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A GROUNDNUT GRADER FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  Paper number  056188,  2005 ASAE Annual Meeting . (doi: 10.13031/2013.19643) @2005
Authors:   E.A. Ajav and B.O. Okelola
Keywords:   Grader, groundnut, grading efficiency, density, size

The size and density of two commonly available groundnut varieties were measures. Based on these physical properties, a screen-type electric powered groundnut grader was developed. The grade consists of the main frame, separating unit, seed outlet unit, screens, cam, shaft, electric motor and hangers.

The density of variety one groundnut (Hausa breed) was estimated to be 760 kg/m3 while the variety two variety B (Yoruba breed) was 710 kg/m3. The sizes of variety one (A) were 16.9mm, 11.1mm and 7.1mm for large, medium and small seeds respectively, and that of the second variety (B), were 14.9mm, 9.5mm and 7.3mm for large, medium and small seeds respectively.

The performance evaluation of the grader was carried out in respect of grading efficiency and estimated capacity using the commonly available groundnut varieties. The results show the grading efficiency of 87% and 89% for variety A and B respectively. The capacity of the grader for the two groundnut varieties varied between 16 kg/hr and 20 kg/hr, depending on the feed rate.

The cost of production of the machine was estimated as one hundred and eighty one US dollars ($181).

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