Classification of peanut seeds based on different feed rates using a grading machine

Physical observation and evaluation alone are not enough to standardize agricultural products. During the cleaning and classification process of most agricultural products, standard products can not be obtained with the desired classification due to the environmental conditions as well as the problems arising from the cleaning and classification machines used. In this study, it was aimed to increase productivity by obtaining clean and firm peanut seeds. This research classified peanut seeds based on different feed rates by using an adjustable grading machine manufactured in the Agricultural Machinery and Technology Engineering Department of Çukurova University, Turkey. The data collected was subjected to the Independent Samples T-Test at 5% significance level to determine the differences in the means. The results from the experiment indicated that the mean length, width, thickness and mass of the peanut seeds was 17.39mm, 8.77mm, 9.66mm and 0.80mm respectively at 7.5% moisture content. Even though there was no significant difference (P>0.05) by adjusting the opening of the hopper outlet at 25mm and 50mm, the grader had an output capacity and grading efficiency of 169.64kg/hr and 99.63% respectively. Keywords: Groundnut, Peanut grader, Hopper, Machine