Effect of operating parameters on decortication of <i>Jatropha curcas</i> fruits

Abstract

A Jatropha decorticator was designed, fabricated and its performance evaluation was carried out. Measured performance parameters included Decorticating efficiency, Cleaning efficiency, Percentage seed loss, Mechanical damaged index, and Decorticating performance index. A 5 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment in Completely Randomized Design was used to investigate the performance of the machine. The highest Decorticating efficiency, Cleaning efficiency and Decorticating performance index were 93.25%, 93% and 91.28% respectively. The lowest Percentage seed loss and Mechanical damage index were 1.49% and 1.19% respectively. More seed loss was experienced as the machine speed increased. Also, seed breakage was recorded at higher machine speed. Hence, biodiesel production from Jatropha would be highly productive and sustainable with this decorticating machine.