Thermal Conductivity, Bulk Density, and Germination of a Canola Variety with High Oil Content under Different Temperatures, Moisture Contents, and Storage Periods

Abstract

Thermal conductivity of canola seeds is used as an engineering parameter in the design of processing, storing, drying, and cooling systems. Loose (standard) and compacted bulk densities, germination, and thermal conductivity of 5.5%, 7.5%, 9.5%, 11.5%, 13.5%, and 15.5% moisture content (wet basis) of canola (cultivar NX4-105 RR with 45.4% ±0.4% oil content) seeds stored at 30°C for 0 d, 30 d, and 60 d were measured at -20°C, -10°C, 0°C, 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C. Moisture content of the canola seeds had a larger influence on the value of standard bulk density than temperature. The canola seeds with different storage times could be compacted by 5.1% ±0.6%. The mean of thermal conductivity of the 0 d canola seeds was 0.08684 W m-1 K-1. The thermal conductivity of 0 d canola linearly increased with increasing moisture content or temperature. The thermal conductivity, standard bulk density, and germination of the canola seeds significantly decreased with increasing storage time at 30°C, and a linear relationship was observed between the percentages of decreased standard bulk density, seed germination, and thermal conductivity. There was no significant difference in thermal conductivity of the canola seeds under loose and compacted conditions.