Comparative analysis of the physical properties of two varieties of periwinkle relevant to the design of processing equipment

Abstract

The physical properties of agricultural products are essential in designing machines, equipment, and systems for efficient processing operations. Two periwinkle varieties, viz Tympanotonus fuscatus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Pachymelania aurita O. F. Müller, 1774, were utilised in this study to investigate and determine their physical properties relevant to the design of efficient processing equipment. The geometric (axial dimensions, mean diameters, surface area, sphericity, aspect ratio) and gravimetric (bulk and true densities, mass, and porosity) properties were measured. The averages for the major diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, geometrical mean diameter, and surface area were highest in the T. fuscatus variety. In contrast, the minor diameter, sphericity, and aspect ratio were highest in the P. aurita variety. The average bulk and true densities, porosity, and average periwinkle weight for T. fuscatus were higher than the P. aurita variety. Tukey's pairwise comparison analysis carried out on all the physical properties of the T. fuscatus, and P. aurita varieties of the periwinkle shells revealed a statistically significant difference at P < 5%.