Assessment of mechanical and optical properties of the Moringa oleifera seed with the objective of developing a peeling machine

Author(s)

Gabriela Kurokawa e Silva

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Engenharia Agrícola
• Defense date: 2016-01-29

Examining board members

Inacio Maria Dal Fabbro; Eudir Alves Affonso; Mikiya Muramatsu; Kil Jin Park; Rafael Augustus de Oliveira

• Advisor: José Euclides Stipp Paterniani; Inacio Maria Dal Fabbro

Abstract

New technologies and tools have being developed from the needs arising during process, which require power, precision and/or replications, everything to simplify as well as to facilitate these operations. During the development of alternative process for water treatment based on the application of Moringa oleifera seeds, it has been observed the need of developing a new method that simplifies the seeds processing for further application as natural coagulant. This way the introduction and application of the proposed alternative treatment would be considerably simplified. The aim of this research work was identified as to develop equipment to process the moringa seeds, removing the seeds shells. Initially, a detailed study of pods and seeds optical as well as mechanical properties was carried out, aiming to survey basic parameters to develop the proposed processing equipment. In parallel, it was also carried a research on shelling mechanisms as disclosed by the pertinent literature, aiming to select operating mechanisms suitable to this project. Finally it was developed the equipment project by means of software simulations and further construction of a prototype for real tests. Seeds physical characterization tests included 4 different seed development stages. As result, it was observed no significant difference of fat and protein contents. It was just observed variations in the color and moisture contents. Following, a correlation between moisture content and Moment of Inertia, obtained through the Biospeckle technique has been carried as well. These results and the evaluated parameters did not give support to make the correlation of Moment of Inertia with seed developing stage. The mechanical characterization revealed higher stress concentration on the seed edges for the four seed development stages. In that situation, shell breakup did not commit of internal portion of the seeds. The equipment idealization for seeds shelling included 3 different options. However all of them induced compressive as well as shear stress loadings. The shelling equipment options included: eccentric table, cylinders and parallel discs. The final decision was based on all advantages and inconveniences of each mechanism, after which the concentric table was selected. Despite the elected mechanism did not offer the easier construction, it was understood it was the one allowing the easier automation and control (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/11652-9 - EVALUATION OF OPTICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Moringa oleifera SEEDS AIMING ITS MECHANICAL MANIPULATION
• Grantee: Gabriela Kurokawa e Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate