Design, Development, and Performance Optimization of Farm Level Black Gram Dehuller

Abstract

Small-scale farmers in India and other developing countries have been using traditional stone local dehuller (chakki) for pulse milling, which is extremely slow and less effective. In this study, a low-cost and easy-to-operate farm-level pulse dehuller was developed to enhance farm mechanization in the processing sector. The performance of the developed dehuller was evaluated using three independent parameters, namely roller speed (19.47, 22.72, 25.97 m.s−1), feed rate (60, 90, 120 kg.h−1), and two emery rollers (Grit No. 40, Grit No. 50). To optimize the parameters, results were fitted in multi-level categorical general factorial design using design expert software. The maximum dehulling efficiency (84.62%), maximum whole dehulled kernel (48.45%), and minimum loss (2.78%) were obtained at roller speed of 19.47 m.s−1 and feed rate of 90 kg.h−1 with Grit No.50 roller. Compared to the traditional pulse dehulling process, the developed pulse dehuller could save 2.29 ₹.kg−1 in cost and 10.24 min.kg−1 in time.