AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION WITH PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A MELON SEEDS SHELLER WITH A CONTINUOUS SEPARATOR

Abstract

An improved designed and constructed melon seed sheller with continuous separator comprises of electric motors, hopper, shelling, and separator units for separating melon seed from its shell, was developed. This machine which was fabricated using locally sourced standard materials by eliminating the drudgery involved in the melon kernel separation. As we know that melon seed is a vital oil seed that is mostly used in food industries. Shelling of this crop is a problem due to the stress and time that is involved, prior to its usage. In order to address these challenges associated with shelling and separating the melon from its kernel, an improved design of melon shelling machine of melon seeds for both commercial and a small scale was presented and evaluated in this research work. Parameters evaluated include shelling efficiency, percentage seed shelled, and output volume with time and general machine capacity. The machine was constructed using locally available materials and consists of a hopper, frame, shelling and cleaning unit, chutes and prime mover. Shelling speeds of the machine and seed moisture content of melon affects the rate, efficiency and percentage seed damage. Adopting this design concept is recommended because it minimizes seed breakage during manual shelling, it also enhanced hygiene as human direct contact with the seed during shelling is reduced. KEY WORDS: Improved design, melon seed, melon kernel, performance evaluation, efficiency.