Design of an effective automated machine for quality palm kernel production

Palm kernel production potentials of several countries are far from been fully exploited. At present, many countries are operating below expected capacity and this research effort is to develop an appropriate machine for quality production of palm kernel. Power requirement of the machine is 4.29kw, resultant bending moment of the shaft is 4.67Nm and 85.30Nm and diameter of the shaft is 25.39mm. The machine is evaluated using 'Dura' variety at moisture content; 12.00%, 11.10%, 10.20%, 9.60% and 9.00%, and 'Tenera' variety at; 12.00%, 11.00%, 10.00%, 9.10% and 8.20% moisture content. The performance of the machine shows that throughput capacity increases from 625-1270 kg/hr for 'Dura' and also increases from 750-1200 kg/hr for 'Tenera'. Mechanical damage reduces from 2.47-1.40% for 'Dura' and reduces from 1.16-0.20% for 'Tenera'. Functional efficiency increases from 92.30-96.40% for 'Dura' and increases from 95.50-99.07% for 'Tenera'. Quality performance efficiency increases from 91.00-95.30% for 'Dura' and increases from 95.50-98.80% for 'Tenera'. The mean shearing force in 'Dura' is 31.10 ± 0.20N and that of 'Tenera' is 12.66 ± 0.20N.