Design Modification and Performance Evaluation of an Existing Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) Extraction Machine

• Isaac O. OLAOYE

  Department of Agricultural Engineering, Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

  Author

Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is a valuable industrial by-product obtained from cashew nut shells, widely used in coatings, resins, brake linings, and polymer industries. However, many locally fabricated CNSL extraction machines suffer from low extraction efficiency, excessive energy consumption, poor thermal control, and operational safety challenges. This study presents the design modification and performance evaluation of an existing CNSL extraction machine aimed at improving extraction yield, operational efficiency, and safety. Key modifications included redesign of the heating chamber, improvement of the screw press geometry, enhancement of thermal insulation, and integration of a controlled discharge system. Performance evaluation was conducted by comparing the modified machine with the original version in terms of extraction efficiency, throughput capacity, energy consumption, and quality of extracted CNSL. Experimental results showed that the modified machine achieved an average extraction efficiency of 78.6%, representing a 21.4% improvement over the existing design. Energy consumption was reduced by 18%, while the throughput capacity of the machine was found to decrease with constant shaft speed with increase in time taken. The results demonstrate that appropriate mechanical and thermal design modifications can significantly enhance the performance of CNSL extraction machines, making them more suitable for small- and medium-scale cashew processing industries.

• FJET_21_14_14

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