Mechanistic models for predicting specific energy consumption and throughput of palm nut–pulp separator

•Throughput and processing time models for palm nut–pulp separator were developed.•Specific energy consumption prediction model of this machine was also developed.•The models aid replication of optimal designs of this separator.

Prediction models for specific energy consumption and throughput of palm nut–pulp separator were developed using mechanistic modeling technique. These models facilitate the easy production of different sizes of this machine in line with the budgets of the oil palm fruit processors. It also accounts for all the operational parameters of this machine as well as relevant properties of processed materials, digested palm fruit mash, palm nut and pulp. Experimental results indicated over 99% prediction accuracy of the models, while the prediction error of the specific energy consumption and throughput models are within the range of −0.014 to 0.076% and −0.005 to 0.003% respectively.