EFFECT OF OPERATING PARAMETERS ON THE ENERGY REQUIREMENT OF A FOUR-ROLLER MIL

Abstract

The net specific energy consumption, NSEC (energy per unit mass of product) and energy utilization, EU (energy per unit surface area of milled product) of a four- roller mill were evaluated using sorghum and wheat. The aim of the study is to determine the machine parameters that affect energy consumption with the intent of recommending the suitable ones to achieve energy reduction. Three variables, namely: roll speed, speed differentials and roll gap settings were considered. Both EU and NSEC decreased as roll speed increased and increased as both differentials and roll gap settings reduced. The effect of roll speed was found less significant compared to the other two variables. For improved operation to reduce energy consumption during milling, high roll speed and differentials were recommended.