Test of Performance for a Storage System of Raw Cocoa Beans
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Date
27TH MARCH, 2017
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Abstract
ISO standard 8402 defines validation as "confirmation by examination and provision of objective evidence that particular requirements for a specific intended use are fulfilled". In this non-experimental, observational and cross sectional study, the performance of a known conventional storage system was tested and evaluated for fitness for its intended purpose. The system has a scope extended for the storage of dry cocoa beans. System sensitivity, reproducibility and uncertainties are not known in details. This research discussed the system performance in the context of existing literature on factors that influence the quality of agrocommodity during storage.
Controlled conditions were defined precisely for the system as much as possible to enable generalization to be formulated given specific established procedures. MinitabĀ® 17 and R statistical software (R-3.3.1) were used for the statistical Analyses. The approach to the storage system testing was to observe and compare through laboratory test methods the quality of the storage samples before and after storage. The samples were kept in Kilner jars and the temperature of the storage environment controlled and monitored over a period of Four hundred and eight (408) days. Standard test methods use in international trade of cocoa such as the cut test analysis (ISO 1114:1977), moisture determination with Aqua boy KAM III model and bean count determination were used for quality assessment. The data analysis assumed the entire population as a sample in order to attribute generality to the data collected.
The study concluded a statistically significant mean value at 95% CI for the performance data analysed before and after storage for all variables observed. Correlational graphs showed a strong positive correlation for all variables investigated with the exception of All Other Defect (AOD). The weak relationship between the before and after data for AOD had an explained variability of 51.8% with the unexplained variability attributable to the uncontrolled condition of hidden infestation before storage. The research concluded with a high-performance criterion for the storage system after testing due to its ability to maintain the initial quality after storage within industry accepted standard.
Description
A thesis Submitted to the Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Science, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Food Quality Management