Performance Evaluation and Optimization of a Power-Operated Peeling-cum-Cutting Machine for Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus) Roots Using Response Surface Methodology

Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus), a key Ayurvedic medicinal herb with tuberous roots, has a diverse range of therapeutic applications. The unit operations involved in processing of Shatavari involves labour intensive and time-consuming tasks such as manual washing, peeling, and cutting of its roots. Such operations are contamination prone too. Thus, a power-operated peeler-cum-cutter was developed to overcome these limitations. This study evaluated its performance through an optimization of process parameters. Parametric optimization was carried out using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with an optimal custom design that correlates independent parameters viz., batch load, motor speed, and peeling surface with dependent parameters, viz., washing efficiency, peeling efficiency, cutting efficiency, peel ratio, throughput capacity, and overall efficiency. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to verify the statistical reliability of the model. The best operating condition was obtained with a metal peeling surface, motor speed of 250 rpm and a batch load of 2 kg. Under these conditions, the optimum performance values achieved were 97.60% washing efficiency, 94.71% peeling efficiency, 97.57% cutting efficiency, a peel ratio of 0.068, a throughput capacity of 1.51 kg h^-1, and an overall efficiency of 88.93%. The study revealed that washing efficiency, peeling efficiency, cutting efficiency, throughput capacity, and overall efficiency increased with motor speed and batch load up to optimal levels. In contrast, peel ratio followed a U-shaped trend, initially decreasing and then rising beyond the optimum speed. These findings establish optimal operating conditions for peeler-cum-cutter, leading to higher efficiency and lower processing costs, highlight the machine’s potential for small-scale applications and future adaptability for other medicinal roots.