Development and Preliminary Testing of Gas Fired and Automated Garification Machine

A gas fired and automated garification machine was developed and tested earliest to proffer solution to the challenge of effectively controlling frying temperature and agitators’ speed during garification. The machine consistsof a control panel, 5.5Hp electric motor (prime mover), pulley, v-belt, shafts, differential gears, stainless steel metal pan, exit chute with cover, agitators (paddles), spark electrode, gas burner, heating chamber, electromagnetic gas shut off valve, temperature sensor, timer, block bearings and frame. The lower and upper frying temperatures and agitators’ speed limits for the various stages in the process were achieved through the panel while heat distribution was achieved by using a radial gas burner and continuous agitation of the mash. Effective garifiication was achieved at 65˚C and 98˚C cooking and drying stages temperatures with a corresponding agitating speeds of 20rpm and 40rpm respectively. A 40kg mass of dehydrated cassava mash at 45%wb moisture level gave 30.40kg of fried gari at 12.17%wb after 15min of frying and consumed 1.87Kg (0.062kg/kg of gari) of the cooking gas. The machine accounted for throughput capacity and functional efficiency of 121.66kg/h and 76% respectively. The study indicates itsuser and gender friendliness and itis thus recommended for adoption by cassava processors.