Optimization of Independent Parameters for Chickpea Threshing Using Response Surface Method (RSM)

Kermanshah Province is the main producer of various chickpea cultivars in Iran. In this study, a laboratory peg-tooth thresher was employed for chickpea threshing. The effects of different cylinder speeds (9, 12, 15 m s(-1)), concave clearance (12, 14, 16 mm), feed rate (80, 160, 240 kg h(-1)) and seed moisture content (5, 10, 15% wb) were studied on percentage of grain damage, threshing efficiency, and percentage of germination. The experimental plan for optimization was prepared using response surface methodology technique with composite experimental design. The effects of all independent variables on the response variables were significant. The effect of cylinder speed was the most significant, followed by the moisture content. With increasing cylinder speed in the range of 9 to 15 m s(-1), the grain damage increased from 4.98 to 47.97%, threshing efficiency increased from 96.81 to 99.69%, and seed germination decreased from 85.75 to 55.98%. With increasing moisture content, grain damage and threshing efficiency decreased but seed germination increased. With increasing feed rate and concave clearance, grain damage and threshing efficiency decreased, while seed germination increased. The optimized point was determined at the cylinder speed of 10.63 m s(-1), concave clearance of 13.74 mm, feed rate of 240 kg h(-1), and moisture content of 12% (wb). In this condition, the optimum values of grain damage, threshing efficiency, and seed germination were 3, 98.3, and 84.29%, respectively.