Abstract

Physical properties of seeds are determined for the purpose of developing a processing system. The aim of this research is to determine those properties that will guide the design of seed dehulling machine. In most West African countries, Egusi is grown as a food and cash crop. However, one of the most important problems is its manual dehulling, which is strenuous and time consuming. At moisture level 7.11 % dry basis, average length, thickness and width of Egusi melon seed were 13.199, 1.853 and 7.924 mm respectively. In moisture range of 7.11 to 38.70 % dry basis, studies revealed that 1000 seed mass increased from 0.0949 to 0.1299 kg and surface area from 25.394 to 27.827 mm2. Sphericity and Porosity of seed decreased from 0.215 to 0.196 and 0.541 to 0.444 respectively, while angle of repose increased from 23.66 to 33.63o. Bulk density rose from 414.006 to 456.339 kg/m3 while true density decreased from 901.515 to 821.668 kg/m3. Coefficient of friction on plywood (0.3388 – 0.3598), metal (0.2767 – 0.3198), aluminium (0.2736 – 0.3172) and PVC (0.2999 – 0.3782) were recorded.

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