DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A SIMPLE GRADING MACHINE SUITABLE FOR ONION SETS

Abstract

This research was intended to develop a small cylinder type grading machine to suit grading of onion sets crop. Two operating parameters each of four levels were studied. The studied parameters included, riddle revolving speed 35, 45, 55 and 65 rpm (0.366, 0.471, 0.576, and 0.680 m/s), and riddles feeding rates (75, 100, 125 and 150 kg/h). The effect of machine parameters on grading efficiency (%), grading productivity (kg/h) and the mechanical damage percentage, were also considered. Results showed that the machine is quite successful for grading onion sets. The best result was obtained at 55 rpm riddles revolving speeds and 125 kg/h riddles feeding rate. At these values, maximum grading efficiency of 94.34% and permissible mechanical damage of onion sets 4.66% were obtained. These results proved that, the proper operating parameters corresponded with theoretical considerations as the relevant for machine operation.