Development and Performance Evaluation of Cassava Slicing Machine

The lack of postharvest technology has been a major factor contributing to the low production of cassava in Ethiopia. However, efforts are being made to address this issue by developing a cassava slicer to enhance cassava production and productivity. The development of a cassava-slicing machine using corrosion-resistant material has proven to be effective and efficient. Cassava roots degrade within 48 hours after harvest, making it necessary to process them into a dried product to prolong shelf life. Hand slicing is the cheapest method but is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and dangerous. Therefore, the development and performance evaluation of an electrically powered cassava slicing machine became necessary. The objective of the study was to transfer power from a 2.5 hp single-phase electrical motor to a circular slicer disc using a shaft mounted on a frame made of milled steel. The performance of the prototype was evaluated based on parameters such as machine capacity, slicing efficiency, and slicing damage. The developed cassava slicing machine demonstrated a slicing capacity of 982.45 kgh-1 ., slicing efficiency of 87%, and damaged slices at 9.78% at a slicing disc speed of 500 rpm and feed rate of 11 kgmin-1 . The impact of speed on slicing capacity, efficiency, and damage was significant at P < 0.05 level according to ANOVA results. Overall, the development of this cassava-slicing machine is a significant step towards improving cassava production in Ethiopia by addressing postharvest challenges effectively and efficiently