CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Potato is a major food crop, grown in more than 100 countries in the world.

According to FAO, potato is consumed by more than one billion people in the world. It is

a high quality vegetable cum food crop and used in preparing more than 100 types of

recipes. The protein content of potato has a high biological value than cereals and

considered to be better than milk. Hence, potato is supplementing meat and milk products

by lowering energy intake and also by reducing food cost.

Potato ( solanum tuberosum L.) popularly known as ‘The king of vegetables’, has

emerged as fourth most important food crop in India after rice, wheat and maize. Indian

vegetable basket is incomplete without potato. Potato is a nutritionally superior vegetable

due to its edible energy and edible protein. It has become an integral part of breakfast,

lunch and dinner among the larger population. Being a short duration crop, it produces

more quantity of dry matter, edible energy and wheat. Hence, Potato is considered to be

an important crop to achieve nutritional security of the nation.

1.1 Origin of Potato

South America is known to be native of Potato. In 1537, the Spaniards first came

into contact with Potato in one of the villages of Andes. In Europe, Potato was introduced

between 1580 A.D. to 1585 A.D. in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Belgium and

Germany. In India it was introduced by the Portuguese sailors during early 17 th century

and its cultivation was spread to North India during the British period.(Bhajantri-2011)

1.2 Potato Production in the World

Potato is grown in more than 100 countries in the world. China ranks first,

followed by Russia and India. China, India, USA, Ukraine, Germany and Poland put

together constitute more than 62 per cent of the total global production. Top Potato

producing countries in the world are tabulated in Table 1.1.

1

Table 1.1 Top Potato producing countries in the World

Country

Production (Lakh Metric

Tonnes) Per centage

CHINA 570.60 26.39

RUSSIA FEDERATION 372.70 17.24

INDIA 344.00 15.92

UKRAINE 220.62 10.20

UNITED STATES 210.97 9.76

GERMANY 116.24 5.38

POLAND 103.69 4.80

BELARUS 88.50 4.09

NETHERLANDS 67.77 3.13

FRANCE 66.80 3.09

TOTAL 2161.90 100

Source: Food & Agricultural Organisation (FAO)

Table 1.2 State wise production of Potato in India

Sl.No. STATES Production.(‘000 t) Per centage

1. U.P. 9821.7 43.31

2. WEST BENGAL 7076.6 31.21

3. PUNJAB 1338.1 5.90

4. GUJARAT 1088.7 4.80

5. BIHAR 1062.8 4.69

6. MADHYA PRADESH 752.6 3.32

7. ASSAM 589.1 2.60

8. KARNATAKA 361.0 1.59

9. HARYANA 323.9 1.43

10. UTTARANCHAL 261.2 1.15

TOTAL 22675.7 100

Source: Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO)

2

1.3 Potato Production in India

In India, Potato is cultivated in almost all states under diverse agro-climatic

conditions. About 85 per cent of Potatoes are cultivated in Indo-Gangetic plains of North

India. The states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar and Gujarat accounted for

more than 80 percent share in total production. The state wise production of Potato is

furnished in Table 1.2.

1.4 Potato processing

Potato processing is very old and has been practiced in the highland of Peru-

Bolivia for 2000 years by the Inca Indians who created chuno and papa seca, the naturally

freeze dried and dried forms of potato. In India, Potato processing on commercial scale

was first started by Col. Rennick in 1911, who established a factory at Narkanda in

Himachal Pradesh to produce Potato meal.

The demand for processed potato is likely to increase in India due to increased

urbanization, preference for fast foods, rising per capita income and because of increase

demand for convenience food. The most popular processed products are chips and French

fries. Processing is mainly confined to developed countries with the exception of CHINA

(12%), KOREA (6%), and MEXICO (8%). In India, processing of Potatoes constitutes

less than 0.5 per cent of the annual production. With the growing realization that

processed Potatoes fetch considerable higher returns than fresh Potatoes, processing

activity is likely to look up sharply in the coming years.

In Punjab, production of potatoes has increase to 2001100 tones in 2008-09 from

1338100 tones in 2003-04. Due to the bumper crop and lack of post harvest management,

glut situation risen in the market leading to distress sale by farmers. Therefore keeping in

view the increasing popularity & production of this crop in the state where 344 cold

stores having a capacity of 1097606 tones are unable to handle and store the produce.

there is a need to go for efficient mechanization i.e. making available the small scale and

cheap processing machines to the farmers for small scale processing.

3

The most widely use of Potato, as a processed commodity is Potato chips (slices).

So, to avoid gluts and the consequent difficulties in handling of the Potato crop by a

farmer, a study was conducted with the objectives:

1. To fabricate low cost small potato slicer.

2. To evaluate the performance of fabricated slicer.

4

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A review of the research work done earlier pertaining to the present study has

been presented below. The review of literature is presented under the following sub

headings.

2.1. Slicing machines for various fruits and vegetables.

2.2. Peeling machines for various fruits and vegetables.

2.3. Cutting and trimming machines for various fruits and vegetables.

2.1. Slicing machines for various fruits and vegetables

Gamble et al (1988) studied Potato tubers of cv. Record UK, which were used to

produce crisps (chips) of different slice thickness (40–70 thousandths of an inch; 1-1·75

mm approximately) using an industrial slicer. The slices were examined to determine

maximum thickness variability of each slice and the range of values produced at each set

thickness. Prepared crisps were analysed to determine the effect of slice thickness on the

yield and composition of crisps. A series of regression equations were produced relating

slice thickness and total surface area of slices to yield, moisture content and oil content of

product. Oil uptake during frying was found to be related to the surface area of the potato

slices.

Obeng et al (2004) developed a mechanized plantain slicer for cutting of bulk

plantains into chips. The traditional method of slicing plantain with a kitchen knife is

laborious, time-consuming and prone to injury, and can only be practiced on a very small

scale of production. The mechanised slicer seeks to reduce the drudgery associated with

traditional cutting of large-scale plantains into chips. The machine takes 5-7 seconds to

slice a finger of an average-size plantain into chips of 2-3mm in thickness compared to

the 40-80 seconds with a kitchen knife, which gives non-uniform thickness of plantain

chips. It was found to be very convenient, and the average thickness of plantain chips

produced with the slicer compares favourably with commercial standards.

Owolarafe et al (2007) developed a manually operated lady’s finger (okra)

(Abelmoschus esculentus) slicing device suitable for on-farm use was designed,

fabricated and tested based on the engineering properties of the vegetable. The machine,

5

simulates the traditional method of okra slicing, consists of the feeder, slicer and receiver.

It was made simple for ease of operation and maintenance. The machine was tested with

replicated experimental runs using 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 g of okra. The thickness of

the slices (about 10 mm) corresponds evenly to the spacing of the cutting discs. The

machine has a slicing efficiency of about 77.4% and throughput of about 8.4 kg/h.

Megan (2008) developed Slicer featuring simplified controls, improved geometry,

an enhanced carriage design and other innovations that make it easier to use and clean

and deliver improved slice quality. With a 50-degree cutting plane and glass-bead-

finished gauge plate and top knife cover, the slicers have a smoother glide against the

knife while improving visibility of the sliced product. A lighter tray makes repeated

loading and unloading easier.

Neidhardt (2008) developed the tomato slicer, equipped with a disposable blade

cartridge. Features include Razor-sharp blades cut with trouble-free precision, thanks to a

unique self lubricating track material that resists misalignment problems that cause nicks

and broken blades. Vertical handle and protective guards improve user comfort and

safety.

Aziz et al (2011) developed Slicing machine for fresh cut Pineapple. Intensive

research had been conducted in developing a suitable slicing machine to cater for the

needs of the local pineapple processors. The development of the slicing machine was

based on two systems, namely rotary and centrifugal type working condition. This paper

emphasizes machine development and its operating system. At normal rate, the slicing

machine is capable of processing 360 fruits per hour. The slicing machine is easy to

operate, of simple design, cost effective and easy to clean.

2.2. Peeling machines for various fruits and vegetables

Ali et al (1991) developed an abrasive brush type ginger peeling machine. It

consisted of 2 continuous vertical abrasive belts with a 32 gauge steel wire brush. The

brush wires were 2 cm high and spacing 1.9cm interval and peeling zone was 135 cm

long and 30 cm wide. The machine operated satisfactorily with peeling efficiency of

about 85% and capacity 200 kg/h.

6

Srivastava et al (1992) designed an onion peeling machine and tested for pungent

Michigan onions. The machine used an approach of employing four scouring blades

asserted by compressed air jet to make four mutually perpendicular slits in the outer layer

of onion skin. Average peeling capacity of about 750 kg/hr was estimated.

Singh et al (1995) designed a power operated batch type potato peeler for the

processing of potatoes and evaluated its performance. The main part of the machine are a

peeling drum with protrusions on the inside surface rotates and detaches peel from

potatoes by abrasion . The capacity of the machine is 100kg/h with a peeling efficiency of

and peel losses of 78% and 6% respectively. The machine is suitable for small scale

processor of potato chips and other products.

Sheriff et al (1995) studied performance of model power operated cassava peeler,

developed at the Tamilnadu Agricultural University, India at 5 different rotor speeds

(950, 1000, 1150, 1400, 2000 rpm) with size sorted and unsorted tubes. Peeling

efficiency and capacity increased with the speed of rotor. The optimum capacity of the

effectiveness of the peeling was 544 kg/h, 59.33%, and 0.57 respectively.

Aggarwal et al (1999) developed a small, manually operated ginger peeling

machine for application at individual farmer’s level. It operated on the principle of

abrasive peeling. The peeling efficiency could be increased and losses reduced by eye

treatment of ginger before peeling. At full capacity operation, the machine had a peeling

efficiency of 71% with losses 1.3%.

Lin et al (2003) developed a papaya peeling machine by adapting the structures

of air pressure, sliding stretch and active peer knife-edge. The machine consisted of units,

including auto feeder, indexing Geneva, transplant, waste product and delivery

mechanism. Peeler could be operated by one papaya fruit on the V-shape feeder, the

peeler can finish the peeling motion automatically. It could peel 2000-2500 green papaya

fruits within 8 hr.

2.3. Cutting and trimming machines for various fruits and vegetables

Jarimopas et al (2007) researched for the purpose to design, construct, and

evaluate a prototype machine for opening young coconut fruit. The design concept was

that a trimmed coconut could be opened by causing a small sharp knife to gradually move

and shear off a circular section of the husk and shell at the top of the rotating fruit. The

7

prototype consisted of a fruit holder, a height control mechanism, a knife and its feed

controller, and a power transmission system. In operation, the small stainless-steel knife

slowly penetrates through the husk and shell of the turning fruit in a direction

approximately perpendicular to its surface. The rotation of the fruit causes the husk and

shell to be cut by the sharp edge of the knife, which results in the formation of a circular

opening at the top of the fruit. In this study, the key design parameters and their operation

settings were determined as follows: the angle between the knife and the rotating plane

(horizontal) was 50°; the angle between the knife cutting edge and the tangential line to

the circular opening was 50°; the knife feeding speed was 50 mm/min; and the fruit

rotation speed was 80 rpm.

Based on these design parameters, a commercial prototype was manufactured and tested.

The prototype had the capacity to open an item of fruit at an average time of 30 s. A 58-

mm-diameter opening was cut and a mean 0.2% of the juice was spilled, while the juice

that remained contained 0.2 g of fine pieces of shell and husk. The mechanically opened

coconuts were well received by consumers.

Nahrungsmi (2008) developed an extruder for food paste has a cutting device

attached to the nozzle head. At least one, but pref. four revolving cutter blades are

revolved by a toothed belt in synchronism and more with a slight clearance ahead of the

nozzle outlet.

Gave (2008) developed a vegetable cutter which uses 40 different cutting discs to

replicate most hand-cutting styles. Features include a large hopper opening, ¾-hp gear-

driven motor, stainless-steel body and base, removable hopper head, and a food pusher,

which has antimicrobial protection.

Suryanto et al (2009) developed a chopper for chopping the bunches of palm into

small pieces using knife blades and an experimental cylinder-type chopping machine.

The knife edge angle had a significant effect on the specific cutting force and the cutting

energy. For the impact cutting, the specific torque requirement was affected by the

peripheral cutting speed. Increasing the speed from 5.3 to 14.3 m s-1 reduced the cutting

torque by 14.3%. An experimental chopping machine with a capacity of 3540 kg h-1 has

been developed and tested for the empty fruit bunches.

8

Jarimopas et al (2009) developed a prototype automatic young coconut fruit

trimming machine. The mechanism used features a sharp inclined knife which operates in

translation motion in a vertical plane to trim the fruit, which is clamped tightly and

rotates about a vertical axis. Machine components include a main frame, a body-trimming

station, a shoulder-trimming station, a base-cutting station, a rotary base, three fruit

holders, an electrical connection slip ring, a power drive and programmable electronic

control. In experiments, the untrimmed fruit was continuously fed into three separate fruit

holders. These in turn conveyed the coconut through the body-trimming, shoulder-

trimming and base-cutting stations. The fruit holders continuously 9raveled in a circle

encompassing every station in sequence. Optimal settings included (a) feeding rate of 86

fruit h−1, (b) 300 rpm rotation of the trimmed fruit, and (c) a shoulder knife height of 180

mm. Average loss rates were 0.35%, for the fibrous area, 2.5% for fruit damage and

14.5% for the untrimmed green area. The optimally trimmed fruit was accepted by

growers and traders.

9

CHAPTER III

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fabrication of Potato slicing machine was carried out in the workshop of

Department of Processing and Food Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University,

Ludhiana. The low cost material, required for the purpose was procured from local

market as well as from workshop. Two types of slicing elements were used in the

machine: circular disc type slicing element and single blade type slicing element. After

assembling tests were carried out on Potato using the machine to evaluate its

performance. The complete methodology for the slicing is discussed as follows:

3.1. Assembling of Potato slicing machine

The slicing machine for making slices of Potato consisted of following parts:

3.1.1. Circular disc with two blades

A solid circular rotating disc of mild steel was purchased from local market

(figure 3.1). Two stainless steel blades were bolted on the disc, opposite to each other, on

the line of disc diameter, in such a way that potatoes got sliced by impact shearing when

disc is rotated (figure 3.2). Dimensions of solid disc and blades are

Diameter of disc = 28.5 cm

Thickness of disc = 2.8 mm

Length of blades = 10.9 cm

Thickness of blades = 1.1 mm

3.1.2. Single blade type slicing element

A stainless steel blade was purchased from the local market (figure 3.3). It was

sharpened by using grinding machine on both edges. This blade was rotated by motor

with the help of bushing bracket to perform chopping action. Dimensions of blade are

Length = 27.2 cm

Width = 6.7 cm

Thickness = 1.1 mm

3.1.3. Feeding arrangement

A plastic round feed holder with three nails was used to hold the Potato (figure

3.4). Potato was stuck into the holder and fed into the slicing machine.

10

Figure 3.1 (a) Circular disc from bottom Figure 3.2 (b) Circular disc from top

Figure 3.2 Circular disc with two blades

11

Figure 3.3 Single blade type slicing element

Figure 3.4 Potato holder with three nails

12

3.1.4. Drive mechanism

A 50 Hz 1/70hp A.C. single phase cooler fan motor was used for giving the drive

to the machine with the help of motor shaft and bush (welded on the slicing element)

arrangement (figure 3.5). A simple regulator used in coolers was used to regulate the

speed of the motor. Specifications of motor are

Power = 45 watts

Current = 0.35 amp

3.1.5. Frame

A cubical frame of mild steel and wood was fabricated. Motor was fitted on the

top of the frame using clamp (figure 3.6). Two holes were made on the top wooden base:

one at centre to allow the motor shaft to pass through it and another at a side for feeding

Potato on the slicing element (figure 3.7). Dimensions of frame are

Length x Breadth x Height = 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4

3.1.6. Bushing brackets

A bushing bracket was used to fit motor shaft to solid disc slicing element and

also to the single blade slicing element (figure 3.8). Bush was made from a piece of solid

pipe of diameter = 24 mm by drilling a hole of 13mm in it.

After machine was assembled, it was tested to see its effectiveness for slicing.

3.2. Testing of machine

For testing the effectiveness of the machine, potatoes of average size (length x

width x thickness = 6.5 x 4.8 x 3.6) were fed into the machine using both types of slicing

elements. The machine was operated at three different speeds in both the cases. A sample

of 1 kg potatoes were fed at each speed and time of slicing operation was noted,

respectively. To evaluate the efficiency, weight of full slices, weight of broken slices( ½ -

¾ of round slices), weight of potato not sliced, weight of waste left in the receiving

chamber, number of slices and thickness of slices was noted down. The sliced potatoes

were put in the boiling water for three minutes and immediately thereafter in chilled

water. After this slices were dried in a tray drier at 65 degree Celsius for 13 hours.

13

3.3. Performance evaluation of slicing machine

Performance of machine was estimated by weighing different fraction of sliced,

partially sliced, potato not sliced and losses. Percentage of various fractions were

obtained by using following formulas:

Percentage of unbroken potato slices =

(Weight of unbroken slices / Total weight of potatoes fed) x 100

3.1

Percentage of broken slices =

(Weight of broken slices / Total weight of potatoes fed) x 100

3.2

Percentage of potato not sliced =

(Weight of unsliced potato / Total weight of potatoes fed) x 100

3.3

Percentage of potato waste in receiving chamber =

(Weight of potato waste in receiving chamber / Total weight of potatoes fed) x 100

3.4

14

Figure 3.5 Drive mechanism – cooler fan motor

Figure 3.6 Front view of the frame Figure 3.7 Isometric view of the frame

15

Figure 3.8 Top view of the frame

Figure 3.9 (a) Top view of bush Figure 3.9 (b) Front view of bush

16

Figure 3.10 Slicing of potatoes using solid disc with two blades

Figure 3.11 Potato slices by using solid disc with two blades

17

Figure 3.12 Slicing of potatoes using single blade slicing element

Figure 3.13 Potato slices by using single blade slicing element

18

CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A simple power operated machine for slicing of potatoes was fabricated using low

cost locally available material. This machine, assembled in Department workshop,

consisted of two types of slicing elements: a solid round disc with two blades and a single

blade with cutting edges on both sides. In case of solid round disc with two blades, slices

of potatoes were made by the impact shearing while in case of single blade type slicing

element, slices of potatoes were made by chopping action of the blade. The performance

of the machine is discussed below.

4.1. Physical characteristics of Potatoes

8 kg of potatoes of similar size and shape were bought from the local market. The

oval shaped medium size potatoes were chosen on the visual basis. Dimensions of a

sample of 5 potatoes were measured with the help vernier caliper and average dimensions

of a potato were determined as follow:

Average length of single potato = 6.5 cm

Average width of single potato = 4.8 cm

Average thickness of single potato = 3.6 cm

Average weight of single potato = 0.0704 kg

4.2. Effect of slicing elements and operating speed on slicing of potatoes

In order to evaluate the performance of the machines, the potatoes were divided

into two batches each of 4 kg and fed to the slicing machine using solid disc type slicing

element and single blade type slicing element, respectively. Further each operation was

performed at three different speeds. Following are the results of slicing operation with

two slicing elements.

4.2.1 Slicing using solid disc type slicing element

Table 4.1 and 4.3 indicate the results of the slicing experiment using disc type

slicing element. Machine was operated at three different rpm. as per the regulator

capacity. A variation of speed with load and no load at different regulator knob position

was seen. The maximum speed with no load condition was 1473 rpm at regulator knob

position 3 and minimum for same was 1458 rpm at regulator knob position 1 while

maximum speed with load condition was 1454 rpm at regulator knob position 3 and

19

minimum for same was 1436 rpm at regulator knob position 1. The speed dropped in the

range between 1436 and 1454 rpm. This reduction in the speed reduced the capacity of

the machine. 254 number of full potato slices were obtained at 1458 rpm and 161 number

of same were at 1473 rpm. This reduction in number of slices with increase in speed of

the slicing element could be due to improper feeding or due to difference in relative

speed of the fall of potato into the feed hole and speed with which blade strike the potato

during slicing. The broken slices, weighing 0.426 kg, were obtained at 1473 rpm and

minimum of same, weighing 0.254 kg, were obtained at 1458 rpm. At each rotor speed 1

kg of potatoes was sliced and respective time taken for slicing was noted down with

maximum of 16.61 seconds at 1458 rpm and minimum of 12.33 seconds at 1473. This

time excludes the time taken for picking and fixing the potato in the feed holder till it

reaches the feed hole. Average weight of potato not sliced at three different speeds was

came out to be 0.088 kg. This is because some proportion of a potato got left in the feed

holder during slicing operation. This could be due to improper feeding mechanism. The

average waste potato left in the receiving chamber was come out to be 0.122 kg. The

reason behind this loss is that the potatoes should be fed with continuous application of

pressure with one hand on the feed holder. So due to improper pressure application,

potato doesn’t get sliced properly and this accounts for the losses. Towards the end, from

this experiment, for the maximum efficiency of the machine, we can work out different

parameters as follow:

Average weight of one potato slice = 1.905 g

Number of slices that should be produced

per minute by machine at 1436 rpm with two blades = 1436 x 2 = 2872

Therefore, potential capacity based

on the operating speed of the machine = 2872 x 1.905 = 5.471 kg/min

Average weight of the potato = 70.4 g

Average time taken for slicing of one potato = 1.05 sec

Theoretical capacity of machine working without any

halt with continuous feed = (70.4/1.05) x 3600 = 241371.4 g/h = 241.371 kg/h

Average weight of full slices and broken slices from one potato = 57 g

Average weight of potato not sliced with respect to one potato = 6 g

20

Average weight of potato waste left in receiving chamber per potato = 7.4 g

Theoretical efficiency of the machine working

without any halt with continuous feed = (57/70.4) x 100 = 80.9 %

Average number of slices per kg of Potato = 254

Average thickness of slices before drying = 2.01 mm

Average thickness of slices after drying = 1.03 mm

Capacity of the machine based on

operator’s potato slicing efficiency = 36 kg/h

It was observed that on visual basis, size of the potato slices after drying was

comparable to the potato slices being sold in the market. So this machine can be

efficiently used for commercial purpose. Further, a mechanical pressurized feed

mechanism can be provided to the machine in order to increase its efficiency and

capacity, both at the same time if cost of fabrication can be compromised.

4.2.2 Slicing using single blade type slicing element

Table 4.2 and 4.4 indicate the results of the slicing experiment using single blade

type slicing element. Machine was operated at three different rpm. as per the regulator

capacity. A variation of speed with load and no load at different regulator knob position

was seen. The maximum speed with no load condition was 1480 rpm at regulator knob

position 3 and minimum for same was 1463 rpm at regulator knob position 1 while

maximum speed with load condition was 1470 rpm at regulator knob position 3 and

minimum for same was 1456 rpm at regulator knob position 1. The speed dropped in the

range between 1470 and 1456 rpm. This reduction in the speed reduced the capacity of

the machine. At each rotor speed 1 kg of potatoes was sliced and respective time taken

for slicing was noted down with maximum of 104 seconds and minimum of 93 seconds.

This time excludes the time taken for picking and fixing the potato in the feed holder till

it reaches the feed hole. 418 number of full potato slices were obtained at 1463 rpm and

288 number of same were obtained at 1472 rpm. This reduction in number of slices with

increase in speed of the slicing element could be due to improper feeding or due to

difference in relative speed of the fall of potato into the feed hole and speed with which

blade strike the potato during slicing. The broken slices, weighing 0.313 kg, were

obtained at 1480 rpm and 0.209 kg, were obtained at 1463 rpm. Average weight of potato

21

not sliced at three different speeds was came out to be 0.268 kg. This is because some

proportion of a potato got left in the feed holder during slicing operation. This could be

due to improper feeding mechanism. The average waste potato left in the receiving

chamber was come out to be 0.137kg. Towards the end, from this experiment we can

work out different parameters as follow:

Theoretical capacity of machine calculated = 34.951 kg/h

Efficiency of the machine =53.7 %

Average no. of slices per kg of Potato = 418

Average thickness range of slices before drying = 0.6 - 4.4 mm

Average thickness range of slices after drying = 0.04 – 2.1 mm

It was observed that efficiency of whole operation was dependent on operator’s

skill that how precisely and efficiently an operator gave the feed to the machine. If

operator gives the feed with minimum of force buy hand then minimum will be the

thickness of the potato slice or if feed is given maximum pressure then maximum will be

the thickness of potato slice. So without an automatic mechanical feeding mechanism,

this machine can not be used for slicing operation with single blade type slicing element,

otherwise it will lead to heavy losses.

22

Table 4.1 Observations using solid disc with two blades

Regulator

Position

R.P.M.

With

No

Load

R.P.M.

With

Load

Weight

Of

potatoes

(kg)

Time

Taken

For

Slicing

(sec)

Number

Of

unbroken

potato

slices

Full

potato

slices

(kg)

Broken

potato

slices

(kg)

Potato

not

sliced

(kg)

Waste left in

the receiving

chamber

(kg)

1 1458 1436 1 16.61 254 0.542 0.254 0.102 0.102

2 1468 1443 1 15.14 181 0.389 0.403 0.069 0.139

3 1473 1454 1 12.33 161 0.356 0.426 0.092 0.126

Table 4.2 Observations using single blade slicing element

Regulator

Position

R.P.M.

With

No

Load

R.P.M.

With

Load

Weight

Of

potatoes

(kg)

Time

Taken

For

Slicing

(sec)

Number

Of

unbroken

potato

slices

Full

potato

slices

(kg)

Broken

potato

slices

(kg)

Potato

not

sliced

(kg)

Waste left in

the receiving

chamber

(kg)

1 1463 1456 1 103 418 0.328 0.209 0.328 0.134

2 1472 1463 1 104 288 0.288 0.288 0.288 0.137

3 1480 1470 1 93 360 0.391 0.313 0.188 0.141

23

Table 4.3 Performance of slicing machine with solid disc type slicing element

Regulator

Position

R.P.M.

With

No Load

R.P.M. With

Load

Weight Of

potatoes

(kg)

Full

Potato

Slices

(%)

Broken

potato

slices

(%)

Potato

not

sliced

(%)

Waste left in

the receiving

chamber

(%)

1 1458 1436 1 54.2 25.4 10.2 10.2

2 1468 1443 1 38.9 40.3 6.9 13.9

3 1473 1454 1 35.6 42.6 9.2 12.6

Table 4.4 Performance of slicing machine with single blade type slicing element

Regulator

Position

R.P.M.

With

No Load

R.P.M. With

Load

Weight Of

potatoes

(kg)

Full

Potato

Slices

(%)

Broken

potato

slices

(%)

Potato

not

sliced

(%)

Waste left in

the receiving

chamber

(%)

1 1463 1456 1 32.8 20.9 32.8 13.4

2 1472 1463 1 28.8 28.8 28.8 13.7

3 1480 1470 1 39.1 31.3 18.8 14.1

24

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

A machine for potato slicing was fabricated in Department of Processing and

Food Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana using two types of slicing

elements: a solid round disc with two blades and a single blade type slicing element. It is

a simple power operated arrangement with an objective of making potato slices.

The potatoes were fed to machine and trials were done to obtain full and broken

fractions of potato slices. The parameter mainly considered was effect of different

modifications on the capacity and efficiency of slicing.

The potato slices obtained can be used with slight additions as potato chips after

drying which is a value added product and can be sold as such to obtain more profits.

This machine has a lot of scope for future and at farm’s level it will help farmer to sell

value added product. The efficiency of the machine is acceptable but still there is a lot of

scope for modifications.

25

CHAPTER VI

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE WORK

The model of potato slicing machine is in it’s initial stages. A lot of scope

for further improvement and testing is there.

The machine needs extensive testing with large quantity of potatoes for further

evaluation of its performance.

The important parameter like thickness of solid disc can be decreased to reduce

the load on power transmission and to reduce the total weight of the machine.

Rotating speed of the disc and blade can be varied and its performance can be

evaluated.

A uniform feed mechanism can be provided to the machine using single blade

type slicing element to increase its effectiveness.

A pressurized feed mechanism can be provided to the machine using solid disc

type slicing element to increase the efficiency and capacity of the machine.

A sorting mechanism can be used to separate unbroken slices from broken ones.

26

CHAPTER VII

REFERENCES

Aggarwal Y C, Radha Charan, Bhatnagar Y C and Mehta A K (1993) Application of

abrasive and lye peeling of ginger at individual farmer’s level. Agricultural

Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America (AMA) 24(2): 61-64.

Ali Y, Jain G C, Kapdi S S, Aggarwal Y C and Bhatnagar S (1991) Development of

brush-type ginger peeling machine. Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa

and Latin America (AMA) 22(2): 71-73.

Aziz Ab I, Shafie, Latifah M N, Azlan O (2011) Development of a Slicing Machine for

Fresh-cut Pineapple. Acta Horticulturae   No.: 902.

Bhajantri S (2011) Production, processing and marketing of potato in karnataka.

Department of agricultural marketing, co-operation and business management

university of agricultural sciences gkvk, Bangalore.

Gamble M H, Rice P (1988) The effect of slice thickness on potato crisp yield and

composition. Journal of Food Engineering, Volume 8, Issue 1, Pages 31-46.

Gave B D (2008) Development of GVC600 Vegetable Cutter. Foodservice Equipment &

Supplies   No.: 5.

Jarimopas B, Kuson Pramote (2007) Development of a young-coconut fruit opening

machine. Biosystems Engineering   Vol.: 98,  No.: 2, [Page 185-191].

Jarimopas B, Ruttanadat Nuttapong, Terdwongworakul Anupun (2009) Development of

an Automatic Trimming Machine for Young Coconut Fruit. Department of

Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaengsaen, Kasetsart

University, Kamphaengsaen, Nakohnpathom 73140, Thailand. Biosystems

Engineering    Vol.: 103,  No.: 2, [Page 167-175].

Lin F Y, Chang C P and Huang Y (2003) Research on the peeling machine of the papaya

peeling. Journal of Agriculture and Forestry. 52(2): 47-60.

Megan R (2008) Development of multipurpose slicer. American society of Agricultural

Engineers (ASAE) pp 31-37.

Nahrungsmi H S (2008) Development of food extruder cutter. 8X04.30 85DE-3515616

27

P41-P71 (9607.31) *DE 3515616-A A23P l/12// A21C 11112 86.04. I7 86JP-

502224 86.04.17 86 WO-EP00228 Previous Publ. JP62502658W Based on

WO8606327-A (Ger).

Neidhardt J C (2008) Development of Tomato slicer. Journal of Fujian Agricultural

science and Technology 3: 16-17.

Obeng G Y (2004) Development of mechanized plantain slicer. Journal of Science and

Technology   Vol.: 24,  No.: 2, 2004  [Page 126-133].

Owolarafe K, Muritala O A, Ogunsina B S (2007) Development of an Okra slicing

device. Journal of Food Science and Technology   Vol.: 44,  No.: 4, 2007  [Page

426-429].

Sheriff J T, Kurup G T and Nanda S K (1995) Performance evaluation of a cassava

peeling machine. Journal of Root crops 21(1): 30-35.

Singh K K, Shukla B D (1995) Designing of poer operated batch type potato

peeler.PHTC, Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, India Institute of

Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India.

Srivastava A, Vanea , Ledebuhr R, Welch D and Wang L (1977) Design and

development of an onion peeling machine. Applied Engineering in Agriculture

13(2): 167-173.

Suryanto H, Ahmed D, Yahya A, Akande F B, Syahrita K (2009) Cutting Tests of Oil

Palm Empty Fruit Bunches. Transactions of the American Society for Agricultural

& Biological Engineering   Vol.: 52,  No.: 3, [Page 723-726].

28