Abstract:
A downsized oil palm fruit digester was designed, fabricated and tested. The materials for
fabrication were sourced locally. The machine was tested for throughput capacity (Dc) and
efficiency (η). Average throughput capacity of 0.030 kg/sec and efficiency of 70.8% was obtained.
Rate of digestion increased with the increase in mass of the digesting palm fruits while the
efficiency of the oil palm fruit digester decreased with increase in mass of the digesting palm fruit
in some cases.
The machine is made of the stand which serves as the main frame of the machine.
It has a hopper which serves as the inlet of the machine.
It also has a digestion chamber with a set of beaters welded to a shaft.
It is powered by a 6.5HP engine and has a low fuel consumption.
The machine is driven by a v-belt on a v-pulley.
The machine is simple to operate and maintain, it is cost effective and mobile
Description:
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF
TECHNOLOGY IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING IN THE UNIVERSITY OF
EDUCATION, WINNEBA
NOVEMBER, 2020
