DefinePK

Abstract

Plantain is used for the management of type II diabetes. Plantain is usually processed into value-added and storable products, such as flour, in order to extend its shelf-life and make it available for consumption all the year round. Processing plantain into flour requires that its size be reduced before drying in order to increase its drying rate, reduce its processing time, and prevent microbial growth and decay. This paper presents conceptual design and finite element analysis (FEA) of a machine for particulating plantain in a plant that processes unripe plantain into flour. The machine consists of a hopper with cover, a particulating drum, a shaft, a belt drive, an electric motor, a pulley, a delivery chute and a support frame. Model for the machine was developed using Solid Works Computer Aided Design (CAD) application software. Appropriate materials were selected for its component parts and their design analysis was done. Its functionality and structural stability were evaluated by simulating the developed model using Solid Works CAD application software. The FEA conducted on its frame showed maximum stress of 213 MPa, resultant displacement of 0.37 mm, elastic strain of 1.0×10-16 and a minimum factor of safety (FOS) of 2.3 on the frame when a force of 595 N was applied. Also, the FEA conducted on the particulating drum showed a maximum stress of 19.3 MPa, resultant displacement of 6.98×10-3 mm, strain of 2.62×10-5 and a minimum FOS of 8.9 when a torque of 50 Nm was applied. The implication of the FEA results is that the particulating machine will be able to satisfactorily serve its intended purpose under normal working conditions, when fabricated, since the maximum stress values obtained from the FEA of its component parts are far below the corresponding yield strength values of the materials selected for their fabrication. The estimated cost of production for the machine is ?398,700 ($1,092).