MULTIPARAMETRIC SIMULATION OPTIMIZATION OF AN IMPROVED SMALL HOLDING SOAP STAMPING-TABLETING MACHINE

The performance of a Soap Stamping-Tableting was quantified and optimized in this study to response surface methodology. The operational parameters evaluated were conveying speed, stamping and tableting speed, and time of operation while the tableting efficiency, throughput and specific energy consumption of the machine constitutes the responses variables. Response surface analysis was employed and the initial linear models developed augmented to quadratic models when it was established using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and residual plots to estimate the performance of the soap stamping and tableting machine. The developed quadratic models were used to optimize the performance of the soap stamping and tableting machine using the D-optimality approach to establish the optimal factor settings of the soap stamping and tableting machine rounding up to the nearest whole number values are 351rpm, 21rpm, 55 minutes and an overall D-optimality value of 96 for the conveying speed, stamping and tableting speed and time of operation respectively. This soap stamping and tableting machine plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation and enhancing food security, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 1: Zero Hunger. By efficiently manufacturing and packaging soap, this machine enables the creation of small-scale soap businesses, providing income-generating opportunities for individuals in impoverished communities. The resulting economic empowerment helps lift people out of poverty, addressing the root causes of hunger. Additionally, improved hygiene through widespread access to affordable soap contributes to better health outcomes, further supporting the overarching goal of eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable development.