Author(s): D. L. S. Tan1, K. Miyamoto2, K. lshibashi3, K. Matsuda4 and T. Satow5

Abstract

The performance of the root crop processing machines used in the production of sweetpotato grates and flour was determined. The machines included the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) pedal-operated root crop chipper/ grater, hydraulic presser, spinner, motor-operated attrition grinder, flour finisher, and cross-beater mill. Each machine was evaluated based on the following parameters: operating power with and without load, revolution per minute (rpm), capacity, fineness moduhis, dimensions of chips and grates, and percent recoveries.
The chipping capacity of the (PhilRootcrops) Chipper/Grater increased as the blade rpm increased (350 to 650 rpm), together with the amount of crumbs present in the chips, but the average weight of the chips decreased. On the other hand, the grating capacity increased and the fineness modulus of the grates decreased with an increase in blade rpm at the same rpm range. The grating operation had the most pronounced power fluctuation among the operations evaluated. Pressing the grates using the hydraulic presser at 5 kg loading rate reduced the moisture content level of grates from more than 60% to about 50%. Using the

Keywords : sweetpotato, grates, chips, flour, root crop processing machines

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