THE RELEVANCE OF SOME ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF COCOYAM (COLOCASIA ESCULENTA) IN THE DESIGN OF POSTHARVEST PROCESSING MACHINERY

In this study the determination of some engineering properties of cocoyam, (shape, size, colour, volume, particle density, Sphericity, weight, surface area and compressive strength) was determined at moisture contents of 71.8 %. Under approved standard laboratory conditions and using standard methods and instruments, experiments were conducted and results were obtained. The highest value of compressive strength for cocoyam when placed horizontally and vertically is 1.84 KN and 1.40 KN respectively. The maximum values of the Major, Intermediate and Minor Diameter are 112.3mm, 48.2mm and 46.0mm respectively. The minimum values were calculated to be 56.0mm, 29.0mm and 38.77mm respectively, and mean to be 74.33mm, 41.04mm and 38.77mm respectively. These values were used for sorting, grading and construction of sieve to separate the values below the mean obtained. The coefficient of variation of the major, minor and intermediate was gotten to be 19.0%, 14.8% and 15.5% respectively. These results are important for maximum efficiency in designing equipment required for further processing of Cocoyam andthe reduction of mechanical damage to agricultural produce during postharvest handling and processing.