Vol. 12, Special Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Akash P Devarshi, Bhawna S Shirsat, AA Sawant, KG Dhande and PC Mali

Abstract:
This study was to develop the fresh turmeric rhizome slicer to improve the slicing efficiency of fresh turmeric rhizomes and to reduce the drying time of turmeric slices to make the turmeric powder. A fresh turmeric rhizome slicer was designed, fabricated. The developed machine was evaluated for its performance against machine capacity, slicing efficiency and material loss. The developed machine was consists machine consists of main frame, electric motor, pedestal bearing, spring loaded hopper, blade header, covering assembly, power transmission mechanism and nut and bolts. It works on the principle of shearing and cutting. The performance was carried at constant speed of 400 rpm at three various slicing thickness (3 mm, 5 mm and 7 mm) on three different days (first day, second day and third day) after polishing with their respective moisture content (84.7%, 81.75% and 81.65%). The highest machine capacity, slicing efficiency and material loss were observed for 7 mm, 3 mm and 3 mm slicing thickness and the values were found to be 130.67 kg/h, 94.07% and 2.50%, respectively.