide cooling for
the system. The performance of the pelletizer was evaluated in terms of the density, durability,
crushing strength and cyanide content of the pellets, and the throughput of the machine, against
the moisture content of the mash (18, 20 and 22 % w.b.), die size (4, 6 and 8 mm) and the auger
speed (90, 100 and 120 rpm). Test results showed that the bulk density and the durability of
pellets decreased while the moisture content increased significantly (p<0.05) and separately with
increasing die size and moisture content of cassava mash. The pellets with the best quality
attributes were obtained from cassava mash at 18% moisture content (w.b.) extruded through the
4 mm die at 90 rpm and a maximum throughput of 54 kg/hr. The pellets exhibited a bulk density
of 635 kg/m3
, 15% moisture content (w.b.) crushing strength of 34.24 MPa and a high durability
(85.7%). The machine, thus, provides a significant leverage in the utilization of cassava as
pelletized animal feed.
Description
Keywords
Performance Evaluation, Cassava pelletizer
Citation
Oduntan, O. B., Koya, O. A., Faborode, M. O., & Oduntan, A. O. (2012). The performance evaluation of a cassava pelletizer. Canadian Journal on Science and Industrial Research, 3(2), 83-91.