Optimizing Melon Seed Decortication: A Taguchi-Based Approach for Single and Multi-Objective Performance

Tsapi Kevin; Magnou Ekokem

doi:10.47134/jme.v3i1.5352

Authors

Tsapi Tchoupou Kevin Bamenda University
Magnou Ekokem Belinda Bamenda University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47134/jme.v3i1.5352

Keywords:

Design of Experiment, Melon Processing, Shelling Machine, Taguchi Optimization Method

Abstract

This study was conducted to optimise the parameter sets for a melon seed shelling machine. The parameter sets are motor speed and moisture content with different levels were experimented and analysed to build mathematic models. The objective was to describe the relationship between the inputs parameter values and the outputs (shelling efficiency, breakage percentage and machine capacity). Single-objective and multi-objective models were constructed and studied to identify the optimal set, optimal trade-off set of parameters. Minitab software aid for analysis and decision-making. The optimisation revealed a significant trade-off between single objectives) (optimal settings for maximising shelling efficiency (96.7%), minimising seed breakage (1.41%), and maximising capacity (53.98 kg h-1) were mutually exclusive. Multi-objective analysis identified moisture content as the statistically dominant factor (p < 0.05), with motor speed being insignificant. The validated optimal parameter combination for balanced performance was moisture content of 26% and a motor speed of 2100 rpm, which simultaneously improved all three key performance metrics. The proposed solutions for handling single- and multi-objective optimisation through the framework are practical and can be extended to other post-harvest processing equipment.

References

Alblooshi, M., Devarajan, A. R., Singh, B. P., Ramakrishnan, P., Mostafa, H., Kamal, H. & Maqsood, S. (2023). Multifunctional bioactive properties of hydrolysates from colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) seeds derived proteins: Characterization and biological properties. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 194, 326-334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.11.026

Alhassan, T. F., & Ansah, E. O. (2023). The role of agriculture development in sustainable economic growth in Sub-Saharan African countries. Journal of Economic Research & Business Administration, 144(2), 65-74. https://doi.org/10.26577/be.2023.v144.i2.07

Ali, K. A. M., Zong, W., Md-Tahir, H., Ma, L. & Yang, L. (2021). Design, simulation and experimentation of an axial flow sunflower-threshing machine with an attached screw conveyor. Applied Sciences, 11(14), 6312. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146312

Antony, J., Bhat, S., Mittal, A., Jayaraman, R., Gijo, E. V. & Cudney, E. A. (2024). Application of Taguchi design of experiments in the food industry: a systematic literature review. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 35(5-6), 687-712.

Anwar, A. F., Chukwurah, P. N., Amombo, E., Mouhib, S. & Ntui, V. O. (2025). Unlocking the potential of ‘Egusi’ melon (Colocynthis citrullus L.) as a crop for biotechnological improvement. Frontiers in Plant Science, 16, 1547157. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1547157

Aturu, O. B., Olaoye, J. O., Gana, I. M, Gbabo A. & Liberty, J. T. (2021). An Investigative Study on Effects of some Machine and Processing Parameters of a Mechanised Centrifugal Melon Shelling Machine. International Journal of Applied Science and Research, 4(2), 205-213.

Borup, D. D., Elkins, C. J., & Eaton, J. K. (2020). Experimental Analysis of a Particle Separator Design with Full-Field Three-Dimensional Measurements. Journal of Turbomachinery, 142(10), 101002. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4047112

Begho, T., & Daubry, T. P. (2025). A review of the pathway to reducing youth unemployment in Sub Saharan Africa through agriculture and agribusiness. Discover Global Society, 3(1), 81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44282-025-00182-9

El-Sharawy, H. M., Bahnasawy, A. H., EL-Haddad, Z. A., & Afifi, M. T. (2017). A local corn sheller performance as affected by moisture content and machine rotational speed. Misr Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 34(4), 2015-2034. https://doi.org/10.21608/mjae.2017.96240

Eze, P. C., Chıkaodılı, E., & Ejıke, I. P. (2021). Effect of Moisture Content on the Mechanical Properties of Watermelon Seed Varieties. Turkish Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 2(2), 308-320. https://doi.org/10.46592/turkager.2021.v02i02.005

Fanya, A., Haruman, E., & Silalahi, R. (2018). Application of multi-objective Taguchi method in the optimization of hybrid thermochemical treatment for AISI 316L stainless steel. https://repository.bakrie.ac.id/id/eprint/2411

FAO. (2022). FAOSTAT Data on Crops: Melon seed (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations). (Accessed Date: 13.11.2025).

Hwang, C. L., & Yoon, K. (1981). Multiple Attribute Decision Making: Methods and Applications. Springer-Verlag.

Quisumbing, A., Heckert, J., Faas, S., Ramani, G., Raghunathan, K., Malapit, H., & pro-WEAI for Market Inclusion Study Team. (2021). Women’s empowerment and gender equality in agricultural value chains: evidence from four countries in Asia and Africa. Food Security, 13(5), 1101-1124. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-021-01193-5

Mukaila, R., Obetta, A. E., & Ogbu, M. C. (2022). Profitability of melon processing among women in Enugu State, Nigeria. Journal of Tekirdag Agricultural Faculty, 19(3), 620–631. https://doi.org/10.33462/jotaf.1049260

Obi, O. F., & Offorha, L. C. (2015). Moisture-dependent physical properties of melon (Citrullus colocynthis lanatus) seed and kernel relevant in bulk handling. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 1(1), 1020743. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2015.1020743

Oluwabukola, B. A., Joshua, O. O., Gbabo, A., Gana, I. M., Ndudi, E. A., & Jacob, T. L. (2021). Effect of shelling speed, moisture content and number of beaters on the cleaning and recovery efficiency of a mechanized centrifugal melon shelling machine. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 10(03), 239–2. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2021.10.3.0229

Orobome, L. A., Emagbetere, E., Onoroh, F., Ifeanyi, F. A., Akene, A., Ifeanyi, F. I., Ikechukwu, S. A. & Ufuoma, B. O. (2021). Design and Fabrication of a Melon (Egusi) Decorticating Machine. Saudi Journal of Engineering and Technology, 6(11), 432-444. https://ir.unilag.edu.ng/handle/123456789/10279

Osuji, C., Uche, C., Iheagwara, M., Ofoedu, C., Omeire, G., Nwakaudu, A., & Ozumba, I. (2023). The effect of mechanized shelling and packaging on the quality of melon seeds. Slovak Journal of Food Sciences/Potravinarstvo, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.5219/1884

Nguyen, V. H., Huynh, T. N., Nguyen, T. P. & Tran, T. T. (2020). Single and multi-objective optimization of processing parameters for fused deposition modeling in 3D printing technology. International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, 17(1), 7542–7551. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.17.1.2020.03.0558

Nguyen, V., Altarazi, F., & Tran, T. T. (2022). Optimization of Process Parameters for Laser Cutting Process of Stainless Steel 304: A Comparative Analysis and Estimation with Taguchi Method and Response Surface Methodology. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 17(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6677586

Putra, W. M., Martowibowo, S. Y. & Tabah, G. G. (2025). Taguchi-Based Optimization of Sheeting Machine Parameters for Improved Production Speed. Jurnal Polimesin, 23(1), 83-88. http://dx.doi.org/10.30811/jpl.v23i1.5612

Roszkowska, E., Filipowicz-Chomko, M., Łyczkowska-Hanćkowiak, A., & Majewska, E. (2024). Extended Hellwig’s method utilizing entropy-based weights and mahalanobis distance: applications in evaluating sustainable development in the education area. Entropy, 26(3), 197. https://doi.org/10.3390/e26030197

Sudajan, S., Salokhe, V. M., & Triratanasirichai, K. (2002). PM-Power and machinery: effect of type of drum, drum speed and feed rate on sunflower threshing. Biosystems Engineering, 83(4), 413-421.

Sukhanova, M., Khasanov, E., Butenko, A., Fayzrakhmanov, S., & Fayzullin, R. (2023). Damage to seeds by screw working bodies. Heliyon, 9(8), e18973. https://doi.org/10.1006/bioe.2002.0133

Tan, W., He, Y., Wang, Z., Ni, Y., Xu, M., Du, J., & Jia, X. (2025). Effect of Moisture Content of Fresh Pecans on Mechanical Shelling Efficiency, Nutritional Features, and Packaging Method. Foods, 14(5), 757. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050757

Tsapi, T. K., Bisong, S. M. & Soh, F. B. (2024). Optimal settings of a melon seed sheller using statistical design of experiments. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Technologies and Applications, 5(1), 38-50. https://doi.org/10.21776/MECHTA.2024.005.01.5

Wang, X., Chan, L., Qi, Y., Zhang, C., Zhang, H., Li, M., & Yu, Q. (2025). Experimental study on compression fracture characteristics of wheat grains with different moisture content. Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods, 17(3), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.15586/qas.v17i3.1538

World Bank. (2023). World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees, and Societies. Washington, DC: World Bank. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2023

Yıldız, Z., & Gencer, F. S. (2023). Optimization of Drying Conditions of Kiwi Rings with Osmo-solar Dehydration. Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi, 20(1), 41-50. https://doi.org/10.33462/jotaf.1052851