Some physical properties of Australian Nonpareil almonds related to bulk storage

Abstract

The Australian almond industry desires to improve storage of harvested almonds awaiting processing. The present work quantified some storage-related physical properties of almonds. The sample used in the study was Nonpareil almonds with a kernel moisture content of 4.5% d.b. The mass composition of the sample was 55% hull, 32% kernel and 13% shell. Tests showed that the bulk stored in-shell almonds had only 41% of the volume of in-hull almonds and 45% of the mass. Thus removing hulls before storage would result in saving both storage and subsequent transportation costs. Tests simulating various storage heights of almonds showed that a 10 m storage height of almonds increased the bulk density of in-hull almonds from 320 to 355 kg/m3, of in-shell almonds (hull removed) from 356 to 378 kg/m3, and kernels (hull and shell removed) from 604 to 649 kg/m3. A 10 m storage height of almonds reduced the porosity of in-hull almonds from 67% to 64%, of in-shell almonds from 58% to 55%, and of the kernel from 48% to 44%. Observation showed that the change in bulk density and porosity occurred in an exponential manner with fitted curves that provided R2 between 0.97 and 0.99. Keywords: almond, storage, bulk density, true density, porosity, kernel, in-hull, in-shell DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe.20140705.013 Citation: Zheng D. K., Fielke J. M. Some physical properties of Australian Nonpareil almonds related to bulk storage. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2014; 7(5): 116－122.