Instrumentation and evaluation process of some engineering characteristics of grain crops and utilization for mechanized production and processing in Nigeria: A review

Abstract

A review of Instrumentation and Evaluation Process of some Engineering Characteristics of Grain Crops and Utilization for Mechanized Production and Processing in Nigeria was conducted. Various related works which were relevant to the study were explored and used for the review. Proper evaluation and utilization of engineering characteristics of grain crops would enhance the design and/or development of equipment which would effortlessly boost up the production and post-harvest handling/processing process of grain crops and minimize unnecessary damage/loss of the seeds. The review revealed that moisture content had great influence on the engineering properties of grain kernels. Results of researchers showed an increase in mass of coriander seed from 8.89 to 9.826 g when the moisture content was increased from 8.5 % to15.89 % (w.b.); angle of repose increased from 25.5 to 31o with increase of moisture content from 8.5 % to 15.89 % (w.b.). The coefficient of friction for various surfaces increased with the increase in the moisture content while the bulk density decreases with the increase in moisture content. Furthermore, the compression force required to initiate grain kernel rupture decrease with the increase in moisture content. Thus, the deformation at the grain rupture increases as the moisture content increases. Results from the review indicated a decrease in fracture forces range from 63 t0 38 N for IT86D-I0I0, 64 to 40 N and 70 to 46 N, respectively for IAR-339-1 and Ife Brown cowpea varieties at moisture content varying from 15 to 30 % (w.b). The review further showed that most studies were focused on a few grain crops and that data on engineering properties obtained for various grains seeds vary from one crop to another and from one variety to another. This variation requires studies of engineering properties of different types and varieties of grain crops at different moisture content levels that would guide farmers, processors and designers/manufacturers of machine tools in developing and selecting appropriate machines for their operations at any level in order to increase their production at reduced loss or damage of the seeds.