Optimizing operational parameters of finger millet threshing drum using RSM

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Post-Harvest Technology

Background:

• The design of finger millet thresher-cum-pearler machines is significantly influenced by the operational parameters of the threshing drum.
• Efficient post-harvest processing is crucial for maximizing yield and quality of finger millet.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of operational parameters on the performance of a finger millet threshing drum.
• To determine the optimal settings for threshing efficiency, pearling efficiency, and grain damage.

Main Methods:

• Development of a finger millet threshing drum.
• Application of the response surface method to study the effects of feed rate, drum speed, and concave clearance.
• Utilizing central composite rotatable design for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• Maximum threshing efficiency of 98% and pearling efficiency of 85% were predicted at a feed rate of 36 kg/h, drum peripheral speed of 7.12 m/s, and concave clearance of 5 mm.
• Minimum grain damage was predicted at 0.086% under the same optimal conditions.
• Experimental validation confirmed high performance with 99% threshing efficiency, 86% pearling efficiency, and 0.1% grain damage.

Conclusions:

• The identified operational parameters provide an optimal balance for finger millet threshing and pearling.
• The developed threshing drum design demonstrates high efficiency and minimal grain damage, suitable for practical application.