ABRASIVE PEELING OF POTATOES

For the processing of potatoes in any form, removal of peel is art imp ortant unit operation. Hence, a power operated batch type potato peele r was developed and its performance was evaluated. The main parts of t he machine are a peeling drum and a water spraying unit. The peeling d rum with protrusions on the inside surface rotates and detaches peel f rom potatoes by abrasion. The water spraying unit washes the potatoes and simultaneously peel is removed from the drum through the perforati on along with the flow of water The capacity of the machine is 100 kg/ h with a peeling efficiency and peel losses of 78% and 6%, respectivel y. The machine costs around Rs 6500.00 ($250) along with an electric m otor and is suitable for a small scab processor of potato chips and ot her products. The estimated cost of peeling of I ton potatoes is only Rs 100.00 ($3.85).