Author(s) :

N. D. Dangora, M.L. Attanda.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The performance evaluation of a power operated stationary maize dehusker sheller at the Institute for Agricultural Research, IAR, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria was conducted using QPM maize variety in order to validate an optimization mathematical model. The experiment was set in a factorial design involving four variables each at three levels; The layout was in a completely randomized block design (3x3x3x3= 81 treatments) and replicated three times. The analysis of the data was carried out using the SAS statistical package.. Duncan’s multiple range tests were used to compare the differences between significant means for variables. Best performance was obtained through appropriate ranking of the indices that need to be maximized (shelling, cleaning and output) and those that need to be minimized (grain damage and scatter loss).Best combination gave speed, feed rate, concave clearance and Moisture content of 950 rpm, 50 kg/min, 35 mm and 9 % respectively. The performance indices shelling efficiency, Output capacity, cleaning efficiency, grain damage and scatter loss obtained at this combination were 99.28 %, 844.69 kg/h, 97.07 %, 4.79 % and 16.24 %, respectively.

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