Moisture Dependent Geometric and Mechanical Properties of Wild Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Nut and Kernel

In this research, wild pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) nuts and kernels were analyzed for selected geometric properties and mechanical behavior under compression loading. The average length, width and thickness arithmetic and geometric mean diameter of wild pistachio nuts at 5.83% w.b. were 13.98, 8.76, 7.25, 9.93, and 9.75 mm, while the corresponding values of kernels at 6.03% w.b. moisture content were 11.07, 5.92, 4.83, 7.21, and 6.88 mm, respectively. As the moisture content of pistachio nut increased from 5.83 to 30.73% w.b., the bulk density, apparent density and terminal velocity were found to increase from 521 to 543 kgm^?3, 809 to 829 kgm^?3, and 5.51 to 6.29 ms^?1, respectively, whereas porosity decreased from 35.14% to 34.63%. The results revealed that wild pistachio nut required higher rupture force and energy to crack wild pistachio nuts for compression along the L-axis as compared to other two axes.     

Moisture Dependent Physical Properties of Dry Sweet Corn Kernels

Physical properties of sweet corn kernels have been evaluated as a function of kernel moisture content, varying from 9.12 to 17.06% (db). In the moisture range, kernel length, width, thickness, and geometric mean diameter increased linearly from 9.87 to11.09 mm, 7.41 to 9.25 mm, 3.25 to 4.37 mm, and 6.18 to 7.62 mm, respectively, with increase in moisture content from 9.12–17.06%. The sphericity index, kernel volume, kernel surface area, and thousand seed weight increased linearly from 62.6 to 68.8, 93.8 to 194.3 mm³, 120.1 to 182.9 mm², and 220 to 268 gr, respectively. Apparent density and bulk density decreased linearly from 1.315 to 1.232 g/cm³ and 0.765 to 0.698 g/cm³, respectively, while bulk porosity increased from 41.8 to 43.3%. The highest static coefficient of friction was found on the plywood surface. The static coefficient of friction increased from 0.680 to 0.891, 0.605 to 0.741, and 0.530 to 0.644 for plywood, galvanized iron, and aluminum surfaces, respectively. The angle of repose increased linearly from 30.2 to 35.2° with the increase of moisture content.     

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GRAM AS A FUNCTION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

This study was carried out to determine the effect of moisture content on some physical properties of gram. Six levels of moisture content ranging from 10.83 to 31.20 percent (dry basis) were considered for this study. Length, width, thickness, diameter of equivalent sphere, mass of 1000 grains and porosity increased linearly from 7.968 to 8.758 mm, 5.864 to 6.554 mm, 5.713 to 6.359 mm, 6.770 to 8.795 mm, 137.97 to 172.73 g, and 33.17 to 35.85% respectively with the increase of moisture content from 10.83 to 31.20%. The angle of repose increased from 27.03 to 33.27° with the increase of moisture content. Bulk density and true density decreased linearly from 787.31 kg/m³ to 712.61 kg/m³ and 1398 kg/m³ to 1250 kg/m³, respectively. Static coefficient of friction was determined over plywood, galvanized steel, celluloid sheet, and glass sheet. Static coefficient of friction varied from material to material and depended on the roughness and wetness of the true. The highest coefficient of static friction was found over plywood and lowest for glass sheet among the materials tested.     

Influence of Moisture Content and Temperature on Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusivity of Rice Flours

The thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity for four types of rice flours and one type of rice protein were determined at temperatures ranging from 4.8 to 36.8?°C, bulk densities 535 to 875.8 kg m^?3, and moisture contents 2.6 to 16.7% (w.b.), using a KD2 Thermal Properties Analyzer. The thermal conductivity of rice flours and rice protein increased with the increase in temperature, moisture content as well as with increase in bulk density. Thermal diffusivity decreased with increase in moisture content, increase in temperature and bulk density. The thermal conductivities values obtained were within the range of 0.045 to 0.124 W m^?1 K^?1 whereas the thermal diffusivity values were in the range of 0.094 to 0.138 mm² s^?1.     

Thermal Properties of Sweet Potato with its Moisture Content and Temperature

Thermal properties of sweet potato were experimentally determined and modeled as a function of temperature and moisture content. The purpose is to develop empirical correlations that could predict thermal properties during sweet potato processing. Thermal conductivity from the study was 0.49 ± 0.038 Wm^?1K^?1 (mean ± s.d.), thermal diffusivity was 1.2?×?10^?7 ± 9.05?×?10^?9 m²s^?1, specific heat was 3660 ± 477.4 Jkg^?1K^?1, and density was 1212 ± 73.5 kgm^?3. All properties were determined within temperature range of 20 to 60°C and moisture content range of 0.45 to 0.75 w.b. Prediction models for the thermal properties of sweet potato were developed as a function of product temperature and moisture content with experimental data from this study. Mechanistic models were also developed for thermophysical properties of sweet potato using major food components of the product. Developed models were all presented and compared.     

Resistant starch production from mango starch using a single‐screw extruder

Resistant starches were prepared from mango starch by extrusion. An experimental design with independent variables temperature, screw speed and moisture content produced 20 samples that were studied to determine the effect of these variables on resistant starch (RS) content, water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI). RS content was affected by moisture content and temperature. Screw speed and temperature also influenced RS content, the highest level (97 g kg⁻¹) being obtained at low screw speed and high temperature, this pattern can be associated with a longer residence time, which gives rise to more opportunity for amylose chain association. The regression model fitted to the RS experimental results showed a good correlation coefficient (0.80). When moisture content and temperature decreased, WAI increased (105–142 g kg⁻¹), but low WAI values (70–77 g kg⁻¹) were obtained at moisture contents between 200 and 300 g kg⁻¹ and high temperatures (140–150 °C). When moisture content and temperature increased, WSI increased (222–332 g kg⁻¹), but at high temperature value (120 °C) assayed and the lowest moisture content (150 g kg⁻¹), WSI also increased. In the range of moisture contents tested and at low temperatures, only partial gelatinisation occurred and low solubility was obtained. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of cooking and drying on the thermal conductivity of rice

The transient line source technique was used to determine the thermal conductivity of rice during cooking and drying of cooked rice. A temperature range of 50‐70°C, moisture content of 10‐70% (wet basis), bulk (packing) density range of 500‐850 kg/m³ and porosity range of 0.265‐0.7 were studied. Thermal conductivity increased with increasing temperature, moisture content and bulk density, and the values were in the range 0.082‐0.543 W/m °C. This value is comparable with the literature values for granular and gelatinized starch. The data on the effect of phase change due to gelatinization have also been included. The experimental values were statistically analyzed and empirical polynomial equations were developed in terms of temperature, bulk density, porosity and moisture content of rice during cooking and drying the cooked material.     

Evaluation and Modeling of the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Watermelon Seed of Different Varieties

In this study, the aerodynamic properties of three varieties of watermelon seeds as a function of moisture content were evaluated and modeled. The watermelon seed varieties used were Charleston grey, Kaolack, and Sugar baby, and their moisture content ranged from 8.61 to 24.26, 10.30 to 26.11, and 7.78 to 23.23% wet basis (wb), respectively. The results showed that the terminal velocity of the Charleston grey, Kaolack, and Sugar baby varieties increased from 5.27 to 6.67, 4.40 to 6.23, and 4.00 to 6.60 ms^–1, respectively, as the moisture content increased. The Reynolds number of the three watermelon seed varieties increased with the increasing seed moisture content, while the drag coefficient generally decreased as the seed moisture content increased. Analysis of variance showed that the moisture content of the three watermelon seed varieties had significant effects on all the aerodynamics properties (p < 0.05). Mathematical models were developed to relate the moisture content of watermelon seeds with the values of the aerodynamic properties investigated.     

PHYSICAL,CHEMICAL, and THERMAL CHARACTERIZATION of WHEAT FLOUR MILLING COPRODUCTS1,2

Hard red winter (HRW) and hard red spring (HRS) wheat milling coproducts (bran, germ, shorts, and red dog) from three commercial flour mills and the Kansas State University pilot mill were evaluated for differences in physical, chemical, and thermal properties. the ranges of bulk density for bran, germ, and red dog determined at three moisture levels were 146.5 to 205.2 kgm^?3, 269.2 to 400.6 kgm^?3, and 298.9 to 398.1 kgm^?3, respectively. the true density ranking order was: red dog >shorts = germ >bran, independently of the moisture level. Red dog had the smallest geometrical mean diameter with the highest variation (coefficient of variation of 23.8%). There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference among wheat blends and milling flows in the thickness of bran and germ at the same particle separation size. the image analysis study determined that the equivalent projected area diameter of bran at the same separation size was significantly (P < 0.05) larger than that of germ. the ratio between the equivalent projected area diameter and the particle thickness were within ranges of 15.7 to 37.6 for bran and 15.5 to 32.2 for germ particles. the chemical composition (ash, protein, lipids and fiber) ranges were determined for each coproduct. Ranges of thermal conductivity for bran, germ, shorts, and red dog were 0.049 to 0.074, 0.054 to 0.0907, 0.057 to 0.076, and 0.063 to 0.080 W(mK)^?1, respectively. Specific heat of coproducts, measured with a differential scanning calorimeter, exhibited a wider range [1.08–1.94 kJ(kgK)^?1] than that observed in whole wheat kernels and wheat flour. the variability observed among the samples was due to the different wheat sources and characteristic milling flows for the flour mills.     

Measurement of wood grain angle, moisture content and density using microwaves

In many wood products manufacturing processes, it is important to ensure that the physical properties of the raw material lie within acceptable ranges and are measured reliably. It is also important for practical use that the measurement process is robust, low-maintenance, fast and preferably non-contacting. This paper describes the development and demonstration of a microwave system for simultaneously identifying wood grain angle, moisture and density. The method involves propagating a microwave beam through the wood and measuring the resulting depolarization, attenuation and phase shift. The wood physical properties can then be identified from these measurements. In a series of measurements, the prototype microwave system successfully identified wood grain angles for hemlock and Douglas fir respectively with standard errors of 0.9° and 2.5° (measured range = -90° to +90°), moisture content 1.2% and 1.9% (measured range = 7–28%), moisture density 3.7 kg/m³ and 7.9 kg/m³ (measured range = 40–150 kg/m³, and dry density 16 kg/m³ and 30 kg/m³ (measured range = 325–625 kg/m³).     

Sorption equilibrium moisture and isosteric heat of adsorption of Chinese dried wheat noodles

Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) data for dried wheat noodles of ten Chinese varieties were collected by a gravimetric method at 11–96% equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) and 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C. Five models were fitted to the sorption data, namely the modified Chung Pfost equation (MCPE), modified Henderson equation (MHE), modified Guggenheim Anderson deBoer equation (MGAB), modified Oswin equation (MOE), and a polynomial equation. The best fitting equations were MGAB and the polynomial equation. At a constant ERH, the EMC decreased with increasing temperature, despite the minor effect of temperature on the sorption isotherms of dried noodles. Initially, the isosteric heats of adsorption for dried wheat noodles decrease rapidly with increasing sample moisture content (m.c.); however, after the moisture content is more than 15% of the dry basis (d.b.), they decrease slowly with increasing m.c. The heat of vaporization of Chinese dried wheat noodles approaches the latent heat of pure water at a moisture content of ∼20% d.b., which is ∼2500 kJ/kg. The isosteric heats of sorption of Chinese dried noodles predicted by MCPE and MHE models at lower temperatures were higher than those at higher temperatures. When the equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) is 60%, the safe-storage moisture content of Chinese dried wheat noodles are 11.74% and 11.57% d.b. at 25 °C and 35 °C, respectively. Among ten varieties of dried wheat noodles, the egg-flavoured noodle had the highest onset temperature (T_o), peak temperature (T_p), and conclusion temperature (T_c) of gelatinization, but the golden-silk egg noodles had the highest peak enthalpy of gelatinization. The gelatinization T_o, T_p, and T_c of golden-silk egg noodles were the lowest. Most of the ten varieties of dried wheat noodles demonstrated similar thermal properties and hygroscopic behaviour.     

Effects of species and moisture content on penetration of liquid in laser incised lumber by the passive impregnation method

Penetration of liquid by passive impregnation method for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Franco), sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) and Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis Gordon) was studied. Effects of initial moisture content of sugi (16, 43 and 70% moisture content) on liquid penetration were also studied. Dried Douglas-fir (mc=14%) and sugi (mc=16%), and green Japanese larch (mc=45%) and sugi (mc=70%) were treated by passive impregnation method for penetration analysis. It was observed that dried sugi had the highest level of liquid penetration both in length (170 mm) and width (8 mm) for all measured sections followed by green sugi, green Japanese larch and dried Douglas-fir. In case of different initial moisture content, the highest absorption (624 kg/m³) and penetration (maximum 87 and 96% at cross and longitudinal surfaces, respectively) was observed for sugi having the lowest initial moisture content under the same passive impregnation conditions. Absorption and penetration decreased with the increase of initial moisture content for sugi. These results could help in designing incising pattern and density, as well as solving the problems related to high initial moisture content of wood for passive impregnation.     

Some physical properties of paddy and rice and their interrelations

Grain dimensions, density, bulk density, porosity and angle of repose of paddy and rice were studied with respect to (a) varietal difference, (b) effect of moisture content, and (c) effect of degree of milling.

• (a) Grain breadth and thickness were mutually correlated; all dimensions of milled rice were closely related to those of the corresponding paddy. Density was nearly constant at 1.452 g/ml in all rice varieties; in paddy, the value was around 1.182 g/ml for round varieties and around 1.224 g/ml for others. Bulk density varied appreciably in both rice (0.777–0.847) and paddy (0.563–0.642 g/ml), and so did porosity (41–46% in rice, 46–54% in paddy). These were related to the grain shape (l/b ratio); the more round the grain, the greater was the bulk density and the lower the porosity and vice versa. Angle of repose was relatively constant in different varieties of rice (average 37.5°) and paddy (average 36.5°).
• (b) With increasing moisture content, in rice, density decreased linearly; but the bulk density decreased twice as fast and the porosity increased owing to a concurrent progressive increase in the frictional property which decreased the degree of grain packing. In paddy, with increasing moisture content, density and bulk density increased, showing the presence of void space between the husk and the kernel; the angle of repose also increased moderately, but the porosity remained nearly constant.
• (c) Density of rice increased slightly with milling; but bulk density, porosity and angle of repose were markedly affected by the degree of milling. In general, with progressive milling, bulk density decreased at first and then increased, while porosity and angle of repose changed in reverse fashion—the changes being more pronounced in parboiled rice than in raw rice. Thus brown rice packed well and flowed freely; rice of intermediate polish, particularly parboiled rice, had poor packing and flow properties; and fully milled rice again packed and flowed well. The primary change in these was in frictional property, which affected the porosity and hence the bulk density. The frictional property in turn was related primarily to the surface fat content of the rice. The surface fat increased sharply on initial milling, more in parboiled rice, and then gradually disappeared on full milling.

     

Structural and Enzymic Changes in Germinated Barley and Rye

Germination of barley and rye grains at 15°C and 56% moisture content resulted in the production of α-amylase, β-glucanase, endo-β-xylanase and α-arabinosidase. During germination of rye, enzyme activity increased significantly after the first day, whereas in the case of barley a rapid increase was not observed until after the third or fourth day. Rye varieties produced more xylanase, whereas barley produced more α-amylase and β-glucanase. Of the barley samples, germinated Pokko had the highest activities of β-glucanase, xylanase and α-amylase, and at 46% moisture content highest degradation of cell walls on the basis of image analysis. Arve had the highest α-arabinofuranosidase activity. Of the rye samples, Amando produced more xylanase and α-arabinosidase than Anna. The M_w of barley and rye β-glucan decreased significantly during germination. In rye samples, residual high molecular weight arabinoxylans were still present after 4 days of germination. The mass average molecular weight (M_w) of this fraction was 3 × 10⁶.     

Kinetics of moisture loss and fat absorption during frying for different varieties of plantain

This study compares the behaviour of four varieties of green plantain at their initial stage of maturity during the frying process. A variety traditionally used for the manufacture of thin plantain chips (Dominico Hartón commun) and three other varieties found in Latin America (Bouroukou, Bluggoe and FHIA 21) were used. The varieties were characterised by measuring initial moisture content, total sugar content, reducing sugar content, starch content and apparent density. Moisture loss and fat uptake kinetics during frying were assessed at different temperatures (145, 165 and 185°C). With all four varieties, the time required to produce a final moisture content of 40 g kg⁻¹ (wb) was about 90 s at 165°C and 185°C. Use of a lower temperature (145°C) extended the processing time to 150 s. On the other hand, temperature had very little effect on fat content, which proved to be essentially determined by the variety of plantain. Fat content for final water content levels of 40 g kg⁻¹ (wb) ranged from 300 g kg⁻¹ (wb) for Bouroukou to 450 g kg⁻¹ (wb) for Bluggoe regardless of the processing temperature. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

The resistance of packed beds of moth gram (Vigna aconitifolius) to airflow

The resistance of packed beds of clean moth gram (Vigna aconitifolius) to airflow was studied at moisture contents varying from 5.64 to 19.42% dry basis (d.b.) and at superficial air velocities ranging between 0.0104 and 0.8321 m s^?1 with bed depths of 0.2–0.6 m and bulk densities ranging from 745 to 875 kg m^?3. The airflow resistance of moth gram increased with increase in airflow rate and bulk density and decreased with moisture content. Results indicated that a 13.78% increase in moisture content decreased the pressure drop by 26.58% whereas, a 7.7% increase in bulk density increased the pressure drop by 43%. The modified Shedd's equation and Hukill and Ives equation were evaluated to see if they predicted pressure drop accurately. Airflow resistance was accurately described by the modified Shedd's equation. The statistical model that related airflow rate and bulk density could fit pressure drop data reasonably well. For loose fill beds an increase in grain moisture content increased the minimum fluidization velocity value from 1.1009 to 1.2391 m s^?1 whereas, for grain beds with 12.47% moisture content, the increase in bulk density decreased the minimum fluidization velocity value from 1.1152 to 1.0306 m s^?1.     

Pectinesterase Activity and Proximate Analyses of Sea Buckthorn Juices

Three varieties of sea buckthorn fruit were harvested and pressed to obtain juices. These were analyzed for pectin methylesterase activity, moisture, nitrogen, oil, pH, total acid, and °Brix. Yields of press juice for Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. rhamnoides L. varieties Luchistaya, Prozrachnaya, and ssp. mongolica Rousi cv. Indian Summer were 68%, 69%, and 66% w/w, respectively. Differences in juice composition were found to be in moisture content, °Brix, pH, and in total acid with the Luchistaya variety having the highest acid levels and lowest pH. Pectin methylesterase (PME) was present in all sea buckthorn juices with initial activity levels of 6.8 to 14.0 μ equivalents per min per 100 g of juice at pH 8 and 23 °C. Activity was pH‐dependent with little PME activity at pH 3 to 5 and the highest activity at pH 8. The cream, pellet, and serum layers of centrifuged juices all contained PME. Heat treatment reduced PME activity in the juices by 1 decimal reduction or less.     

大豆堆压缩密度与体变模量研究

使用LHT-1型粮食回弹模量仪测定不同含水率不同围压的大豆堆的压缩密度与体变模量。测定结果表明:未受压缩的大豆堆密度随着含水率(8.58%~16.52%w.b.)的增大而减小(718~680 kg/m3),呈线性关系;不同含水率大豆堆的压缩密度随着围压(0~124 k Pa)的增大而增大,趋向各自的最大值,这些最大值随着含水率的增大而增大(774~914 kg/m3);大豆堆的体变模量随着围压的增大而增大,随着含水率的增大而减小。依据测定的数据,建立了以含水率与围压作为自变量压缩密度作为函数的预测模型,建立了以含水率与围压作为自变量体变模量作为函数的预测模型。模型预测的压缩密度、体变模量与实验测定值几乎一致(平均误差分别为5.2%和5.4%)。     

Effect of Feed Moisture and Barrel Temperature on Physical Properties of Extruded Cowpea Meal

Whole cowpeas were decorticated, adjusted to moisture contents of 20, 30 and 40%, chopped into coarse meals and extruded on a Wayne pilot-scale extrudel (19 mm × 475 mm barrel, 5:1 compression screw, 4.76 mm i.d. die) at barrel temperatures of 150°, 175° and 200°C. Measured product temperatures ranged from 130-164°C. Product moistures ranged from 10–34% and were affected mainly by initial moisture. Expansion at the die was highest for 20% moisture extrudates (1.7–1.9), and lowest for 40% samples (0.9- 1.3). The 20%-150° extrudate was dense (0.45 g/cm³) and twisted. The 20%-175° product was highly expanded (0.23 g/cm³). Other products were intermediate in density. Tristimulus color values were determined.     

Demineralisation of vinasse by electrodialysis

The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of demineralising vinasse by electrodialysis. A prototype laboratory electrodialyzer was used with ‘Selemion’ (Asahi Glass Co) ion-exchange membranes at a constant current density between 5 and 15 mA cm⁻².Electrodialysis with cation- and anion-exchange membranes can remove 70–85% of ash from vinasse at a current density in the range 5–15 mA cm⁻² at 35°C and at a vinasse concentration of 6–20°Brix. The current density exerts most influence on vinasse demineralisation kinetics. The process ran with highest intensity at maximal current density, that is 15 mA cm⁻². An increase in vinasse concentration from 6 to 20°Brix reduces the loss of dry organic matter in the demineralisation process. An increase in temperature from 15 to 35°C increased ash removal by about 5%. The vinasse velocity through the desalting compartments within the range of 2–10 cm s⁻¹ has no significant influence on the demineralisation process.During electrodialysis the pH of vinasse decreases. When the vinasse is demineralised to the extent of 80%, K⁺ ions are completely removed, the Na⁺ ion content is decreased by about 52%, that of Ca²⁺ by about 40% and that of Mg²⁺ by about 19%. The sulphate content decreases by about 38% when vinasse is demineralised by 76%. During vinasse demineralisation its betaine content does not change, and the percent of total amino acids in the remaining dry matter increases. With increasing demineralisation the energy consumption per gram of ash removed increases. To obtain 75% demineralisation about 10 Wh g⁻¹ of ash were required.