Experimental Determination of the Coefficent of Friction between Palm Nut and Iron

Abstract

The oil palm (elaeis guineensis) commonly called African oil palm produces two very important products – the palm oil and palm kernel oil. They are used for food and industrial purposes. The palm kernel is obtained from the nut by cracking the palm nut using centrifugal machines. The design and operation of the palm nut cracking machines require the knowledge of the coefficient of friction between the palm nut and the metal (iron) that is used to make the cracking drum. The necessary coefficients of friction have therefore been experimentally determined. The coefficient of friction between dry palm nut and iron is 0.36, that between oil lubricated palm nut and iron is 0.30 a decrease of 17% and the coefficient of friction between dry palm fruit fiber and iron is 0.37.

Keywords: Experimentally, Determine, Coefficient, Friction, Palm, Nut.