Development of HTU-model variable chipping clearance cassava chipper

Abstract

The objective of this research was to design, construct and evaluate a variable chipping clearance cassava chipper for processors which will produce uniform and varying cassava chip geometry for multipurpose usage. It consists of a drive shaft with varying chipping clearances (6, 18, and 28 mm) to produce varied chip geometry. The average throughput capacity of the chipper was found to be 475.5 kg.h-1 at a speed range of 460-800 rpm with a chipping clearance of 6-28 mm. The average chipping efficiency ranges from a minimum-maximum of 76.6-99.4% for the selected operational speeds and chipping clearances. The chipping capacity and the output to input ratio is dependent on the operational speeds and chipping clearances of the machine.

Keywords

• cassava roots
• efficiency
• moisture content
• operational speed
• throughput capacity