Effects of Blending Dairy Manure Compost and Canola Meal on Pellet Quality and Nutrient Concentrations

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-363
Author(s):  
Femi P. Alege ◽  
Gilbert J. Miito ◽  
Lisa W. DeVetter ◽  
Haiying Tao ◽  
Pius M. Ndegwa
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Total Nitrogen ◽  
Dairy Manure ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Canola Meal ◽  
List Type ◽  
Nutrient Contents ◽  
Unit Density ◽  
And Storage

HighlightsNutrient contents and unit density were positively correlated with canola meal blending ratio.Pellet durability, bulk density, and length were inversely correlated with canola meal blending ratio.Pellets produced from compost and 20% canola meal blend were 67% denser than the compost.Pelleting dairy manure and canola meal blends improved nutrient transport and storage.Abstract. The potential for adverse environmental impacts from excess manure nutrients generated in regions with large concentrations of animal production is enormous and real. The goal of this research was to investigate ways of alleviating such threats via pelleting and blending of excess dairy manure nutrients to enhance their value, utilization, transport, and storage. In this study, composted dairy manure was blended with canola meal in ratios ranging from 0% to 40% canola meal prior to pelleting. The pre-pelleting moisture content was set at 21% (wet basis) and an 8 mm diameter die was selected for pelleting, based on previous studies. The effect of canola blending ratio was evaluated against moisture content, unit and bulk densities, recovery, durability, and nutrient concentrations (total nitrogen and phosphate) of the resulting pellets. Results indicated positive correlations between the blending ratio and pellet recovery (r = 0.83), moisture content (r = 0.75), unit density (r = 0.74), total nitrogen (r = 0.99), and phosphate (r = 0.87). In contrast, inverse correlations were observed between the blending ratio and pellet durability (r = -0.93), bulk density (r = -0.99), and length (r = -0.76). No significant differences were observed between the blending ratio and all these parameters for blending ratios of 0% to 15%. However, data indicated significant differences between pellet durability and recovery at blending ratios above 20%. Overall, this study showed that blending dairy manure with up to 15% canola meal significantly (p < 001) improved the nutrient value, storage, and transport. Keywords: Blending, Dairy manure, Durability, Environmental pollution, Pelleting.

Microwave Nondestructive Sensing of Moisture Content and Water Activity of Almonds

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 1373-1379
Author(s):  
Samir Trabelsi
Keyword(s):  
Dielectric Constant ◽  
Dielectric Properties ◽  
Dielectric Loss ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Water Activity ◽  
Free Space ◽  
Loss Factor ◽  
Dielectric Loss Factor ◽  
List Type

HighlightsMoisture and water activity were determined nondestructively and in real time from measurement of dielectric properties.Moisture and water activity calibration equations were established in terms of the dielectric properties.Situations in which bulk density was known or unknown were considered.SEC ranged from 0.41% to 0.68% for moisture and from 0.02 to 0.04 for water activity.Abstract. A method for rapid and nondestructive determination of moisture content and water activity of granular and particulate materials was developed. The method relies on measurement of the dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor at a single microwave frequency. For the purpose of illustration, the method was applied to predicting the moisture content and water activity of almond kernels. A free-space transmission technique was used for accurate measurement of the dielectric properties. Samples of Bute Padre almond kernels with moisture content ranging from 4.8% to 16.5%, wet basis (w.b.), and water activity ranging from 0.50 to 0.93 were loaded into a Styrofoam sample holder and placed between two horn-lens antennas connected to a vector network analyzer. The dielectric properties were calculated from measurement of the attenuation and phase shift at 8 GHz and 25°C. The dielectric properties increased linearly with moisture content, while they showed an exponential increase with water activity. Situations in which the bulk density was known and unknown were considered. Linear and exponential growth regressions provided equations correlating the dielectric properties with moisture content and water activity with coefficients of determination (r2) higher than 0.96. Analytical expressions of moisture content and water activity in terms of the dielectric properties measured at 8 GHz and 25°C are provided. The standard error of calibration (SEC) was calculated for each calibration equation. Results show that moisture content can be predicted with SECs ranging from 0.41% to 0.68% (w.b.) and water activity with SECs ranging from 0.02 to 0.04 for almond kernel samples with water activity ranging from 0.5 to 0.9 and moisture contents ranging from 4.8% to 16.5% (w.b.). Keywords: Bulk density, Dielectric constant, Dielectric loss factor, Free-space measurements, Loss tangent, Microwave frequencies, Moisture content, Water activity.

Effects of Moisture Content and Compaction Pressure on Bulk Density of Rye

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 491-494
Author(s):  
Jonathan Chiputula ◽  
Emmanuel Ajayi ◽  
Ray Bucklin ◽  
Ann R Blount
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Compaction Pressure ◽  
Applied Pressure ◽  
Grain Storage ◽  
List Type ◽  
Moisture Contents ◽  
Storage Structures ◽  
Square Box

HighlightsRye grain compaction was measured for three different moisture contents (8%, 12%, and 16% wet basis) at five different compaction pressures (7, 14, 34, and 55 kPa)Bulk densities were found to be statistically significantly dependent (p < 0.0001) on both the moisture content and applied pressure.Compacted bulk densities increased with increasing applied pressure for all moisture contents.Abstract. Bulk density of agricultural grains is needed to determine the quantity of grain in storage structures and to calculate grain pressures. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of moisture content and applied pressure on bulk density of rye grain at moisture contents and pressures typical of those seen in storage structures. Rye compaction was measured for three moisture contents (8%, 12%, and 16% wet basis) at four compaction pressures (7, 14, 34, and 55 kPa) using a square box (based on the design used by Thompson and Ross, 1983). Data from the compaction tests were used to calculate the bulk densities for the three moisture contents and four compaction pressures. The bulk densities were found to be significantly dependent (p <0.0001) both on moisture contents and the pressure applied. Bulk densities varied with increasing moisture content as has been observed in similar studies for rye and other agricultural grains such as wheat and soybeans. These results provide guidance for estimating bulk density of rye in bins and other storage structures. Keywords: Grain compaction, Grain storage, Kernel rearrangement, Kernel elasticity.

scholarly journals Physical properties of beans of the BRSMG majestoso cultivar during drying

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Almeida Da Paixão ◽  
Paulo Cesar Corrêa ◽  
Fernanda Machado Baptestini ◽  
Juliana Soares Zeymer ◽  
Jaime Daniel Bustos-Vanegas
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Unit Volume ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
Grain Weight ◽  
Projected Area ◽  
Unit Density ◽  
1000 Grain Weight

Beans are the main source of protein of plant origin in the Brazilian diet, they also contain phenolic compounds, antioxidants, iron, fibers and vitamins. The BRSMG Majestoso cultivar belongs to the commercial group of carioca beans, displays high productivity, excellent health and a 90-day cycle, has high yield and is resistant to disease. The study of physical properties enables the prediction of agricultural products behavior relative to responses of physical and chemical treatments, in order to allow the maintenance of quality and safety of processed foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of drying on the physical characteristics of beans of the BRSMG Majestoso cultivar. Beans with an initial moisture content of approximately 0.2660 d.b. (dry basis) were used, and dried at 40ºC. The following physical characteristics were determined: bulk density, unit density, intergranular porosity, 1000-grain weight, sphericity, circularity, geometric diameter, unit volume, projected area, surface area and the surface to volume ratio. Based on the results, a reduction in the moisture content of the beans promotes an increase in bulk density, unit density, porosity, sphericity, circularity and the surface to volume ratio. Conversely, the 1000-grain weight, geometric diameter, unit volume, projected area and surface area decreased as the moisture content of the beans was reduced.

Modeling Cotton Module Builder and Loader to Enhance Biomass Testing

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 911-928
Author(s):  
Alvin. R Womac ◽  
Erin  E. Byers ◽  
Kimberly  G. Thomas ◽  
Boone   Hillenbrand ◽  
Andrew   Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Normal Stress ◽  
Dimensional Analysis ◽  
Biological Material ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
List Type ◽  
Normal Stresses ◽  
Seed Cotton ◽  
Commercial Unit

HighlightsPhysical models of module builder and module loader were developed to enhance biomass testing with reduced mass and volume of biomass.Models used dimensional analysis, Pi Terms, and engineering factors and emphasis on reduced module upsetting and disturbance.Some engineering terms such as tamping face pressure and velocity, and particle size were not scaled to reduce biological-material distortions.Switchgrass bulk density at 8% wet basis for prototype and model were 115 and 80 kg m-3, respectively.Abstract. The objective was to design and implement separate models of a first-generation cotton module builder and a module loader that facilitated tamping quasi-confined biomass and the minimal disturbances of modules during emptying from the builder and during loader operations including unloading. The 122-cm long model, compared to 978-cm long prototype, reduced the mass of module contents required for testing from 6188 to 44 kg, or by a factor of 141:1. The tamping process was emphasized with constant tamper pressure of 76.6 kPa applied to module contents for prototype and model. Consistent properties such as SG characteristic length were also held constant among module sizes to reduce the complications of introducing un-anticipated biological-material distortions. Similarities in design aspects beyond dimensional analysis were emphasized to reduce inadvertent module upset and disturbance. Hydraulics ensured uniform tamping and lifting. An efficient module box for the model resembled the prototype-scale commercial unit with z-shaped ribs and upward-tapered module sides. Seed cotton [8% moisture wet basis (w.b.)] bulk densities for prototype and model were 166 and 107 kg m-3, respectively. Bulk densities for switchgrass (8% w.b.) prototype and model were 115 and 81 kg m-3, respectively. Reduced bulk density of models was attributed to essentially no external confinement stresses being applied to modules at rest resulting in only self-imposed confinement stresses due to module content over-burden. However, unconfined modules may have a role in handling biomass for reduced distances. Also related to minimizing module upsetting, module loading emphasized the counter-motions of advancing the loader versus the conveyor motion in the opposite direction, all driven with an electric motor. Module stability during loading was attributed to a self-imposed normal stress of module weight acting downward onto a horizontal plane of the module. The fixed loading angle of 15° and material bulk properties were held constant between prototype and model. Dependent variable for the module loader was normal stress for module stability. Normal stresses resulting from seed cotton at 8% moisture content (wet basis) were 4.754 and 0.637 kPa, respectively. Normal stresses for chopped SG at 8% moisture content (wet basis) were 3.302 and 0.484 kPa, respectively. Biomass modules would not be as stable as cotton modules based on normal stress, and due to lack of intermeshing cotton fibers. Results of loading and unloading a dozen SG model modules resulted in one module failure due to upset, and that was attributed to a 2-layer fill versus 3-layer fill for that one module. Keywords:

Mathematical Modelling, Moisture Transport, Shrinkage and Nutrient Content Properties in Drying Selected African Leafy Vegetables

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-104
Author(s):  
Gibson P Mutuli ◽  
Duncan O Mbuge ◽  
Ayub N Gitau
Keyword(s):  
Activation Energy ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Moisture Transport ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Moisture Loss ◽  
List Type ◽  
Drying Pattern ◽  
Page Model ◽  
And Storage

HighlightsPage model best described their drying pattern at moisture content above 0.5 w.b.Shrinkage linearly correlates to moisture loss.Activation energy correlates to air temperature.Vitamins A, C, and E are preserved by drying and storage. ABSTRACT. The study investigated physical, thermodynamic, and nutritional properties with drying and storage of selected African green leafy vegetables. The vegetables studied were: (Jute Mallow), (Slender Leaf), (Cowpea), (Nightshade), and (Amaranthus). Drying experiment was done at 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C in a convective laboratory dryer and drying was pattern fitted to existing models, moisture diffusivity, and activation energy trends were determined, shrinkage was determined from change in leaf thickness, and vitamins A, C, and E were analyzed using spectroscopy and high-pressure liquid chromatography as freshly harvested and after drying at 40°C and storage for 60 days. Results showed that drying occurred in the falling rate period and Page model could simulate the drying pattern of the vegetables with a ˜97% correlation between the empirical and predicted values with the model prediction being precise above 0.5 moisture content on wet basis (w.b.). Shrinkage was found to be a function of moisture loss at a range of 89% to 98% linear correlation. The rate of moisture loss and activation energy correlated with air temperature. The trend in the drying characteristics and moisture transport of the vegetables was unique with each vegetable. Drying at 40°C and storage for 60 days realized a retention in the scale range of 50% to 75% for vitamins A, C, and E. The study showed that drying is an effective way to preserve the vegetables. Keywords: Mathematical modeling, Mass transfer, Nutrient preservation, Shrinkage, Thermodynamic properties.

scholarly journals A comparative study of physical properties of selected rice varieties in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 4-9
Author(s):  
Olasunkanmi Arije ◽  
Babatunde Adewumi ◽  
Tajudeen Olayanju ◽  
Babatunde Adetifa
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Rice Varieties ◽  
Kernel Weights ◽  
Linear Dimensions ◽  
Mean Diameter ◽  
And Storage

Rice is now the main food for about 35 million people in Nigeria, and consumption is increasing faster than that of any other food crop in many countries in Africa. This study provided essential engineering data on the physical properties of selected varieties of local rice in Nigeria. Some selected physical properties of Igbemo, Ofa- da and Abakaliki rice varieties at harvest, market, and storage conditions were evaluated as a function of moisture content. The latter ranged from 12.38 to 25.69% (dry base). We also determined the physical properties of the rice samples, such as moisture content, linear dimensions, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, surface area, aspect ratio, sphericity, bulk density, and hundred kernel weights. A result of the linear dimensions for the major diameter was 8.4–10.3 mm, 6.4–6.55 mm, and 5.9–7.4 mm for harvested, marketed, and stored rice, respec- tively. The minor diameter ranged from 2.70 to 3.29 mm, 2.49 to 2.63 mm, and 2.56 to 2.74 mm, and the intermedi- ate diameter of the rice varieties at harvest, market, and storage conditions was 1.92–2.29 mm, 1.90–2.02 mm, and 1.87–1.99 mm, respectively. Depending on the conditions and varieties, the bulk density, true density, and porosity, was observed to be between 0.59 to 0.90 g/cm3, 2.28 to 5.57 g/cm3 and 70.38 to 85.35% respectively.

scholarly journals Single Screw Extrusion Processing of Soy White Flakes Based Catla Feed

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushil Kumar Singh ◽  
Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Water Absorption ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Expansion Ratio ◽  
Absorption Index ◽  
Catla Catla ◽  
Single Screw ◽  
Extrusion Processing ◽  
Durability Index ◽  
Unit Density

<p>An initial investigation into the inclusion of soy white flakes (SWF) and high protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG) in catla (<em>Catla catla</em>) diet, belonging to the family Cyprinidae, was conducted using a single screw extruder. Three isocaloric (302 kcal/100 g) ingredient blends containing graded levels of SWF in combination with HP-DDG and other required ingredients were formulated to contain a net protein content of 31.5% (wet basis). Extrusion processing was then performed using three levels each of SWF content, moisture content, and temperature gradient keeping a constant screw speed and die diameter. Effects of these variables on extrudate physical properties including: color, pellet durability index, bulk density, water absorption index, water solubility index, unit density and expansion ratio were extensively analyzed. Increasing the level of SWF resulted in increase in water absorption index and unit density but decrease in expansion ratio. The interaction effect of SWF content, moisture content and temperature were significant for color, pellet durability index, bulk density and expansion ratio. All the extrudates showed relatively high pellet durability and inclusion of SWF produced less expanded and more compact textured extrudates.</p>

Barley seed storage under controlled conditions

2019 ◽  
pp. 140-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. A. Zadorozhna ◽  
T. P. Shyianova ◽  
M.Yu. Skorokhodov
Keyword(s):  
Hordeum Vulgare ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Spring Barley ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Meteorological Conditions ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
And Storage

Seed longevity of 76 spring barley gene pool samples (Hordeum vulgare L. subsp. distichon, convar. distichon: 56 nutans Schubl., two deficience (Steud.) Koern., two erectum Rode ex Shuebl., two medicum Koern.; convar. nudum (L.) A.Trof.: one nudum L. та subsp. vulgare: convar. vulgare: nine pallidum Ser., three rikotense Regel.; convar. coeleste (L.) A.Trof.: one coeleste (L.) A.Trof.) from 26 countries, 11 years and four places of reproduction was analyzed. Seeds with 5–8% moisture content were stored in chamber with unregulated and 4oC temperature. The possibility of seed storage under these conditions for at least 10 years without significant changes in germination has been established. The importance of meteorological conditions in the formation and ripening of seeds for their longevity is confirmed. The relationship between the decrease of barley seeds longevity and storage conditions, amount of rainfall, temperature regime during the growing season of plants is discussed.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of the Properties of Wood Flour and Wood Pellets Manufactured from Secondary Processing Mill Residues

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 2487
Author(s):  
Geeta Pokhrel ◽  
Yousoo Han ◽  
Douglas J. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Wood Flour ◽  
The United States ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Wood Pellets ◽  
Secondary Processing ◽  
Material Costs ◽  
Mill Residues

The generation of secondary processing mill residues from wood processing facilities is extensive in the United States. Wood flour can be manufactured utilizing these residues and an important application of wood flour is as a filler in the wood–plastic composites (WPCs). Scientific research on wood flour production from mill residues is limited. One of the greatest costs involved in the supply chain of WPCs manufacturing is the transportation cost. Wood flour, constrained by low bulk densities, is commonly transported by truck trailers without attaining allowable weight limits. Because of this, shipping costs often exceed the material costs, consequently increasing raw material costs for WPC manufacturers and the price of finished products. A bulk density study of wood flour (190–220 kg/m3) and wood pellets (700–750 kg/m3) shows that a tractor-trailer can carry more than three times the weight of pellets compared to flour. Thus, this study focuses on exploring the utilization of mill residues from four wood species in Maine to produce raw materials for manufacturing WPCs. Two types of raw materials for the manufacture of WPCs, i.e., wood flour and wood pellets, were produced and a study of their properties was performed. At the species level, red maple 40-mesh wood flour had the highest bulk density and lowest moisture content. Spruce-fir wood flour particles were the finest (dgw of 0.18 mm). For all species, the 18–40 wood flour mesh size possessed the highest aspect ratio. Similarly, on average, wood pellets manufactured from 40-mesh particles had a lower moisture content, higher bulk density, and better durability than the pellets from unsieved wood flour. Red maple pellets had the lowest moisture content (0.12%) and the highest bulk density (738 kg/m3). The results concluded that the processing of residues into wood flour and then into pellets reduced the moisture content by 76.8% and increased the bulk density by 747%. These material property parameters are an important attempt to provide information that can facilitate the more cost-efficient transport of wood residue feedstocks over longer distances.

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