Design, Fabrication, and Determination of the Optimum Working Conditions of a Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Pneumatic Bagging System

The peanut bagging process is not mechanized, it requires a large amount of human labor. In addition, the shovel or canister used in bagging breaks the peanut shell that causes losses. The purpose of this study is to reduce the required workforce by mechanizing the peanut bagging process, and to determine the optimum working criteria (hose diameter and air velocity) of the prototype machine. A peanut pneumatic bagging machine powered by a tractor power takeoff (PTO) was designed and fabricated to convey peanut pods from the ground and fill the product into the bags. To determine the optimum working conditions of the machine, tests are conducted using three hose diameters (100, 120, and 160 mm) and three air speeds (23, 25, and 27 m s(-1)). Machine work capacity, fuel consumption, and physical product damage were identified. The terminal velocity value of the peanut pods was calculated as 14.48 +/- 2.08 m s(-1). Air speed twice the terminal velocity was applied to prevent pressure drop in the transport pipe and ensure flow continuity. The hose with a diameter of 160 mm give the highest work capacity and the lowest fuel consumption. The air velocity of 27 m s(-1) in the hose was the most successful in terms of both work capacity and fuel consumption. No product damage was verified during the trials, and the prototype machine was found to be effective for the peanut bagging process.