Performance Evaluation of a Modified Fresh Turmeric Rhizome Slicer
Anjali R. Kewate *
Department of Processing and Food Engineering, CAET, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli-415 712, (Maharashtra), India.
B. S. Shirsat
Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli-415 712, (Maharashtra), India.
A. A. Sawant
Department of Processing and Food Engineering, CAET, DBSKKV, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India.
K. G. Dhande
Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, CAET, DBSKKV, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India.
A. G. Mohod
Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, CAET, DBSKKV, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study evaluated the performance of a modified fresh turmeric rhizome slicer at three feed rates (1, 2 and 3 kg/batch) and three moisture contents (79.00%, 82.23% and 85.10% wet basis), with three replications per treatment. Machine capacity, slicing efficiency, weight of broken slices and material loss were measured, and the data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Treatment-mean machine capacity ranged from 256.71 to 501.62 kg h⁻¹, while slicing efficiency ranged from 93.01 to 97.98%. The weight of broken slices varied from 0.063 to 0.124 kg, and material loss ranged from 0.79 to 2.50%. The highest treatment-mean machine capacity (501.62 kg h⁻¹) was recorded at a feed rate of 2 kg/batch and a moisture content of 85.10% wet basis. The highest slicing efficiency (97.98%) was obtained at a feed rate of 3 kg/batch and a moisture content of 85.10% wet basis. The overall mean machine capacity, slicing efficiency and material loss were reported as 383.39 kg h⁻¹, 95.93% and approximately 1.46%, respectively. ANOVA indicated a significant treatment effect (p < 0.05) on machine capacity and material loss, whereas the effect on slicing efficiency was non-significant. Within the tested operating conditions, the modified slicer demonstrated high slicing efficiency and limited material loss, indicating its potential for small- and medium-scale fresh turmeric processing. Further validation beyond the tested feed rates, moisture levels and operating speed is required.
Keywords: Turmeric rhizome, slicing efficiency, slicing machine, material loss, slicing capacity