Design, Fabrication and Testing of a Sesame Drying Machine for Small-scale Farmers

Abstract

Sesame is an economically important oilseed crop, and its processing efficiency greatly depends on maintaining appropriate thermal conditions during post-harvest handling and value-addition operations. Traditional heating practices used for roasting, drying is often difficult to control, leading to variations in seed quality, nutrient degradation, and reduced oil recovery. To overcome the problem, our project focuses on the design and development of a sesame heater that provides controlled, uniform, and energy-efficient heating to the thermal sensitivity of sesamum indicum. The developed system consists of an insulated heating chamber, and a natural airflow system designed to distribute heat uniformly across the seed bed. Key design parameters considered include safety mechanisms, and use of durable, food-grade materials. Performance evaluation involved assessing heat distribution uniformity, energy consumption, and the impact on seed characteristics such as colour, aroma, oil content, and oxidative stability. Experimental trials demonstrated that the developed sesame heater significantly improved heating uniformity compared to conventional systems, achieving consistent temperature distribution with minimal fluctuations. Results indicated enhanced process efficiency, reduced energy loss, and improved control over processing conditions. Treated sesame seeds exhibited better sensory attributes, higher oil yield, and reduced risk of quality deterioration. Overall, the newly designed sesame heater provides a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solution for small- to medium-scale processors. Its controlled heating environment enhances product quality, improves operational efficiency, and contributes to greater value addition in the Sesamum indicum processing chain.