Desirability Function Optimization of Garification Process Machine

Abstract

Optimal operational parameters of an automated batch process garification machine were determined in this study to make its use economical in terms of labour, time and energy requirement, thereby reducing cost of quality gari in our markets. A two level response surface experimental design/modeling was used in the investigation and quantification of the relationship between the operational and performance parameters of the machine, while desirability function optimization technique was applied to determine the optimal settings of the operating parameters investigated. The results of this performance analysis revealed 9, 20kg, 25 and 15 minutes, 57oC, 90oC and 90.91oC as the respective optimal number of pressing paddles, quantity of sifted cassava mash processed per batch, cooking and drying durations per batch, initial, cooking and drying temperatures of garification trough. The machine produced gari with moisture content, grain size and acidity level of 12.04 % (wb), 2.00 mm and 0.62% respectively at these optimal operational factor settings and these quality attributes conform to CODEX standards. In addition, its throughput increased by 13.55%, while its charcoal and specific energy consumption reduced to 12.57% and 24.20% respectively at its optimal factor settings.