Effect of some mechanical parameters of a shea butter oil extractor on the oil yield

Abstract

Shea butter is extracted mostly using conventional methods, which are complex, inefficient, time-consuming, and expose the product to contamination. The development of a mechanical shea butter mixer was carried out to remedy this shortcoming. This study established the mechanical parameters of the machine that is capable of producing the optimum oil yield. The blade type, mixing speed, and container diameter were the mechanical parameters under investigation. Each of the parameters was changed on a scale of one to five, with blade types ranging from one to five, mixing speeds of 93, 100, 110, 120, and 123 rpm, and container diameters of 33, 40, 50, 60, and 69 cm. Testing revealed that an interaction between a container diameter of 50 cm, 5 blades, and speed of 110 rpm yielded the highest oil yield of 39.43 percent, while an interaction between a container diameter of 33.2 cm, 3 blades, and speed of 110 rpm yielded the lowest oil yield of 26.52 percent. The blade type was discovered to have a greater impact on shea oil extraction. The best mechanical parameters of the mixer capable of increasing the oil yield are established. This will increase the extraction of shea oil to meet the demand for nutritional food and ensure its commercialization by supplying a significant amount to the market. This will also have a positive effect on the economy of the country by providing employment to a large number of people, reducing post-harvest losses through processing, and ensuring higher processing efficiency.