Cutting Tests of the Outer Layer of Material Using Onion as an Example

Abstract

This paper describes experimental research on cutting the outer layer of onions in the machine peeling process. The authors’ own globally innovative modular machine construction was used for this purpose. The onion peeling machine was constructed on a real scale. The effectiveness of the machine’s functioning Se was defined as the ratio of the mass of material correctly removed by the scale blower mp to the mass of all material leaving the machine on the test bench mc. In order to carry out the experimental research, a test stand was constructed, a research plan and programme were adopted, and the research methodology was developed. The results obtained during the experimental research and the data obtained from the regression function equations for the developed design of the onion peeling machine were used to build systems of independent variables, for which the dependent variable Se reached extreme values. The effectiveness of the machine’s operation Se of modular construction increased with the increase in the depth of the external incisions of the shells dn, the number of scale-blowing nozzles, and the pressure of the air supply to the scale-blowing unit p. Increasing the material feed rate vp and the distance of the air nozzles from the material to be processed hd reduced the machine’s efficiency Se. The tests carried out showed a high level of efficiency on the level of Se=0.645−0.780, which is not found in mass-produced machines.