Abstract
In this study, a picker system with a belt-pulley mechanism, which can be used in sesame harvesting only to aim grabbing the plant stems, was designed and manufactured. In addition, the optimum working criteria were determined in laboratory conditions. To this aim, catching efficiency of the picker was evaluated statistically depending on different pulley diameters (155, 185 and 210 mm), belt speeds (0.55, 0.66 and 0.77 m s-1) and belt gaps (0 and 5 mm). The catching efficiency increased as the pulley diameter, the belt speed and the belt gap increased. The picking system was found to be successful on catching the plant stems. Furthermore, the coefficient of friction between the plant body and the catching belt was determined according to the stem moisture content. As the stem moisture content decreased, a slight decrease was observed in the coefficient of friction between the belt material and the stem.
Highlights
The catching efficiency increased as the pulley diameter, the belt speed and the belt gap increased
After removing the oil from the sesame seeds, 43% of the crude protein is present in the remaining cusps
6.11 million tons of sesame seeds were produced on 10.57 million hectares of land with an average yield of 578 kg ha-1 based on 2016 figures (FAO 2016)
Summary
The catching efficiency increased as the pulley diameter, the belt speed and the belt gap increased. Sesame is one of the oldest annual plants cultivated in many parts of the world with tropical and subtropical climates, including India, Myanmar, Sudan and China (Yol 2011). It is an important industrial crop which contains 50-60% oil and 20-30% protein in its seeds. After removing the oil from the sesame seeds, 43% of the crude protein is present in the remaining cusps. For this reason, it has an important role in animal feed industry. Development and Analysis of a Belt Picking System for Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Harvesting, Ugurluay & Cardak
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