Performance Evaluation on the Utilization of an Established Variable Amplitude and Frequency of Vibrating Container for Potential Application in Slowing Down Sprouting in Yam

Abstract

A variable amplitude and frequency of mechanical vibrating container working on cam and follower mechanism have been established. This study carried out a performance evaluation on the utilization of the established vibrating container for potential application in slowing down sprouting in yam. The vibrating container is electrically operated and a variable speed electric motor of 15, 000 rpm was selected for the machine. The performance parameters of the established mechanical vibrating container investigated were percentage maximum displacement and velocity of the vibration at different combined stages of amplitudes and frequencies. The percentage achievable maximum displacement of vibration measured for theoretical amplitude of cams of 5 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm were 89.40 %, 87.10 % and 72.7 % respectively for low frequency; 91.60 %, 88.40 % and 81.70 % respectively for medium frequency; and 93.20 %, 90.90 % and 86.50 % respectively for high frequency. The percentage achievable maximum velocity of vibration measured for theoretical amplitude of cams of 5 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm were 72.6 %, 71.40 % and 69.11 % respectively for low frequency; 79.81 %, 74.88 % and 70.96 % respectively for medium frequency; and 81.20 %, 77.52 % and 73.69 % respectively for high frequency. The results show that the established mechanical vibrating container has effective and suitable performances. The vibrator thus shows a good potential to effectively slow down sprouting when operated under load condition. It could help in slowing down sprouting in yams.