Results of Experimental Studies on the Cleaner-Separator for Fodder Pumpkin Seeds

Modern agriculture pays significant attention to the efficient use of plant raw materials for obtaining high-quality seed material and feed products. One of the promising crops in this regard is fodder pumpkin, whose seeds are used for oil production, while the pulp and other residues serve as valuable animal feed. However, the effective extraction of seeds and separation of waste require specialized technical solutions. Therefore, the development and improvement of equipment for the mechanized cleaning and sorting of fodder pumpkin seeds is a relevant area of scientific research. The extraction of pumpkin seeds consists of three main operations: fruit destruction, separation of seeds from the placenta and pulp, and removal of seeds from the crushed pulp mass. The primary energy expenditures in the seed extraction process are associated with the separation stage. It is known that pumpkin fruits contain only 2.5–4.0% seeds by total mass, necessitating the processing of a significant amount of raw material. A new design of a cleaner-separator for fodder pumpkin fruits has been proposed, incorporating a system of rollers with rubber edges, which effectively capture, transport, and clean the seeds. The use of pentagonal rollers with varying elasticity ensures optimal cleaning parameters, reduces seed losses, and improves seed quality. Research on the impact of roller rotation frequency has shown that the optimal range is 200–300 rpm. At this speed, the best balance is achieved between seed cleaning efficiency, minimal seed damage, and contamination levels. The results of experimental studies confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed design. It was found that for optimal cleaning performance, the roller elasticity should be within the range of 1.2–2.2 MPa. Additionally, it was established that the overlap between the rollers is not a decisive factor in cleaning quality, but a 1–3 mm overlap is recommended to increase the durability of the mechanism. The obtained results can be applied in the development of new technological solutions for pumpkin seed cleaning and separation, contributing to improved efficiency in its cultivation and processing in the agricultural sector.