ABSTRACT
This project aims to assess and evaluate the performance of a whole bunch stripper machine utilized in oil palm processing. The study is significant as it seeks to provide essential insights into the utilization of bunch stripping technology in the oil palm processing sector, focusing on efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. By evaluating key parameters such as efficiency, output capacity, input capacity, clean fruit recovery, and operating capacity, this research endeavors to contribute practical recommendations aimed at enhancing both economic viability and environmental sustainability within the palm oil industry.
The evaluation of an existing palm fruit stripping machine was conducted using freshly harvested palm fruit bunches at various fermentation times ranging from 24 to 120 hours as test samples. Each sample was fed into the machine consecutively, and the stripped fruitlets, unstrapped fruitlets, and empty bunches were collected and weighed after each experiment. The performance parameters of the machine were determined based on the data obtained during the tests, encompassing fruit stripping efficiency, clean fruit recovery, and output capacity.
The results revealed that the fruit stripping efficiency peaked at 98.78% after 72 hours of fermentation, with the lowest efficiency recorded at 72.80% after 24 hours. Similarly, the clean fruit recovery rate reached its highest average value of 98.61% after 72 hours, contrasting with the lowest average value of 72.63% after 24 hours. Notably, the machine demonstrated a maximum average output capacity of 285.05 kg/h after 120 hours, while the lowest average value was 201.09 kg/h after 24 hours of fermentation. These findings indicate the machine's capability to process up to 1 ton of oil palm fruit bunches per day, thereby presenting a viable solution for small and medium-scale oil palm fruit processing industries in Nigeria.
