DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF YAM BLENDING MACHINE

Yam remains a vital staple food in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, yet its traditional conversion into pounded yam (iyan) continues to be characterized by intensive manual labor, considerable time consumption, and inconsistent quality outcomes. Although the introduction of mechanized yam blending machines has improved processing efficiency, a persistent operational issue—material leakage during blending—poses significant challenges. This leakage not only compromises hygiene and leads to product loss but also endangers the machine’s mechanical and electrical components, thereby limiting its commercial viability. This study seeks to resolve this issue through the design and construction of a functional yam blending machine specifically engineered to minimize or eliminate material leakage. The research adopts a systematic design methodology, employing a decision matrix for component selection. An AC-powered motor was chosen for its superior torque output, while food-grade stainless steel (SS304) was selected for all food-contact components to ensure durability and hygiene. Special emphasis was placed on robust sealing mechanisms, particularly at the blending shaft and chamber interfaces, to achieve a hermetic seal that prevents leakage during operation. Upon fabrication, the prototype will undergo a comprehensive performance evaluation to measure blending efficiency, output uniformity, and leakage control effectiveness. The successful development and implementation of this improved yam blending machine are expected to significantly enhance processing productivity, food safety, and the sustainable mechanization of yam processing within Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector.