ABSTRACT
The abstract presents the development of a vegetable slicing machine at the Production Engineering University Of Benin, emphasizing simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and speed. The machine utilizes rotary motion to slice vegetables into various shapes and is designed for small-scale vegetable slicing in industries, restaurants, supermarkets, and by local vendors.
The machine comprises an electric motor, processing chamber, hopper, and plunger, with a cutting blade disc featuring two blades. In a series of experiments, 4.8 kilograms of vegetables were fed into the hopper, and the slicing efficiency was found to be an impressive 85%, with minimal slicing loss (0.15). The machine demonstrated a robust slicing capacity, handling 65 kilograms of vegetables per hour. Compared to its predecessor, the modified slicer exhibited increased capacity, enhanced efficiency, and reduced waste, making it highly suitable for commercial and industrial food processing applications.
The introduction of the vegetable slicing machine offers several advantages, including a significant reduction in vegetable preparation time, decreased risks associated with manual knife usage, and a substantial decrease in the risk of food contamination. This innovation aligns with market demands, providing a more efficient solution and contributing to enhanced food security in Nigeria.
The primary constituents of the machine include a shaft, an electric motor, a hopper with a protective guard, a cutting blade, bearings, a collection plunger, and pulleys. The design considerations prioritize portability, reliability, safety, construction cost, and ease of maintenance. Notably, locally sourced materials were used for a significant portion of the machine's components, promoting sustainability and supporting the local economy.
In conclusion, the modified vegetable slicer addresses previous limitations, offering improvements in capacity, efficiency, and waste reduction. Its introduction promises numerous advantages in vegetable processing, aligning with market needs and contributing to food security in Nigeria. The use of locally sourced materials underscores the commitment to sustainability and economic support at the local level.
