Establishment of mathematical model to predict the dehulling efficiency in miniature pulse splitter machine energized by human powered flywheel motor using dimensional analysis

Abstract

In India, nearly 58% populations directly or indirectly have their livelihood dependent on farming activity and agricultural food processing. Majority of population in India fulfills their nutritional needs from pulses. India is among the major producer and consumer of pulses contributing nearly 28.34% of pulses globally. The percentage of losses in domestic pulses production nearly equal to its import resulting in decline of pulses per capita. The dehusking and splitting of the grain at the pulse mills are the most important post harvest operation which decides the yield & quality of pulses. The losses at post harvest activities are mainly subjected to the power availability at rural area, availability of technology for use of sustainable energy sources, availability of processing units in reach of farmers and continuous research in post harvesting methods &and techniques & it’s practical viability. The human powered flywheel motor (HPFM) based, pulse producing machine fulfilling the requirements at rural areas is presented here. In the present paper dimensional methodical approach is discussed to determine the effect of the parameters affecting dehulling efficiency of a developed miniature pulse splitter machine energized by HPFM. A dimensional analytical technique using Buckingham Pi-theorem is used to establish an operating relationship between the dependent variable i.e. dehulling efficiency and independent variables which includes diameter of pulse, bulk density, coefficient of friction, feed rate, speed, emery grade, gap between wheel, humidity & air velocity. The present performance of the split pulse machine is improved to its highest value of 80.5% with the feed rate of 45 kg/hr & at the gap of 5 mm between the wheels. The reading obtained from the mathematical data and experimental observation is in good agreement which indicates the minimum error and validation of the mathematical model. The paper presents the method of formulation of mathematical model with the output variable dehulling efficiency which depends on many input variables for the pulse splitting machine. The formulated model can further be used for the other processing units in the agricultural production.