ABSTRACT

An integrated melon (egusi) processing machine with output options for three important processed forms of melon- melon kernel, melon flour and melon oil was designed and developed. The machine which comprises electric motors, press, hopper, collector, shelling and a separating unit eliminates the drudgery encountered in discharging/reloading of the various melon output between separate (stand-alone) shellin, separation, grinding and pressing machines as observed in the existing mechanized technologies as well as reduce the cost and energy associated with operating these machines independently. Performance test carried Out indicate the optimal shelling, separation and extraction efficiencies of 93.0%, 89.3% and 91.5% respectively. 94.4 kg/hr, 10.42 kg/hr and 4.67 kg/hr constitute the respective separation, milling and oil extraction capacities at shelling speed, moisture level, paddle conveyor speed, blow dryer heat/speed and press temperature of 950 rpm, 9.7%, 24 rpm, 1500W/I 200 rpm and 100°C respectively. This machine eliminates the losses associated with seed damage and improved the hygienic condition of melon, processing as less contact was made with the melon. The specific energy consumption of this machine is 1631.5 KJ/kg with Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.39.