Variability Effect of Some Mechanical Parameters of an Automated Machine on Grain Drink Production Output

Gbabo Agidi, Gana Ibrahim Mohammed

A single response optimization model based on Response Surface Methodology was employed to determine the best combination of the functional machine parameters such blade type, basket orientation and speed of a developed automated grain drinks processing machine to attain the maximum drink output. The automated grain drinks processing machine blend soaked grains, mixed the slurry, extract the aqueous liquid and expel the paste from the machine all in single unit. The experiment was based on central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The experimental result showed that the developed regression model could describe the performance indicators within the experimental range of the factors been investigated. Blade type and speed of rotation were found to be significant (p≤ 0.05), while basket orientation was insignificant. Numerical optimization carried out produced optimum values of 3-blade assembly, basket orientation of 33.44^o and speed of 1385 r.p.m and the blending efficiency was 8.47 lires from 400g of soya beans.