Development and performance evaluation of a motorized globulator for tapioca production

A research was conducted to improve the appearance of locally produced tapioca in Nigeria. Amotorized sago globulator, reciprocating at about 7.4 cm amplitude and 274 rev/minute being powered by a 2Hp electric motor was developed to produce globules of tapioca. The efficiency of the globulator with respect to the 2 mm globules sizes was determined with moisture content variation of starch granules, variation in starch weight supplied into the globulator and the sagging depth of the jute cloth in the globulator. From the results obtained, the moisture content of starch granules at the point of loading into the machine is directly related to the globulation efficiency with respect to the 2 mm grade size. Moisture content of about 44.5 – 46.3 % was found optimum for globulation above which starch granules lump together after globulation. Loading weight of about 150 g was rated best as higher values may result in congestion in the action zone hence, inefficient globulation. The sagging depth of the jute bag has no effect on the globulation efficiency. The globulator has production capacity of 163.20 kg per man-day operation for tapioca production.