Raw Material Moisture Research Articles

EFFECT OF ULTRASOUND ON THE EXTRACTION OF HYDROXYCINNAMIC ACIDS FROM DANDELION ROOTS

Introduction. Ultrasonic extraction is widely used to accelerate the extraction of biologically active substances (BAS). Given the presence of free and bound moisture in medicinal plant raw materials (MPRM), it is rational to assume a positive effect of ultrasound on the MPRM itself in order to increase the yield of BAS. The aim of the work is to study the effect of ultrasonic pre-treatment of dandelion roots on the yield of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA) from them and to substantiate the feasibility of pre-treatment this MPRM to obtain tinctures. Material and methods. The object of the study was dandelion roots. The mass fraction and composition of HCA were determined by the spectro-photometric method according to the reaction with Arnov's reagent and by high-performance liquid chromatography using standard samples, respec-tively. Results. Preliminary ultrasound exposure of dandelion roots significantly increases the yield of HCA. The maximum content was determined when MPRM with a layer thickness of 2-4 cm and a particle size of 500 μm or less were exposed to ultrasound for 45 min with a frequency of 31 kHz. The highest amount of HCA in tinctures was determined when they were obtained by fourteen-day maceration and subsequent ultrasound extraction for 15 min using 50% ethanol in a volume of 50 ml per 1 g of MPRM with a particle size of 500 μm or less. Defatting, ultrasonic, thermal pre-treatment and their combination enrich dandelion tinctures with HCA; the greatest enrichment of tinctures with this group of BAS was observed with ultrasonic treatment and thermal treatment followed by defatting. Conclusions. The parameters of preliminary ultrasonic pre-treatment and technological parameters for obtaining tinctures of dandelion roots were ex-perimentally determined. It is recommended to use preliminary pre-treatment of raw materials as one of the stages of the technology for obtaining tinctures, ensuring an increase in the yield of HCA.

Traits of Mortadella from Meat of Different Commercial Categories of Indigenous Dairy Cattle.

The rising interest in healthier meat options prompted the exploration of alternatives to traditional pork-based products, incorporating meat from different livestock species, feeding regimens, and functional ingredients. This study investigates the production of healthier meat products by examining the physicochemical traits, fatty acid profile, and sensory properties of mortadella made with Cinisara meat of four young bulls and four adult cows, and four females of the Nebrodi Black Pig. All the animals were fed principally on natural resources. Nutritional analysis revealed different levels of moisture, protein, fat, and ash in raw materials, with pistachios contributing to a healthy fatty acid profile rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Formulations using cow meat exhibited higher fat content and caloric value, resulting in sensory attributes such as more intense color, improved fat cube adhesion, and pronounced odors compared to young bull and control mortadella. Fatty acid analysis demonstrated distinctive profiles influenced by the meat type used and, as expected, bovine products showed higher contents of rumenic and other conjugated linoleic acids. Pork mortadella displayed greater ω6 and ω3 values, with a healthier ω6/ω3 ratio comparable to those found in cow products. Young bull mortadella showed the worse atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. The findings underscore the impact of raw materials on the nutritional and sensory attributes of mortadella, emphasizing the necessity for interventions to enhance fatty acid composition in processed meat products.

Properties of Biocomposites Made of Extruded Apple Pomace and Potato Starch: Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties.

This paper presents research results on biocomposites made from a combination of extruded apple pomace (EAP) and potato starch (SP). The aim of this work was to investigate the basic properties of biocomposites obtained from extruded apple pomace reinforced with potato starch. The products were manufactured by hot pressing using a hydraulic press with a mould for producing samples. The prepared biocomposites were subjected to strength tests, surface wettability was determined, and a colour analysis was carried out. A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and cross-sectioning observed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were also performed. The obtained test results showed that the combination of apple pomace (EAP) and starch (SP) enabled the production of compact biocomposite materials. At the same time, it was found that each increase in the share of starch in the mixture for producing biocomposites increased the strength parameters of the obtained materials. With the highest share of starch in the mixture, 40%, and a raw material moisture content of 14%, the material had the best strength parameters and was even characterised by hydrophobic properties. It was also found that materials with a high content of starch are characterised by increased temperature resistance. The analysis of SEM microscopic photos showed well-glued particles of apple pomace, pectin, and gelatinised starch and a smooth external structure of the samples. Research and analyses have shown that apple pomace reinforced only with the addition of starch can be a promising raw material for the production of simple, biodegradable biocomposite materials.

Suitable Software for the Study of Combustion Processes in Boilers

Diversification of energy resources is a current objective that several countries want to achieve, including in northern Europe. Demand for wood fuels is increasing in Latvia, reflected in consumer expenditure. Using low-quality biomass (LQB) to produce fuel pellets for stabilisation and diversification is possible. LQB pellets can theoretically and practically be used in low-capacity solid fuel boilers to provide different types of individual heating systems with an alternative energy source. Before starting mass production of LQB fuel pellets, it is necessary to clarify the properties of the raw materials. Any fuel study shall be divided into two phases: determination of the parameters of the fuel or raw material (calorific values, moisture content, and ash content) and analysis of the combustion process. The combustion process can be studied in two ways: experimentally and by mathematical modelling. Knowing the parameters that would need to be clarified during the study of the LQB fuel pellets combustion process (thermodynamics, gaseous emissions, PM emissions, bottom ash, and slag), the authors have set the goal of clarifying the software applied to mathematical modelling of these parameters. A bibliometric analysis method was chosen to identify the software. The bibliometric analysis was carried out in the Scopus database. As a result, two software were identified: ANSYS Fluent software is suitable for modelling thermodynamic processes and gaseous emission streams. At the same time, XDEM software is ideal for modelling particle streams and ash/slag generation. This software will be used in future studies.

Effect of extrusion cooking on the chemical and nutritional properties of instant flours: a review

Satisfying the nutritional requirements of consumers has made food industries focus on the development of safe, innocuous, easy-to-prepare products with high nutritional quality through efficient processing technologies. Extrusion cooking has emerged as a prominent technology associated with the nutritional and functional attributes of food products. This review aims to establish a theoretical framework concerning the influence of extrusion parameters on the functional and nutritional properties of precooked or instant flours, both as end-products and ingredients. It highlights the pivotal role of process parameters within the extruder, including temperature, screw speed, and raw materials moisture content, among others, and elucidates their correlation with the modifications observed in the structural composition of these materials. Such modifications subsequently induce notable changes in the ultimate characteristics of the food product. Detailed insights into these transformations are provided within the subsequent sections, emphasizing their associations with critical phenomena such as nutrient availability, starch gelatinization, protein denaturation, enhanced in vitro digestibility, reduction in the content of antinutritional factors (ANFs), and the occurrence of Maillard reactions during specific processing stages. Drawing upon insights from available literature, it is concluded that these effects represent key attributes intertwined with the nutritional properties of the end-product during the production of instant flours.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Modelling of LowQuality Biomass Pellets Combustion

Abstract Diversification of energy resources is a current objective that several countries want to achieve, including in northern Europe. Demand for wood fuels is increasing in Latvia, which is reflected in consumer expenditure. Using low-quality biomass (LQB) to produce fuel pellets for market stabilisation and diversification is possible. LQB pellets can theoretically and practically be used in low-capacity solid fuel boilers to provide different types of individual heating systems with an alternative energy source. Before starting mass production of LQB fuel pellets, it is necessary to clarify the properties of the raw materials. Any fuel study shall be divided into two phases: determination of the parameters of the fuel or raw material (calorific values, moisture content, and ash content) and analysis of the combustion process. The combustion process can be studied in two ways: experimentally and by mathematical modelling. Knowing the parameters that would need to be clarified during the study of the LQB fuel pellets combustion process (thermodynamics, gaseous emissions, particulate matter emissions, bottom ash, and slag), the authors have set the goal of clarifying the software applied to mathematical modelling of these parameters. A bibliometric analysis method was chosen to identify the software. The bibliometric analysis was carried out in the Scopus database. As a result, two software were identified: ANSYS Fluent software is suitable for modelling thermodynamic processes and gaseous emission streams. At the same time, XDEM software is the most suitable for modelling particle streams and ash/slag generation. This software will be used in future studies.

CERCETĂRI PRELIMINARE PRIVIND REALIZAREA UNUI MATERIAL COMPOZIT, BAZAT PE MATRICE DE NĂMOL ȘI DEȘEURI AGRICOLE, CA MATERIALE DE UMPLUTURĂ

The article presents the results of preliminary experiments necessary for the foundation of an experimental method that ensures the design and manufacturing technology for a category of composite materials with a mud matrix and agricultural waste insertion. The resources and physico-chemical properties of the mud matrix as well as the resources and physical properties of potential agricultural waste constituents of the insertion in the composite material are presented. The technological variant for the manufacture of the finished product is also presented, consisting of a compression system of the composite mixture in a paste state until solidification with moisture removal (dehydration). From a large number of parameters characterizing the experimental system, few have been varied (insertion concentration in the material, height of the raw material column in the press, raw material density, pressing force), while the quality parameters of the process have only been considered for the capacity of dehydration and material densification. The statistical analysis of the results shows that for the capacity of dehydration and densification, the main input parameters that influence are the initial moisture and initial volume of raw material. Results are obtained that allow the development of a mathematical model for the technological process of manufacturing the composite material. The purpose of the research described in this article is to determine the feasibility and feasibility conditions of the material in its possible variations. This means identifying the insertion concentration and moisture intervals of the material before extrusion, possible. The upper and lower limits of these parameters are sought, so that the material exiting the die does not immediately, or over time, disintegrate, and at the same time, the extrusion process is possible with a reasonable energy consumption.

Cracking the Code: Process Parameter Effects on Khaya senegalensis Energy Pellet Moisture Content

The production of energy pellets from biomass sources holds immense potential for sustainable renewable energy generation. This study investigates the influence of key process parameters on the moisture content of energy pellets derived from Khaya senegalensis, a promising biomass feedstock in Malaysia. With a focus on unlocking the relationship between process variables and pellet moisture, a systematic experimental approach was adopted. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of raw material moisture, feedstock particle size, compression pressure, and pelletization temperature on the manufactured biomass energy pellet's moisture content. By employing a comprehensive design of experiments and statistical analysis, the nuanced effects of these parameters are revealed on the moisture content of Khaya senegalensis energy pellets. The results illuminate the complex interplay between these process variables and the final moisture characteristics of the pellets. Understanding how these parameters impact moisture content is crucial for optimizing pellet quality, combustion efficiency, and storage stability. The study found a quadratic relationship between particle size, compression pressure, and pelletization temperature, indicating that larger particle sizes correlate with higher moisture content. Excessive pressure led to elevated levels while increasing temperature showed a decreasing trend. This research contributes valuable insights that advance the knowledge frontier of biomass pelletization, paving the way for enhanced utilization of Khaya senegalensis as a renewable energy resource.

Development of Optimal Technology for Drying Herbal Medicinal Raw Materials from Autumn Wormwood (<i>Artemisia serotina</i> Bunge) Based on Comparative Analysis

Introduction. Choosing the optimal method for drying medicinal plants is an important aspect of obtaining herbal materials of pharmacopoeial quality. At the site of the pharmaceutical enterprise Fitoleum LLP (Esik, Kazakhstan), a technology for obtaining herbal materials from autumn wormwood (Artemisia serotina Bunge) was developed, within the framework of which the optimal drying method was studied using IR radiation, convective drying and shadow drying in natural conditions. In parallel with the experimental approach, a method for simulating drying conditions was implemented. The development of technology for the obtaining of herbal materials is implemented using the "Quality by Design" concept, one of the principles of which is the modeling of experiments (Design of experiments, DoE). The advantage of modeling when studying the processes is that this technique allows you to simultaneously analyze several input parameters and their impact on quality indicators, while significantly reducing the number of experiments.Aim. To choose the optimal method for drying autumn wormwood herb for further production of herbal medicine or herbal materials.Materials and methods. During the experiment, the following equipment was used: a manual harvester for collecting plants, pallets or racks with a mesh bottom, infrared substrates, a convective drying oven, racks with pallets under a canopy in natural conditions, a grass cutter, vibrating sieves. Also, the study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the "Quality by Design" concept using the Minitab Statistical Software 21 program, using a statistical tool – Design of experiments (DoE).Results and discussion. The results of studies of various drying methods have shown that the most optimal is drying with IR radiation, which allows to maintain the content of essential oils (the main group of biologically active substances) at the optimal level – about 1,7 % with a raw material moisture content of no more than 13 %. The data obtained by simulating the experiment in the Minitab program were comparable to the results of the classical experimental design. The optimal method and technological parameters for drying autumn wormwood have been established – the use of IR radiation, temperature of 35–45 °C and drying time of 14–17 hours. Comparable data on the studied technological parameters of three sequentially produced series were obtained and the validity of the technological process for drying autumn wormwood was confirmed.Conclusion. Comparative analysis of the methods of drying medicinal plants – IR radiation, convective and shadow drying in natural conditions – of autumn wormwood (Artemisia serotina Bunge) was carried out. It has been established that the maximum content of essential oils (as the main group of biologically active substances) in raw materials is observed when using drying using IR radiation at a temperature of 35–45 °C for 14– 17 hours. At the same time, the residual moisture content of the drug is no higher than 13 %, which corresponds to pharmacopoeial requirements. Conducted studies of predicting optimal drying parameters using the Minitab Statistical Software 21 program showed comparability with the experimental results. Based on the results obtained, an optimal method for drying autumn wormwood herb was proposed for use in production and obtaining pharmacopoeial quality medicinal products.

Effect of extrusion cooking on the chemical and nutritional properties of instant flours: a review.

Satisfying the nutritional requirements of consumers has made food industries focus on the development of safe, innocuous, easy-to-prepare products with high nutritional quality through efficient processing technologies. Extrusion cooking has emerged as a prominent technology associated with the nutritional and functional attributes of food products. This review aims to establish a theoretical framework concerning the influence of extrusion parameters on the functional and nutritional properties of precooked or instant flours, both as end-products and ingredients. It highlights the pivotal role of process parameters within the extruder, including temperature, screw speed, and raw materials moisture content, among others, and elucidates their correlation with the modifications observed in the structural composition of these materials. Such modifications subsequently induce notable changes in the ultimate characteristics of the food product. Detailed insights into these transformations are provided within the subsequent sections, emphasizing their associations with critical phenomena such as nutrient availability, starch gelatinization, protein denaturation, enhanced in vitro digestibility, reduction in the content of antinutritional factors (ANFs), and the occurrence of Maillard reactions during specific processing stages. Drawing upon insights from available literature, it is concluded that these effects represent key attributes intertwined with the nutritional properties of the end-product during the production of instant flours.

Utilization of grape waste with different moisture content as fuel briquettes

AbstractIn 2020, world fresh grape production increased to 78.03 million metric tons from 77.00 million metric tons in 2019. Approximately 80% of the grapes produced in the world are consumed as wine and fruit juice. In such a large industry, a huge amount of waste is generated after processing. This waste is generally used as fertilizer and burned inefficiently. In this study, the quality and strength parameters of the briquettes obtained were determined in order to investigate the possibility of using grape wastes as fuel briquettes by compressing them under constant pressure (120 MPa) at three different moisture content levels (6.8%, 9.4%, 12.1%) instead of using them as fertilizer or burning them inefficiently. As a result of the study, it was determined that the compression force, compression stress, specific compression force, and quality parameters such as density, water resistance, tumbler, and shatter index of the briquettes obtained from the briquettes with 6.8% raw material moisture content were in accordance with the international standard, ISO 17225‐3.

Determining the effect of raw materials moisture and lipid content on the technological properties of the extruded protein-fat system

The way to solve the problem of correcting technological indicators, in particular porosity and moisture content, in extruded protein-fat systems based on soybean, rapeseed, hemp meal, and corn grits is considered. The peculiarity of the work is the substantiation of the rational ratio of the content of moisture and lipids in the raw components of the extrudate, which is an important aspect of rationalizing the composition and improving the texture of innovative extruded products based on the specified raw materials. The object of the research is technological indicators, in particular the porosity and moisture content of the extruded protein-fat system, depending on the moisture and lipid content in the raw components. A rational ratio of moisture content (10.5...12.5 %) and lipids (3.5...5.0 %) in the raw material for the extruded protein-fat system was determined. The use of refined palm olein as an oil product resistant to oxidative deterioration, which should be added to raw components in order to correct the technological properties of the finished product, is substantiated. The developed protein-fat system of reasonable composition has an advantage over a commercial similar product in terms of crude protein content (29.0 % vs. 8.2 %), porosity (130.0 % vs. 105.0 %) and cost ($ 916/t vs. $ 2,798/t). The obtained data are explained by the fact that a complex of components was used, some of which are production waste, with reasonable moisture and lipid content, which improved the technological characteristics of the extrudate. An applied aspect of using this scientific result is the possibility of rationalizing the extrusion process of oilseed meal to achieve the desired texture, porosity and stability of the lipid component of the product

Influence of low temperatures and the limited consumption of lime on the operation of sinter machines at the SP-5 of PJSC MMK in winter conditions

Lime is the only additive that has shown high efficiency in the sinter production due to the double effect on the sintering process: improving the granulation of the mix and its heating. At the sinter plant No. 5 of PJSC “MMK”, a rational ratio was established between the lime consumption of 0‒10 mm fraction supplied to the closed blending storage of mono-mix, and a fraction of 0‒3 mm, supplied to the charge room after its additional blending arrangement. During the previous research period (November 2022), the air temperature in blending storage did not fall below 6 °С, and the moisture of iron ore raw materials was maintained at the level of 3.5‒4.0%. It was recommended in winter conditions to supply lime with a fraction of 0‒3 mm to the mix department in the amount of 3% in relation to the concentrate, and the rest of the lime with a fraction of 0‒10 mm to the blending storage. In December of 2022 after the previous experiments the air temperature dropped to ‒25 °С. It was necessary to additionally estimate the minimum content of lime fraction 0‒10 mm in iron one concentrate in the storage, preventing its freezing. In this study, it was found that a decrease in air temperature over several days to ‒25 °С with a lime fraction of 0‒10 mm in the blending storage in relation to the concentrate of only 1.5% did not cause problems with flow ability and intake of iron ore con-centrate. In addition, after the start-up of sinter plant No. 5, the lime content in relation to the concentrate consumption was maintained about 5%, and the effect of its consumption on the productivity of sinter machines was not determined. As installed the decrease in productivity of sinter machines, as a result of a break due to frost in the supply of the rest of the lime by pneumatic transport to the mix department, was 12%. The influence of the basicity of iron ore on the degree of removal of sulfate sulfur in the sintering of charge was also clarified

Production-Process Simulation and Life-Cycle Assessment of Metakaolin as Supplementary Cementitious Material

An environmental assessment of metakaolin as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) through an integrated production-process-simulation and Life-Cycle-Assessment (LCA) approach is presented in this work. Initially, process simulation models were developed to reproduce the basic stages of the metakaolin production process. The effect of various operational parameters and scenarios, such as calcination temperature, moisture of raw material and associated drying, exhaust gas recirculation and the use of alternative-fuel combustion to provide kiln heat requirements, was evaluated. The resulting process heat-demand and CO2-emission computations were used as inputs in the LCA along with upstream literature data using a cradle-to-gate approach. LCA results focused on the most relevant environmental impact category of cement production, the Global Warming Potential (GWP (100)). The major findings showed a strong influence of process temperature and kaolin humidity on the lifecycle GWP, since both parameters affected not only the core-process heat demand but also the upstream impact related to fossil-fuel extraction, processing, transportation and distribution. Recirculating the exhaust provided a GWP reduction potential of up to 19%. In all examined production scenarios, metakaolin depicted a lower Global Warming Potential compared to clinker due to the avoidance of emissions related to limestone calcination. As regards the impact contribution of fuels, coal was responsible for higher onsite emissions and natural gas indicated higher upstream emissions. The GWP (100) could be further reduced when alternative waste fuels such as plastic waste, MSW (municipal solid waste) and tires were used. The LCA results have been cross-checked with previous literature reports, and the corresponding deviations are accordingly explained. In any case, the LCA results of different studies are rarely directly comparable due to the numerous assumptions required, which cannot be identically replicated.

Оптимизация процесса работы пресс-гранулятора соевой половы

To determine the optimal design parameters and modes of operation of the screw-type pelleting press, the authors studied the granulation of soybean chaff fractions pre-crushed to 5 mm with the addition of soybean grains as a binder. The pelleting process was stable at a temperature of the pelleting press barrel of 70…80°С and the temperature of pellets at the exit of 65 to 70°С. Humidity control was carried out in accordance with GOST 13496.3-92, the crumbling of pellets - in accordance with GOST 23513-79, GOST 22834-87. Fifteen experiments were carried out in three repetitions according to the matrix of the orthogonal central composition plan of the second order. The factors of the experiment included the matrix thickness, the moisture content of the raw material and the mass fraction of soybean grains in the raw material. The crumbling of the obtained pellets served as the optimization criterion. Based on the experiment results, an adequate regression equation was obtained. It was established that the smallest percentage of pellet crumbling is observed in the moisture content ranges of raw materials of 50 to 60% and the mass fraction of soybean grinding in raw materials of 15 to 16.5%. With a fi xed value of raw material moisture content, the optimal thickness of the pressing matrix corresponds to the range of 27.5 to 39.0 mm, while the mass fraction of soybean grain in the raw material is 15 to 25%. With a fi xed mass fraction of soybean grain, the optimal values of the pressing matrix thickness range between 30 and 40 mm, the values of the initial moisture content are 40 to 60%. To obtain pellets consisting of pre-crushed and moistened soybean chaff and soybean grains with the crumbling rate of less than 12%, the thickness of the matrix with holes with a diameter of 10 mm should be 30 to 40 mm, the mass fraction of soy in the raw material should correspond to 15 to 16.5%, and the moisture content of raw materials should equal 51 to 60%.

Potential of some Latvian Industrial Crops Residuals for Conversion to Bio-Based Thermal Insulation Material

Some industrial crops residuals like wheat straw, buckwheat husks and reeds were used in the study as raw lignocellulosic materials to evaluate their potential as thermal insulation material. Steam explosion (SE) pre-treatment was used to disrupt and convert the raw material smooth shape to foamy fibrous shape. Two level Factorial design was used to evaluate the impact of raw material fraction size (10-20-30 mm), moisture content (10-30-50%), SE temperature (200-215-230 °C) and duration (00-30-60 s) on bulk density and thermal conductivity of the obtained loose-fill materials. The results show that all selected raw materials could be characterized as thermal insulation materials as the determined thermal conductivity was in the range of 0.042–0.058 W (m K)-1 including neat samples. In spite of effective fibrillation of raw materials SE pre-treatment did not improve their thermal conductivity. The determined bulk density of loose-fill crops varied in range of 23–184 kg m-3 depending on all variables; the SE pre-treatment showed the most significant effect on its reduction. Based on the study results the most suitable crops residues for bio-based thermal insulation purposes are suggested wheat straw and reeds demonstrating the lowest values of bulk density and thermal conductivity.

Diversifikasi dan Optimalisasi Pengolahan Kulit Salak melalui Perlakuan Suhu dan Durasi Penyeduhan

Salak is only used for the flesh of the fruit, for the peel and seeds of salak, it has not been widely developed into a product and only becomes waste. Consumption of peel is generally made in the form of extracts such as tea, where the peel is dried and then after drying it is mashed into powder and brewed using hot water. The use of hot water needs to attention to the temperature and brewing time because it can affect the amount of nutrient content in the peel tea. The temperature and brewing time affect the direct contact between water and the peel extract powder. The temperature used is 80,90,100 (oC) with a time of 5,7,10 (minutes). The analyzes carried out were analysis of raw material (moisture content), analysis of brewing quality, and chemical analysis (antioxidants, caffeine, tannins, and total sugar). The results showed that the best results were at 80oC for 10 minutes, the antioxidant content was 500.57 mg/ml, caffeine 0.65 mg/ml, tannins 1.35 mg/ml. The 80oC temperature treatment with a time of 7.5 minutes resulted in the highest total sugar content of 3.06%

Microbial activities and minimum liquid smoke killing concentration made of cacao pod toward Lasiodiplodia theobromae growth

Cocoa has become the leading export commodity from the plantation sector. The Increasing of cocoa production results in the increase of the cocoa shell waste amount. Cocoa shell utilization is still very limited. The benefit of cocoa shell is that this waste contains secondary metabolites that can be used as antimicrobial agents. One of the products that can be produced from cocoa shell waste is liquid smoke. This study was focused in determining the antimicrobial activity and the minimum kill concentration from liquid smoke on the growth of the Lasiodiplodia theobremae fungi from different amounts of raw materials moisture content and pyrolysis temperatures. This research indicated that cocoa shells liquid smoke from different amounts of water content and temperature of pyrolysis had antimicrobial activity and the application of different concentrations in the minimum kill concentration test can inhibit Lasiodiplodia theobremae fungi growth. Liquid smoke antimicrobial activity at 10% water content and temperatures at 200, 300, and 400°C obtained inhibition zone values of 10.40; 16.75 and 17.80 mm. At the 15% moisture content and temperatures of 200, 300and 400°C, the inhibition zone value is 10.15; 15.70 and 16.15 mm. At 20% water content and temperatures of 200, 300and 400°C, it obtained inhibition zone values of 4.25; 11,45 and 12.30 mm. At 25% water content and temperatures of 200, 300, and 400°C, it obtained inhibition zone values of 3.70; 7.65 and 8.65 mm. The value of minimum kill concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration of liquid smoke at 10, 15, 20, and 25 % water content at temperatures of 200, 300, and 400°C obtained the values of 1% and 9%.

Гидролиз целлюлозы с использованием газовоздушных смесей хлористого водорода

Abstract. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a common product used in pharmaceutical, food and other industries. MCC is obtained by liquid-phase hydrolysis of cotton or wood bleached pulp with diluted 0.5–10.0 % mineral acids at a temperature of 100–140 °C. This process requires significant consumption of acid, water, and heat energy. Production of MCC in general is very expensive, which determines its high cost and the need to find alternative methods of cellulose hydrolysis. It is proposed to hydrolyze cellulose with concentrated hydrochloric acid produced by absorption of hydrogen chloride. We studied the processes of hydrogen chloride adsorption by bleached wood pulp with 8–18 % humidity. It is shown that adsorption of hydrogen chloride is determined by pulp humidity and is 3–5 % of the dry pulp mass. The sorption of hydrogen chloride leads to the formation of hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 25–40 % in the raw material moisture, significant heating of the mass and rapid hydrolysis of the amorphous cellulose fraction. It has been found that the use of pure hydrogen chloride for saturation causes strong darkening and humification of pulp. We recommend the use of hydrogen chloride gas-air mixtures to saturate the pulp, which will significantly reduce the sorption temperature and eliminate the strong darkening of the pulp during hydrolysis. The adsorption of hydrogen chloride by cellulose proceeds at an extremely high rate and is accompanied by the formation of a clearly visible sorption front at a temperature of 45–60 °C. Hydrolysis occurs for 15–30 min at 40–60 °C until the amorphous cellulose fraction is completely decomposed. A very small amount of monosaccharides is formed (4 % of dry pulp). The yield of MCC is high, more than 95 %. These circumstances are probably related to the recrystallization of a part of the amorphous fragments of cellulose macromolecules, which is a characteristic of hydrolysis with concentrated acids. The product obtained by cellulose hydrolysis is identical to MCC according to the data of IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and viscometry. The article shows the high efficiency of cellulose hydrolysis with hydrogen chloride gas-air mixtures compared to traditional methods of MCC production.

Influence of Input and Control Parameters on the Process of Pelleting Powdered Biomass

This paper presents theoretical and experimental research studying the influence of process parameters on the quality of biomass pellets. A validated mathematical model was developed, expressing the density of biomass pellets as determined by moisture content, compression pressure, process heat, the initial density of the material, pelleting speed and initial volume of the material. The experiments for determining the influence of these parameters on the compression of biomass into pellets and optimizing the process were conducted on a heated single pellet compression device, using fir sawdust as raw material. To describe and study the process, four input and control parameters were varied—raw material moisture, pelleting speed, maximum force applied and pelleting die temperature. From the experiments, it was noticed that overall, moisture and pressure have the most important effect on the compression process and pelleting speed, and heat applied also affected the process. Pellet density decreased when pelleting speed and material moisture increase and the density increased with a higher compression pressure and higher heat during the process.