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Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Moringa (Oleifera) Dried Leaves

Pulverizer

S.I. Manuwa, A.M. Sedara, F.A. Tola

PII: S2666-1543(20)30015-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2020.100034
Reference: JAFR 100034

To appear in: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research

Received Date: 5 December 2019

Revised Date: 2 March 2020
Accepted Date: 6 March 2020

Please cite this article as: S.I Manuwa, A.M. Sedara, F.A. Tola, Design, Fabrication and Performance
Evaluation of Moringa (Oleifera) Dried Leaves Pulverizer, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2020.100034.

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Graphical Abstract

Explode view of moringa leaves pulveriser machine

Highlights
• Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated species of a monogeneric family

• Moringa leaves are edible and has been said to prevent 300 diseases

• Pulverizing moringa oleifera leaves into powdered to produce tea

• Solar dryer was used for drying moringa oleifera leaves to keep it nutritional value

• Sieve analysis performed to get the fineness modulus and the uniformity index
 Design, Fabrication and Performance
Evaluation of Moringa (Oleifera) Dried
Leaves Pulverizer

Manuwa, S. I*, Sedara A. M. **‡, Tola, F. A. ***

*Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Engineering

Technology, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, PMB 704

**Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Engineering

Technology, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, PMB 704

***Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Engineering

Technology, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, PMB 704

(simanuwa@futa.edu.ng, adewale.sedara@gmail.com, tol.akin@gmail.com)

‡
Corresponding Author; Sedara, A. M., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering,
The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, PMB 704, Tel: +2348188068438,

adewale.sedara@gmail.com

Received: Accepted:

Abstract- Moringa oliefera (Moringapterygosperma Gaertner) leaves popularly known as ‘ewe igiiyanu’ in
Nigeria. The current study is to develop a moringa oleifera leaves pulverizer from locally sourced materials. The
proposed machine works with the shearing mechanism. The main features of the machine are coverer, auger,
shaft, hopper, sprout, frame, belt, pulley, bearings and electric motor. The machine was designed, fabricated and
tested fulfilling the all scientific standards During study, a solar dryer was used for drying moringa oleifera
leaves at average temperature of 40-500C for 3 days, the solar dryer had five sets of trays arranged above each
other in layers. After 3 days, the moisture contents for tray 1, tray 2, tray 3, tray 4, and tray 5 were estimated as
7.2%, 24.9%, 39.4%, 39.3%, and 45.9%. Two speeds 1000 rpm, 467 rpm of the motor was used for the
evaluation of the performance of the machine, and the efficiency of the machine at these speeds was 91% and
96% respectively. Sieve analysis was used to get the fineness modulus and uniformity index of the pulverized
leaves using the high and low moisture content of 45.96% and 7.17%. For 12.6 g (1000 rpm) of moisture
content of 7.17% [FM:UI 3:: 6:2:2] and for 10.2 g (1000 rpm) of moisture content of 45.96% [FM::UI 4.9::
6:4:0] for 9.6 g (467 rpm) of moisture content of 7.17% [FM::UI 3.8:: 5:4:1] for 10.9 g (467 rpm) of moisture
content of 45.96% [FM::UI 3.13:: 4:4:2]. These results showed that 467 rpm machine speed and moisture
content of 7.17% gives the best ratio of coarse to medium and fine of pulverized leaves, the machine can be
used to produce moringa tea and moringa powder safely not using the local burr mill. Sieves of different grain
sizes can be included in the machine and instrumented. The findings of this study regarding pulverizing
mechanisms can also be applied to other herbs and leaves

Keywords- Moringa, Pulverizer, Feeding Rate, Motor Speed, Moisture Content, Fine Modulus and Uniformity
Index.

1
1. Introduction
Moringa oleifera Lam (synonym: Moringa
pterygosperma Gaertner) is the most widely cultivated
species of Moringaceae family, that is the native to the
sub-Himalayan tracts South Asia. Popular English names
are Horseradish tree, Drumstick tree, Never Die tree, West
Indian Ben tree, and Radish tree. Moringaceae family
comprise of 13 species, distributed in the Indian
subcontinent (M. oleifera and M. concanensis), Kenya (M.
longituba and M. rivae), northeastern and southwestern
Africa (M. stenopetala), Arabia, and Madagascar
drouhardii and M. hildebrandtii) [1]. Moringa oleifera
Lam. is a subtropical deciduous perennial dicotyledonous
tree. The stem is with a corky, whitish-gray bark, with
drooping branches, pale green and bipinnate or more
commonly trip innate leaves (30–60 cm long) with
opposite, ovate leaf [2]. All parts of the Moringa tree are
edible and have long been consumed by humans [3].
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s
(FAO) report, about 70–80% of the world’s population,
especially in developing countries, relies on herbal
medicine to prevent and cure diseases [4] and about 25%
of the synthesized drugs are manufactured from medicinal
plants [5]. A pulverizer is a mechanical device for the
reduction in grain size of many different types of
materials. Pulverizing moringa oleifera leaves into
powdered form makes it available; and this can be put into
different products, which can be easily accessed by the
local population and available to all. The various usages of
the pulverized moringa oleifera leaves is that it can be
used as spice for food; rich, flavourful, nutty, and
delicious, moringa tea delivers nutrients as well as a tasty
liquid treat [6]. Looking at the abundance in the number of
different vitamins, minerals and amino acids, as well as the
high concentration of many of these nutrients it is easy to
understand why Moringa has been said to prevent 300
diseases [7].
Moringa leaf powder is one of the richest sources
of natural Iron and calcium. Moringa powder is considered
a natural multivitamin supplement [8]. The Moringa leaf
powder is traditionally used. Moringa dry leaves pulverize
into fine powder has a fine grain size and Moringa powder
can be added to milk, soup, tea, sauce and other food [9].
Different methods used to dry moringa leaves are
microwave method [10], infrared, lyophilisation method
[11], oven drying or convection drying [12], solar drying
and shadow drying [13].
The general term, size reduction, includes the
mechanical processes of cutting, shearing, crushing,
grinding, and milling moringa dried leaves. These
processes expose more surface area for digestion without
2
causing any noticeable change in the chemical properties
of the material. At the same time, size reduction facilitates
uniform mixing. And although uniformity in size and
shape of the reduced particles is usually desired, it is
seldom attained [14].
Fineness modulus of coarse aggregates represents
the average size of the particles in the coarse aggregate by
an index number. It is calculated by performing sieve
analysis with standard sieves. The cumulative percentage
retained on each sieve is added and subtracted by 100
gives the value of fine aggregate. Higher the aggregate size
higher the Fineness modulus hence fineness modulus of
coarse aggregate is higher than fine aggregate [15] told
that fineness modulus indicates the uniformity of grinding
in resultant product. It is determined by adding the weight
fractions retained above each sieve and dividing the sum
by 100. [16], the study was conducted on grinding
experiment of commercial grade coriander in batches,
semi-continuous and continuous grinding in hammer mill.
The various operations used to pulverize
materials, which results in the reduction in the grain size of
the particles these occur where the elements are crushed,
split and grinded. Various methods used locally in
pulverizing moringa dried leaves are rubbing stone and
grinding stone [17] pounding using traditionally, size
reduction is done using mortar and pestle; the end product
gotten is sifted with sieve and the process repeated over
again till the chaff residue is minimal [18]. After the
introduction of the burr mill, the manually pulverized dried
leaves is milled into fine powder with the help of the burr
mill. The disc attrition which is sometimes called the Burr
mill consists of a set of two hard surfaced circular plates
pressed together and rotating with relative motion [19].
Stones are replaced by steel disks mounting interchange
metal or abrasive grinding plates rotating at higher speeds,
thus permitting a much broader range of application. They
are used in the grinding of tough organic materials, such as
wood pulp and corn grits [20]. Grinding takes place
between the plates, which may operate in the vertical or
horizontal plane. The material is fed between the plates
and is reduced by crushing and shear. Though the power
requirement is low, operating empty may cause excessive
burr wear and a lot of heat is generated during shearing
action and metal chips would be in the powder. Efforts to
change the process would be further boosted through this
research by establishing a suitable mechanism for
pulverizing moringa dried leaves. Presently, the manual
pulverization with the mortar and pestle is no more
practiced, with the invention of hammer mill, which is
used in pulverizing dried moringa leaves mechanically
before the process is completed with the use of burr mill.
These mechanical means of pulverizing dried moringa
leaves saves times and energy and better end product is
gotten than the old traditional means. The specific
objective of this project is to design and fabrication of
moringa (oleifera) leaves pulveriser; and evaluate the
performance of the moringa (oleifera) leaves pulveriser.
2. Methodology
The pulverizing unit was made of wood and the
processes of developing the model were wooden roller,
galvanized sheet was marked out and punched on one side
to have an effect on the other side without getting through
to the other side, the punched galvanised steel was
wrapped around the roller, development of the hopper and
pulverizing chamber, construction of frame for the
pulverizing chamber, assemblage of the various
components.
The punched galvanised sheet was also wrapped around
the wall of the pulverizing chamber in such a way to give a
clearance of 2 mm, and at any contact with the dried leaves
it shears the leaves and this is called pulverizing;
increasing the surface area of the leaves. The principle of
operation is that the punched sheet was stationary to the
wall of the pulverizing chamber and the other punched
galvanized was rolled around the roller and this rotates.
2.1 Design Principle of Moringa Oleifera Leaves
Pulverizer
The moringa oleifera leaves pulverizer is
powered by an electric motor. The design principle was
gotten from the ancient tradition methods of grinding and
pounding materials into reduced form. The two traditional
methods used involves mortar and pestle and grinding
stone which works on the impact force created on the
material to a stationary material which is not smooth. The
moringa oleifera leaves pulverizer works with these
principles and it makes the production of moringa
pulverized leaves much easier and faster. The auger as a
roller and it was wounded round with punched galvanised
steel which is not through to the other side of the
galvanised steel; the elevation on the galvanised steel are
randomly placed and the space between them is
considerably small, a shaft was attached to the auger
supported by two flat bearing. The principle of operation
was that after drying moringa oleifera leaves (using solar
dryer) it was feed through the hopper and by gravity the
leaves fall freely into the pulverizing chamber the hopper
was designed to prevent accumulation of leaves at corners,
at any contact the auger makes with the leaves it shreds
and it was reduced in size thereby pulverizing the leaves to
increase the surface area.
3
2.2 Design Consideration
The following factors were considered in the
design of moringa oleifera leaves pulverizer to make it
more efficient;
1. Safety:
The machine was designed to be safe for man and his
environment by avoiding sharp edges and enclosed the
pulverizing chamber using safety standards [21].
2. Power requirement:
The power required is obtained from a Three Phase
Electric Motor, 0.75kw, 1HP, FOOT Mounted, (B3), 1400
Rpm (8 Pole), 100L Frame, ALUMINIUM Body, [22]
electric motor and in the design, the power generated is
also considered to moderate the speed of the shaft.
3. Easy operation:
The machine is easily operated using the standards for
such machines [21]; it does not require special skills to
operate moringa oleifera leaves pulverizer machine and
the leaves are feed during operation.
4. Dryness of the material:
The material must be dried to an extent that it does not
stick to the wall of the hopper and also the dryness will
also affect the output of the pulverized leaves obtained
[23]. If the leaves are not dried to a moisture content of 5%
they will stick to the auger and this will reduce the
efficiency of the machine.
5. Ergonomics:
The comfort of the operator was also put into
consideration and the machine height is at the breast level
(100-120 cm) [21]. This makes the over stretching of the
operator minimal.
6. Speed:
The standard speed was considered ranging from 420-1100
rpm in the process of pulverizing leaves [24] and the speed
provided will also determine the efficiency of the machine
and the output and the output of the machine.
7. Cost:
The cost of production was also a very important factor N1 D2
=
considered in the design of moringa oleifera leaves N 2 D1 (2)
pulverizer. The materials used for construction are readily Speed of the driven diameter of driver
=
found around and are easy to get from the market as in the speed of the driver diameter of the driven
construction of the hopper wood was used. The whole cost Where N1=Electric motor speed, N2=Machine speed, D1=
of machine ranges from ₦50,000 - ₦60,000 (which is Diameter of driver pulley, D2= Diameter of driven pulley
affordable to farmers) compared to local burr mill which For a horsepower of 1Hp which gives 1400 rpm
cost averagely ₦100,000. Where N1 = 1400 rpm, N2 = 650 rpm, D1= 65 mm, D2 =?
ND
2.3 Design Analysis D2 = 1 1 = 140mm
N2
A. Determination of the capacity of the Hopper
The hopper is a truncated square pyramid as shown in Fig. Therefore, transmission ratio= D2 = 2.15; Ratio = 1:2
1, which serves as the input unit, so it was designed to D1
provide smooth supply [25] of moringa leaves into the C. Determination of Belt Length
pulverizing chamber.
i. Centre Distance of the Pulley
According to [26] Eq. (3);
D + D2 (3)
C= 1 + D1
2
65 + 140
C= + 65 = 167.5mm
2
Therefore, the centre distance of the pulley is C = 167.5
mm.

ii. Determination of the Length of Belt

Fig. 1. Hopper Design Using Eq. (4) according to [26];
Considering AMB, [25]
( D − d )2
L = 2C + 1.57( D + d ) + (4)
EM h 30 h 4C
= = =
AM 260 + h 160 260 + h Where L = length of the belt (to be determined)
h = 60 mm C = centre distance between the two pulley
Therefore, the total height H = 60+260 = 320 mm. (65 − 140) 2
L = 2(167.5) + 1.57(65 + 140) +
Volume of hopper=volume of large pyramid – volume of 4(167.5)
small pyramid
Therefore, Length of belt = 665.24 mm=66.5 cm
1
Volume of pyramid= (a 2 H − b 2 h) (1)
3 iii. Determination of Belt Speed
Where a = 320 mm, b = 60 mm Using Eq. (5) according to [26];
Volume = 10850667 mm3 V = πDN (5)
-1
Where V= speed of belt (ms )
B. Determination of pulley diameter D= diameter of the driver pulley (mm)
Fig. 2 shows the forces acting on the pulley and belt N= Number of revolution per minute (rpm)
(Assuming the machine was operated at 90% maximum
speed)
Actual speed =1400x0.9=1260 rpm
V= 4.28 ms-1

iv. Selection of Belt

Fig. 2. Forces acting on pulley and belt
According to [26] Eq. (2) is for pulley and belt;
According to [26]; 1 horse power (Hp) =0.768 kW
Therefore for 1Hp =1 0.746= 0.746 kW
From the standard table [26]; service factor =1.2
Design horsepower = rated power x service factor
= 1 x 1.2 = 1.2 Hp

4
Actual design power rating = rated horse power x service The auger is made of roller, which is wooden
factor x 0.746 Length of the auger = 0.32 m
= 1.2 x 0.746 =0.895 kW Radius of the auger = 0.005 m
Hence, for a 1 Hp and driver speed of 1440 rpm a Type A Thickness = 0.001 m
or AX was selected from the standard table. Volume of cylinder = πr h
2

=3.142x (0.005)2x0.32=2.51x10-5 m3
V. Forces Exerted on the Shaft of the Machine Mass of auger = ℓV
Using Eq. (6) according to [26] for forces acting on a shaft Where ℓ =density of mild steel=7820 kg/ m3
FN = F1 − F2 (6) Mass=7820x2.5x10-5 = 0.1955 kg
Torque acting on the pulley A, TA was calculated Weight of auger = mg =0.1955x9.81=1.9179 N
TA = force x radius of the pulley As a uniformly distributed load=1.9179/0.32=5.99 N/m
D
TA = ( F1 + F2 )( A ) viii. To Determine the Shaft Diameter
2
D Using Eq. (12) according to [26] for calculating shaft
TB = ( F1 + F2 )( B ) diameter
2
16
The magnitude of the net driven force is computed from d3 = ( )[ ( K b + M b ) + ( K t + M t ) ]
πS s
the torque transmitted
2M t (12)
FN = (7) Where Kb = combine shock and fatigue factor for bending
D
(1.0 – 2.0)
Combining Eq. (6) and Eq. (7);
Kt = combine shock and fatigue factor for tension (1.0 -1.5)
Using Eq. (9) according to [26] was gotten from Eq. (6)
Ss = allowable stress (55)
and Eq. (7);
Mb = maximum bending moment
M (8)
F1 + F2 = t Mt = maximum torsional moment
R2
The length of the shaft was 50 cm
Mt = R2 (F1 + F2) (9)
Belt tension Fb =12.21 N
Where; Mt = torsional moment on the shaft (Nm), F1 =
Weight of pulley = 23.64 N
tight side tension (N), F2 = slack side tension (N), R2 =
Estimated distributed load = 5.99 N/m
radius of driven pulley (mm)
Force at point A = 12.21 + 23.64 = 35.85 N
Using Eq. (10) according to [26] for torque;
Force at point E = 12.0 N
power transmitted
Torque; Mt = , N is the shaft ix. Calculations
2πN Using;
speed in rpm Sum of upward force = sum of downward force
(10) RB + RD = 23.64+1.91+12.0 = 37.55 N
Hence the torque acting on the; Taking moment about point B
Power required = design horsepower x 0.746 kW = 1.2 x Anticlockwise moment = clockwise moment
0.746 =0.895 kW RD x 0.32 + 23.64 x 0.12 = 12 x 0.38+1.91 x 0.16
Mt =85.46 Nm RD = 6.33 N
From Eq. (7) and Eq. (8); Since; RB + RD = 37.55 N
Mt = R2 (F1+ F2) = 85.46= 0.07 (F1+F2) RB = 37.55-6.33 = 31.22 N
Fb =F1 + F2 =12.21 N To calculate the shear force acting on the shaft
Taking downward forces to be negative (-) and upward
vi. Determination of Pulley Weight forces to be positive (+)
Radius of the driven pulley=0.07 m For point A = -23.64 N
Density of mild steel, ℓ=7820 kg/m3 For point B = -23.64+31.22 =7.58 N
Width of the pulley = 0.02 m For point C = 7.58-1.91 = 5.67 N
Volume of pulley=πr2h (11) For point D = 5.67 + 6.33 =12 N
=3.142x (0.07)2x0.02=3.1x10-4 m3 For point E =12-12= 0 N
Mass = density x volume=7820x3.1x10-4 =2.41 Kg Bending moment calculation
Weight = mg=2.41x9.81=23.64 N MA = 0.12 x 0 = 0 N
MB = 23.64 x 0.12-31.22(012-0.12) = 2.84 Nm
vii. Determination of Auger Weight MC = 23.64 x 0.28-31.22(0.28-0.12) = 1.62 Nm

5
MD = 23.64 x 0.44 – 31.22(0.32) +1.91(0.16) = 0.72 Nm
ME = 23.64 x 0.44-31.32(0.32) +1.91(0.16) +12(0.06) = 0
N
The diameter of the shaft: from Eq. (4);
16
d3 = ( )[(2.0 × 2.84)2 + (1.5 × 85.46)2 ]0.5
3.142 × 55
d3 = 0.096(5.68+128.19) = 12850mm
d = 3 12850 = 23.4mm
d= 23.4 mm
Therefore, from the standard shaft table a 25 mm shaft
diameter was selected.

2.3 Component Design and Features of Moringa

Pulverizer
The following factors were considered in the
design of moringa oleifera leaves pulverizer to make it
more efficient:
1. Hopper and cover
The hopper is the compartment of the machine through
which the moringa oleifera leaves was introduced into the
pulverizing chamber. It was made of wood; the angle of
the hopper was 450 to the horizontal thereby making it 37
cm x 26 cm x 39 cm.
2. Frame stand
This is the framework scheme of moringa oleifera leaves
pulverizer that gives it the support and rigidity. The height
of the frame was 68 cm the length is 37.5 cm and the width
Fig. 3. Exploded and Isometric View of Moringa
was 31.5 cm the area covered at the top 37.5 cm x 31.5 cm
Pulverizer
= 1181.25 cm2.
3. Shaft and auger
The shaft gives the rotation to the anger drum with
punched galvanized steel. The length of the shaft is 50 cm
and the diameter is 25 mm.
4. Pulley, Belt and Bearing
The pulley is used to give the rotation required by the shaft
and this is connected to the electronic motor by a belt. The
belt is the transmission device that transmits the
motion/speed produced by the electric motor to the pulley
of the rotating the auger. The bearing helps the shaft to
rotate and make it easy.
The machine was designed using AutoCAD 12, Fig. 3-
Fig. 4 shows the different views of the moringa pulverizer.
Fig. 4. Orthographic and Hidden View of Moringa
Pulverizer.
The cost estimated in the development of moringa oleifera
leaves pulverizer was ₦54,480:00k

2.4 Experimental Procedure

6
 The experimental procedure carried out was to
know the fine modulus of the pulverized leaves at different
moisture content and the performance indices used were:
feed rate, speed and moisture content. The speed of the
machine was varied using different pulley sizes and
tachometer to determine the speed transmitted to the shaft.
Different speed was also used to get the
efficiency of the machine at high and low speed.
The diameters of the pulley are 70 mm (D2), 150 mm (D3)
and Motor pulley 50 mm = D1, Motor speed = 1400 rpm =
N1
Using Eq. (2); N 1 D1 = N 2 D 2
1400 x 50= N2 x 70
N2= 1000 rpm; N 1 D1 = N 3 D3 ;1400 x 50= N3 x 150;
N3 = 467 rpm.
Plate 2.1 shows the solar dryer used to dry the
leaves as for 3 days with an average temperature of 40-50
0
C. The solar dryer as some set of trays which are arranged
vertically on top, the tray was tagged as tray 1, tray 2, tray
3, tray 4, tray 5.
Plate 2.1 Solar dryer
Plates 2.2 shows leaves and stems of moringa
harvested leaves that was to be pulverized using the
develop machine. Plates 2.3 shows aspect of pulverisation
procedure using the developed machine and Plate 2.4
shows samples of Pulverised leaves.
Plate 2.2 Leaves and stems of moringa leaves
7
Plate 2.3 Evaluation of the machine
Plate 2.3 samples of the pulverized leaves
The tray was carried out and the weight of the leaves were
measured using weighing balance and the moisture content
was calculated using Eq. (13)
W − W3 (13)
Moisture content (%) = 2 × 100
W2 − W1
where,
W1= weight of container;
W2 = weight of container and leaves before drying; and
W3 = weight of container and leaves after drying.
2.1 Size Distribution
This is the use of the particulate size(s) of materials.
This could be determined in the laboratory using Tyler
sieve coupled to a Ro-tap shaker. The two parameters used
to size are:
1. Fineness modulus
2. Uniformity index
Procedure:
The Tyler sieve is made up of seven different types and the
8th one is the pan collecting the last product that cannot be
retained. The diameter decreases downward and the sieves
were labelled starting from the top down. For the
pulverized dried leaves using 1000 rpm the high and low
moisture content was used for the analysis and this weight
are 12.6 g and 10.2 g, also for 467 rpm the high and low
moisture content was used 9.6 g and 10.9 g (pulverized
dried leaves) using the Ro-tap; vibrating for 2 minutes.
The sieve analysis at different moisture contents and
speeds are shown from Tables 3.3.1-3.3.4.
Plate 3.5 Ro-tap vibrator and Tyler sieve
 14 [CATEGORY
3. Results and Discussion 13 NAME],

Output (kg)
12 [VALUE]
The Moringa (oleifera) leaves pulveriser machine 11
10 1000 rpm
that has been developed to pulverized dried moringa leaves [CATEGORY
9 NAME],
is presented in Plate 3.1. The efficiency of the machine 8 472 rpm
[VALUE]
was evaluated at different motor speed 1000 rpm and 467
rpm with machine efficiency of 91% and 96%
respectively. The machine was developed using locally Moisture content (%)
available materials and it’s cost effective with estimated
cost of ₦54,480:00k. Table 3.1 shows different moisture Figure 3.1 Effect of moisture content on Output
content of the leaves in different trays in the solar dryer.
[CATEGORY
15
NAME],

Output (kg)
Table 3.1 Different moisture content of leaves in different [VALUE]
10
trays
[CATEGORY 1000 rpm
S/N Trays Moisture content (%) 5 NAME],
[VALUE] 472 rpm
1 1 7.17
0
2 2 24.88
0.52 0.42 0.46 0.38 0.49
3 3 39.43
Feed rate (kg/min)
4 4 39.30
5 5 45.96
Figure 3.2: Effect of feed rate on Output

The following results were gotten and recorded as

To calculate the machine efficiency using different speed
shown in Table 3.2 and Tables 3.3.
Machine efficiency 1 (1000 rpm);
Table 3.2. Pulverising using high speed (1000 rpm) output
η1000 = x100 (12)
input
Trays moisture content input output feed rate
52.9
(%) (g) (g) (g/sec) η1000 = x100 = 91%
58.1
1 7.17 13.5 12.6 0.52
Machine efficiency 2(467 rpm); η output
2 24.88 12.1 11.0 0.42 467 = x100
input
3 39.43 10.2 9.3 0.46
55.8
4 39.30 11.3 9.8 0.38 η 467 = x100 = 96%
58.4
5 45.96 11.0 10.2 0.49
Comparing the two speeds, it was discovered that the
Total 58.1 52.9
machine efficiency of 467 rpm of 96% was greater than
the machine efficiency of 91% with motor speed of 1000
rpm.
Table 3.3. Pulverising using low speed (467 rpm)
Trays moisture content input output feed rate
a. Sieve Analysis for Higher (1000 rpm) Speed
(%) (g) (g) (g/sec)
1 7.17 10.0 9.6 0.33
Table 3.3.1 Sieve analysis of pulverized leaves for lowest
2 24.88 14.1 13.2 0.39
moisture content (7.17%) and high speed (1000 rpm) (12.6
3 39.43 12.4 11.8 0.29
g).
4 39.30 10.5 10.3 0.31
A B C D E
5 45.96 11.4 10.9 0.48
Sieve Sizes mass retained mass retained (A x
Total 58.4 55.8
D) (No.) (mm) (g)
(%)
7 100 3.26 25.9 181.3
6 48 3.77 29.9 179.4
5 40 1.40 11.1 55.5
4 26 0.34 2.7 10.8

8
3 8 1.23 9.8 29.4 Table 3.3.2 Sieve analysis of pulverized leaves for highest
2 4 1.0 7.9 15.8 moisture content (45.96%) and high speed (1000 rpm)
1 3/8 1.6 12.7 12.7 (10.2 g)
0 0 0 0 0 A B C D E
Total 100 484.9 Sieve Sizes mass retained mass retained (A x
D) (No.) (mm) (g)
E
Using Eq. (13) according to [27]; FM = % (13) (%)
100 7 100 2.91 28.5 199.5
6 48 2.71 26.6 159.6
where, E is cumulative mass retained and FM is fineness
5 40 2.15 21.1 105.5
modulus; therefore,
4 26 1.91 18.7 74.8
E = A× D , 3 8 0.15 1.5 4.5
where, A is screen mesh sizes and D is percentage mass 2 4 0.5 4.9 9.8
retained of leaves in each sieve mesh; 1 3/8 0.3 2.9 2.9
E 0 0 0 0 0
Using Eq. (13) according to [27]; FM = % (13)
100 Total 100 556.6
where, E is cumulative mass retained and FM is fineness
where, E is cumulative mass retained and FM is fineness
modulus; therefore,
modulus; therefore,
E = A× D ;
E = A× D ,
where, A is screen mesh sizes and D is percentage mass
where, A is screen mesh sizes and D is percentage mass
retained of leaves in each sieve mesh;
retained of leaves in each sieve mesh;
556.6
484.9 According to [27]; FM = = 5.566
FM = = 4.85 100
100
Using Eq. (14) according to [27]; Using equation (14); D average = 0.194 inches,
D average = 0.0041(2) FM inches (14)
If 1 inch = 25.4 mm = 0.194 x 25.4 =4.9 mm
Where, D average = average diameter of particle
Therefore, the average size is 4.9 mm
= 0.0041(2)4.85 = 0.0041 x 28.84 = 0.118 inches
For uniformity index; using the formation of 2, 3, 5
If 1 inch = 25.4 mm = 0.118 x 25.4 =3 mm
28.5 + 26.6
= 5.51 = 6
Therefore, the average size is 3 mm 10
21.1 + 18.7 + 1.5
For uniformity index; using the formation of 2, 3, 5 = 4.13 = 4
10
25.9 + 29.9 4 .9 + 2 .9
= 5 .6 = 6 = 0.78 = 0
10 10
Therefore, the uniformity index is 6:4:0
11.1 + 2.7 + 9.8 So for 10.2 g of pulverized leaves with moisture content of
= 2.36 = 2
10 45.96%; FM::UI 4.9:: 6:4:0
b. Sieve analysis for lower (467 rpm) speed
7.9 + 12.7 For the speed of 467 rpm also the highest moisture content
= 2.06 = 2 and lowest moisture content was used and the analysis was
10
gotten
Therefore, the uniformity index is 6:2:2, So for 12.6 g of Lowest moisture content (7.17 %), pulverized leaves = 9.6
moisture content of 7.17% FM::UI 3:: 6:2:2. g (table 4.3)
Highest moisture content (45.96 %), pulverized leaves=
For 10.2g and moisture content of 45.96% 10.9 g (table 4.3)
Table 3.3.3 Sieve analysis of pulverized leaves for lowest
moisture content (7.17 %) and low speed (467 rpm) (9.6 g)

9
 A B C D E where, E is cumulative mass retained and FM is fineness
Sieve Sizes mass retained mass retained (A x modulus; therefore,
D) (No.) (mm) (g) E= A x D,
(%) where, A is screen mesh sizes and D is percentage mass
7 100 2.31 24.0 168.0 retained of leaves in each sieve mesh;
6 48 2.83 29.5 177.0 Table 3.3.4 sieve analysis of pulverized leaves (highest
5 40 1.65 17.2 86.0 moisture content and low speed)
4 26 1.85 19.3 77.2 491.3
3 8 0.11 1.15 3.5 Using equation (13); FM = = 4.91
100
2 4 0.29 3.0 6.0
Using equation (14); D average = 0.123 inches
1 3/8 0.56 5.8 5.8
If 1 inch = 25.4 mm = 0.123 x 25.4 = 3.13 mm
0 0 0 0 0 Therefore, the average size is 3.13 mm
Total 100 523.45 For uniformity index; using the formation of 2, 3, 5
where, E is cumulative mass retained and FM is fineness 25.7 + 21.8
modulus; therefore, = 4.05 = 4
10
E= A x D,
17.1 + 10.6 + 9.4
where, A is screen mesh sizes and D is percentage mass = 3.71 = 4
retained of leaves in each sieve mesh; 10
523.5 9 .2 + 6 .1
According to [27]; FM = = 5.23 = 1.5 = 2
100 10
Using equation (14); D average = 0.15 inches Therefore, the uniformity index is 4:4:2
If 1 inch = 25.4 mm = 0.15 x 25.4 = 3.8 mm So for 10.9 g of pulverized leaves with moisture content of
Therefore, the average size is 3.8 mm 45.96 % FM::UI 3.13:: 4:4:2
For uniformity index; using the formation of 2, 3, 5
24.0 + 29.5
= 5.35 = 5 Discussion
10
17.2 + 19.3 + 1.15 The experimental procedure carried out gave the result of
= 3 .8 = 4 the fine modulus and uniformity index of the pulverized
10 dried leaves, it was discovered that the speed also
3 .0 + 5 .8 affected the average size of the leaves. Uniformity index
= 0.88 = 1
10 is a numerical expression of the variety in particle sizes
Therefore, the uniformity index is 5:4:1 in mixed pulverized leaves and it is defined as the ratio of
So for 9.6 g of pulverized leaves with moisture content of the sieve size through which 60% (by weight) of the
material passes to the sieve size that allows 10% of the
7.17% FM::UI 3.8:: 5:4:1
material to pass is the most efficient index used for
particle size analysis compare using numeric models
Table 3.3.4 Sieve analysis of pulverized leaves for highest
[28]. If the average uniformity is more than 4 it indicates
moisture content (7.17 %) and low speed (467 rpm) (10.9 a wide range of pulverized leaves distribution which
g) contains coarser particles and if less than 4 it indicates
A B C D E fine range of pulverized leaves distribution of well
Sieve Sizes mass retained mass retained (A x graded particle size. For 1000 rpm speed at 7.17% and
D) (No.) (mm) (g) 45.96 moisture content, pulverized leaves average size
(%) are 3 mm and 4.9 mm (>4mm) with uniformity index of
7 100 2.80 25.7 179.9 6:2:2 and 6:4:0; which means uniformity index is more
6 48 2.38 21.8 130.8 than 4 indicate a wide range of distribution and well
5 40 1.86 17.1 85.5 graded particle size distribution. For the 467 rpm at
4 26 1.16 10.6 42.4 7.17% and 45.96% moisture content, the pulverized
3 8 1.03 9.4 28.2 average size leaves are 3.8 mm and 3.1 mm (<4mm) and
uniformity index of 5:4:1 and 4:4:2. Uniformity index is
2 4 1.00 9.2 18.4
less than 4 indicate a low range of size distribution.
1 3/8 0.67 6.1 6.1
These results showed that there was high percentage of
0 0 0 0 0
fineness associated with the moringa leaves from the
Total 100 491.3 pulverizer when compared to that of 0:1:9 as reported by

10
[29] who used hammer mill. This difference in
percentage of fineness of moringa leaves particles could
be due to differences in hardness of grains. The results
however disagreed with that of [30] who indicated that
high moisture rolled corn had a greater proportion of
coarse particles than fine. These differences in
performance of the mills could be attributed to variation
in plates clearance and grains moisture content. The
efficiency of the machine was calculated and the 467 rpm
4. Conclusion
Moringa (oleifera) leaves pulveriser machine has
been developed to pulverized dried moringa leaves in
other to increase the surface area of the leaves for the
production of moringa powder which can be use as tea,
encapsulated as drug to improve immune and can be use
as additives in industries to improve food products like
yogurt, biscuits, bread etc. The dryness of the leaves is a
very important factor that determines the quality and
efficiency of your machine which was achieved using
solar dryer. The pulverized leaves were further subjected
to sieve analysis using Ro-tap vibrator (Tyler sieves) to
get different grain sizes of the powder. The finest
modulus and uniformity index was calculated to get the
ratio of grain sizes with
Figure 3.1 shows that the highest output was observed
at 24.88% moisture content with output of 13.2 kg;
0.52 kg/min feed rate with output of 12.46kg as
shown in figure 3.2. The efficiency of the machine
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13
Declaration of interests

☒ The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships
that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

☒The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered
as potential competing interests:

I hereby declare that this article was written by Sedara A. M., Manuwa, S. I. and Tola, F. A.