Volume 20, Issue 54, July - December, 2023

Development of a maize shelling machine using Hem-Fir wood

Adedipe JO¹, Raji AA²

¹Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria
²Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This report presents the development of a maize shelling machine using Hem-Fir wood as the primary material. Maize shelling is a labor-intensive and challenging task, particularly in Nigeria, where it is a crucial cereal crop. The use of unhygienic and metal grinding machines in the market poses health risks to consumers. To address these issues, the study focuses on constructing simple maize shelling machine using Hem-Fir wood, which is durable and versatile. The machine consists of four major units: Framework, shelling unit, grain outlet, and cob outlet. The design criteria include simplicity, ease of fabrication and operation, control, and efficiency. The machine's performance was evaluated in terms of workability, throughput capacity, efficiency, and cost. The results showed that the Hem-Fir wood machine had an average throughput capacity of 111kg/hr and an efficiency rate of 86%. The estimated cost of fabricating the machine was N 42,000, making it economical and affordable for small-scale farmers. Compared to existing metal shelling machines, the Hem-Fir wood machine offers a cheaper and safer alternative. The study demonstrates the successful development of a maize shelling machine using Hem-Fir wood, providing a cost-effective solution for maize processing in Nigeria.

Keywords: Maize, Machine, Shelling, Hem-Fir, Performance, Efficiency

Indian Journal of Engineering, 2023, 20(54), e32ije1667

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v20i54/e32ije1667

Published: 12 July 2023