Percent Moisture Content Research Articles

Effects of rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on yield, size distribution and fatty acid of soybean seeds grown under drought stress

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is among the most economically important legumes that provide more than 1/4 of food (for man) and animal feed. However, its yield is comparatively low, most especially under drought stress. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the ability of Rhizobium spp. and mycorrhizal fungi to enhance the yield, seed size and fatty acid content of soybean grown under semi-arid environment. Rhizobium sp. strain R1 was found to possess nitrogen-fixing gene coniferyl aldehyde dehydrogenase function while Rhizobium cellulosilyticum strain R3 was found to have nitrogen-fixing genes cysteine desulfurase SufS and cysteine desulfurase IscS activity. Soybean (Glycine max L) seeds inoculated with Rhizobium spp. and mycorrhizal fungi were cultivated in soil exposed to drought stress. Rhizobium spp. inoculation and mycorrhization alleviate drought stress and increase yield, size and fat content of soybean seeds. This increase in the aboveground parameters was accompanied with an increase in belowground mycorrhizal spore number, percentage root mycorrhization and aboveground shoot relative water content (RWC) in the dually inoculated (R1 + R3MY) soybean plants. In particular, the dually inoculated (R1 + R3MY) soybean plants revealed 34.3 g fresh weight, 15.1 g dry weight and soybean plants singly inoculated with Rhizobium sp. strain R1 (R1) produced more large seeds with 12.03 g dry weight. The non-inoculated (control) seeds contained a higher percentage of moisture content compared to the microbially amended seeds while seeds co-inoculated with Rhizobium cellulosilyticum strain R3 and mycorrhizal consortium revealed the highest percent (8.4 %) of fat. Several fatty acids that are of significant health benefits to humans were observed in the soybean seeds. In order to gain insights into the bacterial communities of rhizospheric soil collected at different stages of soybean growth, class-based Heat-map analysis was performed on the Miseq sequenced data. The core bacteria that were found in the rhizospheric soil were Verrumicrobia, Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, Deinococcus thermus and Nitrospira suggesting that the rhizobia and fungi used in this study can also improve soil microbial diversity.

Moisture’s significant impact on twisted polymer actuation

It was recently shown that inexpensive drawn polymer monofilaments, such as nylon fishing line, can be used to create thermally driven actuators. These actuators are called twisted polymer actuators (TPAs). TPAs can produce linear actuation when they are both twisted and coiled. In this configuration, these actuators are called twisted coiled polymer actuators (TCPAs). These same drawn polymers can be used to create torsional actuation when the precursor monofilament is twisted but still remains straight, known as straight twisted polymer actuators (STPAs), which is also thought to be the elemental unit of TCPAs. The torsional thermal actuation of STPAs is primarily a result of the anisotropic thermal properties of the virgin material (axial thermal contraction and radial thermal expansion), which manifests as linear actuation in the coiled configuration (TCPA). This paper presents two moisture related matters: moisture content impact on the thermal actuation of TPAs and the capability of TPAs to actuate as a function of moisture absorption at room temperature. For the former, we first present moisture dependencies of the axial thermal contraction and axial modulus of the precursor (straight, untwisted) monofilament. This study is conducted because closed-form and finite element models often use the physical properties of the precursor monofilament as inputs to predict the thermal actuation of TPAs. The results show that, both, axial thermal contraction and axial modulus, are strongly dependent on moisture content. Second, we present the experimental thermal actuation for STPAs and TCPAs at different moisture content percentages. We present torsional actuation responses for three different pitch angles STPAs (36, 25, and 15°) at two percentages added moisture by weight (0% and 4%). Similarly, we study the linear thermal actuation of TCPAs under an isotonic tensile load at the above moisture percentages. The results show an increase in actuation for those samples at 4% moisture content of approximately 100% for STPAs at 75 °C and a 50% for TCPAs samples at 100 °C. Finally, we report for the first time, that TPAs can be hygroscopically actuated. Here, we present torsional actuation responses under free torsion conditions for a 36° pitch angle STPA as well as axial contraction of a TCPA under an isotonic tensile load as a function of moisture absorption and show that moisture absorption can cause a similar actuation responses as seen when a thermal load is applied. Like the thermal actuation, we expect this hygroscopic actuation of TPAs is produced by a combination between the swelling that occurs on the precursor monofilament during moisture absorption and its anisotropic nature.

Influence of process variables on quality attributes of jaggery prepared by vacuum pan evaporation technology

Jaggery is a solid unrefined, non- centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) with unique colour, flavor and aroma obtained from crushing of cane and evaporating of sugarcane juice. In this paper vacuum pan evaporation method were used sugarcane juice boiling at vacuum pressure (Vp : 500-700 mm of Hg), time (t:60-90 min) and temperature (T:100-1200 C). The quality attributes of jaggery developed from vacuum pan evaporator were investigated at different process variables. The developed jaggery were analyzed for physiochemical. Results showed that TSS (0 Brix) and Hardness (Hd) increased with increase in vacuum pressure and time, whereas moisture content percentage (%) and water activity (aw) decreased with increase in vacuum pressure and time at variable temperature of 1100 C. Fuzzy logic method was used to evaluate the sensory characteristic of prepared jaggery.

Experimental investigation on fatigue behaviour of glass/epoxy quasi-isotropic laminate composites under different ageing conditions

The present work investigates the effect of ageing on fatigue performance of glass/epoxy quasi-isotropic laminates. Specimens were aged in artificial seawater at ambient, sub-zero and humid conditions for a period of 180 days. Static tensile and dynamic tension-tension fatigue tests were performed on pristine and aged specimens and based on the experimental results S-N curve, rate of stiffness degradation and damage accumulation were established. The results revealed that fatigue damage growth depends upon the ageing conditions and percentage of moisture content. Multiple cracks, interfiber debonding and matrix decomposition from the fibre surface are responsible for the deterioration of fatigue properties.

Design and Development of Propranolol Hydrochloride Transdermal Patches: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Characterization

The main aim of this investigation is to design and develop matrix type transdermal patches of Propranolol Hydrochloride which is an anti-hypertensive drug. These matrix type transdermal patches were prepared by “Solvent Casting Technique” using drug, HPMC E15 and Eudragit L 100 in the ratio of 1:6, 1:6.5, 1:7, 1:7.5, 1:8, 1:8.5, 1:9, 1:9.5. All formulations carried 20%v/w of PEG-600 as plasticizer. The prepared patches were characterized for various physicochemical parameters like weight, thickness, folding endurance, drug content, percent moisture content, percent moisture absorption, in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation. Among this 1:9 ratio was found to be an Optimized formulation and patches were prepared by using permeation enhancers (lemon grass oil, Eucalyptus oil, and clove oil). The cumulative amount of drug release in 12hrs for F7 formulation showed maximum and used for that formulation skin permeation on Goat abdominal skin. FTIR studies show no interaction between drug, polymer and other excipients. The drug permeation kinetics followed “First order” and “zero order” profile with diffusion mechanism.

Development and testing of a capacitive digital soil moisture sensor with printed circuit board as a probe

The quantity and quality of water present in the soil determine to a greater extent the performance of agricultural crops. Real-time determination of moisture content has a greater advantage over the traditional gravimetric method of determining soil moisture content. Thus, this work was based on the design and construction of a cost effective digital capacitive soil moisture sensor for real-time measurement. The moisture sensors comprised four integrated units namely: power supply unit with a 9V DC battery as a power source, sensor unit with a locally sourced Printed Circuit Board (PCB) as the single sensing probe, control unit made up of PIC16f877 microcontroller programmed with a C language and the C source code compiled in Corporate Computer Services Compiler (CSS C) compiler development environment, and a 16x2 display unit which displays the readings in percentage moisture content (%MC) and capacitance (μF) of the soil obtained from the sensor on its screen. Standard gravimetric moisture content was carried out to get the calibration factor which was used to calibrate the sensor for reliability. The validation was done by taking the reprogrammed (calibrated) sensor to the field for further measurement, after which soil samples were collected for further gravimetric analysis. A regression equation was obtained by plotting the moisture content obtained from gravimetric method (%MCG) against that from sensor reading (%MCS) with a high degree correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.998. The developed capacitive soil moisture sensor is cheap, portable, reliable and easy to use even by local farmers.
 Keywords: Calibration, Capacitive sensor, Printed circuit board, Soil moisture content, Validation.

Identification and analysis of odor-active compounds from Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) Burtt et Hill with different moisture content levels and lacquer treatments

The problem of indoor odors can greatly affect a room’s occupants. To identify odorants and comprehensively evaluate emissions from wooden materials, emissions and odors from Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) Burtt et Hill with different moisture content percentages and lacquer treatments were investigated in this study. Thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy/olfactometry was used to analyze the release characteristics. In total, 11 key odor-active compounds were identified as moisture content gradually decreased, concentrating between 15 and 33 min. Total volatile organic compounds, total very volatile organic compounds, and total odor intensity decreased as moisture content decreased. In addition, 35 odor-active compounds, including aromatics, alkenes, aldehydes, esters, and alcohols, were identified in the odor control list. Polyurethane (PU), ultraviolet (UV), and waterborne coatings had a good inhibitory effect on eight odor characteristics, but some scents arose after lacquer treatment. For equilibrium moisture content, the major characteristics of Choerospondias axillaris were fragrant (9.4) and mint-like (3.0) compared with the fragrant (8.2), fruity (7.8), and pleasant (5.8) characteristics of PU coating; the flowery (5.9), fragrant (5.0), glue-like (4.3), and pineapple-like (4.3) characteristics of UV coating; and the antiseptic solution (3.6), fragrant (2.9), cigarette-like (2.8), and fruity (2.5) characteristics of waterborne coating. Based on multicomponent evaluation, a Choerospondias axillaris board with waterborne coating was suggested for use indoors.

Physical properties of furfurylated mangium (Acacia mangium Willd.) and pine (Pinus merkusii Jungh et de Vriese) woods

Wood from plantation forest contains a lot of sapwood and juvenile wood which has inferior in physical properties. Furfurylation could improve the properties through a reaction between Furfuryl Alcohol (FA) with a hydroxyl group of wood components. The purpose of the study was to improve the physical properties of mangium (Acacia mangium Willd.) and pine (Pinus merkusii Jungh et de Vriese) woods. The wood specimens for physical properties was prepared according to the ASTM D 143-94. They were vacuumed at 600 mmHg during 30 minutes, when the vacuum has been released, the FA reagent was inserted to the tank and followed with pressure at 10 kg/cm2 during 30 minutes. The specimens were wrapped with aluminium foil and heated in the oven at 100°C for 24 hours. After conditioned for three weeks, the specimens were tested for physical properties including Weight Percent Gain (WPG), density, Moisture Content (MC), water absorption, swelling, shrinkage, and anti-swelling efficiency (ASwE) according to the ASTM D 143-94. Untreated specimens were also prepared for comparison purpose with five replications for each treatment. The results showed that furfurylated mangium and pine woods reached WPG 11.34% and 17.74%, densities were increased 8.95% and 3.75%, MC were decreased 88.41% and 84.74%, water absorption were decreased 41.76% and 46.84%, volume swelling were decreased 55.18% and 61.57%, volume shrinkage were decreased 34.99% and 64.75%, respectively. ASwE of mangium and pine woods was 55.1% and 61.6%. It could be mentioned that the furfurylated wood had better physical properties compared to untreated woods.

Effect of Moisture Content of Green Sand on The Casting Defects

In this study, three percentages of moisture content on the green sand were benchmarked to be observed their effects on the casting defects. The metal used is scrap Al-Si with wt% of Al 59.7. The metal was melted in a furnace at 550 ºC then poured into sand molds and cooled for 24 hours before it can be removed, cleaned, and finished. There were prepared three specimens for each benchmark. Qualitative observation of defects was done by physical observations on the surface of the specimens. The observations show that on the moisture content of 2.5%, there is a defect in the form of porosity. Defects in the form of drops, misruns, blowholes, and shrinkage cavity are found on the benchmark 3.5%. The most severe defects are found on the benchmark 4.5% in the form of buckles and severe shrinkage cavities that are found in almost all specimens.

Comparative study and experimental analysis of pellets from biomass sawdust and rice husk

Sawdust and rice husk are available in abundance and indigenous in Nigeria but have not been exploited because they cannot be used directly in combustion processes due to their loose form unless by pelleting or briquetting. This experimental study assesses the potential of pellets from sawdust (SD) and rice husk (RH). Pallet samples collected from mills were thereafter optimized in ratios (i.e. 90%RH:10%SD, 80%RH:20%SD, 70RH:30SD, 60%RH:40%SD, 50%RH:50%SD, 100%RH and 100%SD) using mixing ratio optimization model. Seven samples were produced using a manual screw press machine and were subsequently categorized in terms of calorific value (CV), proximate and ultimate analyses using the ASTM standards. Results showed that the 100%RH pellets have higher CV of 31,026.3kJ/kg and the 100%SD a value of 26,088.3kJ/kg while the optimized pellets range from 25,867.39kJ/kg to 27,063.60kJ/kg. The CV decreases with increasing ash content of the pellets. It was also observed from the proximate analysis that the 100%RH has low percentages of moisture content, volatile matter and ash content compared to others. The optimized pellets showed that SD has the tendency to reduce the sulfur content in RH; hence, a promising alternative source of energy to the conventional fossil fuel.

Pengaruh daur ulang litter terhadap kualitas litter dan udara dalam pemeliharaan broiler

Objective: In general, farmers use litters from rice husks. However, along with the decline in paddy fields, rice husk is difficult to obtain and the price is expensive. One effort that can be done is to reuse the litter that has been used. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of recycling on the quality of litter and air in raising broiler.Methods: Two hundred day old chick (DOC) males strain Ross jumbo with an average body weight of 44.74±2.21 g were used in this research. The research treatmens were divided into 3 mini closed-house cages (LB: new litter, LFPM: litter fermented and sun-dried, LFPA: litter fermented and aerated). The data of litter quality (pore structure, total bacteria, moisture content, and adsorption percentage) and air quality (carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide concentration, and dust total) were collected. The data of moisture and adsorption percentage of litter were analyzed statistically using Completely Randomized Design (SAS 9.0). Total bacteria, litter pore structure and air quality were analyzed using descriptive analysis.Results: The results showed that reusing litter did not influence the percentage of moisture and litter adsorption. The pore surface area of litter was not affected by the different treatments. The fermented and sun-dried litter showed a larger decreasing of total bacteria (57.75%) compare to the fermented and aerated litter (41%). Carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide concentration, and dust total in all treatments were within the normal standard.Conclusions: In conclusion, litter and air quality were not affected by reusing litter.

Lentinula edodes mushroom as an ingredient to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of cereal bars.

Lentinula edodes (shiitake) is the second most cultivated edible mushroom in the world; it has low lipid contents, high protein and it is source of vitamins and minerals. This study aimed to develop and to evaluate two sweet and two salty food bars containing shiitake. The binder elements were heated and then the dried elements were added. The bars were shaped, and the sensorial test was accomplished with hedonic scale of 9 points for analysis of texture, aroma, taste and appearance, and a 5-point scale for buying intention. The centesimal composition included percentages of moisture content, ashes, lipids, proteins and carbohydrate contents. Chemical elements of shiitake were quantified by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence. Glucans were determined using a commercial kit. Phenolic compounds were determined with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The shelf life was evaluated by microbiological control, up to 180days, at temperatures of 25°C and 37°C. The sweet bar 1 (SwB1) had better sensory analysis and buying intention. Shiitake showed high concentrations of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, phenolic compounds and glucans. SwB1-bar maintained shiitake nutritional characteristics. SwB1-bars did not present microorganisms for up to 180days of shelf life, neither at 25°C nor at 37°C, and they followed the standards determined by National Health Surveillance Agency. Sweet bars are an easy marketing alternative due to their stability, low-cost of production and good acceptance, as well as flexibility to add other functional ingredients beneficial to health, such as shiitake.

Effects of packaging on the quality parameters of mustard ilish (Tanualosa ilisha) at room temperature

The experiment was carried out to prepare mustard ilish at the laboratory and observe the effects ofpackaging on the quality parameters of the product at room temperature (28°C to 32°C). Biochemical andmicrobiological changes in mustard ilish prepared from Hilsa shad (Tanualosa ilisha) were determined. It wasobserved that percent moisture, protein, lipid, ash content and pH value in mustard ilish decreased afterpreparation of the product than those values obtained for raw fish. In quality parameters study, at roomtemperature (28°C to 32°C), percent moisture, and ash contents increased throughout the storage period, butprotein and lipid contents decreased. The TVB-N, peroxide value and standard plate count (SPC) of bacteriaincreased with the progress of storage time but the rate of increment was comparatively slower in sealed andvacuum sealed packs than the rate observed for non-sealed pack. Therefore, on the basis of above mentionedpoints, the present study could be concluded as-though mustard ilish remain in acceptable condition for ashort time at room temperature (28°C to 32°C) but packaging has some effect on the extension of shelf life ofthe product.

Post-mortem changes in three fresh water eels, Mastacembelus armatus, Macrognathus aculeatus and Mastacembelus pancalus during ice storage

The progress of rigor-mortis and the post-mortem changes in three species of freshwater eelsduring storage at room temperature (30° to 35°C) and ice (0°C) were studied. Rigor-mortis in fish sample atroom temperature, started 1hr after spiking and it reached to a maximum of 76%, 57.14% and 100% within 4hrs after death in Mastacembelus armatus (Baim), Macrognathus aculeatus (Tara baim) and inMastacembelus pancalus (Guchi), respectively. In ice stored eels rigor also started within one hour of spikingand gradually reached to a maximum of 88.89% within 3 hrs in Baim and 85.71%, 100% in Tara baim and inGuchi respectively within 2 hrs. Rigor continued for 17, 14 and 18 hrs in Baim, Tara baim and Guchi,respectively and then started to relax. The pH of the muscle was 6.84, 6.80 and 6.92 immediately after catchin Baim, Tara baim and in Guchi, respectively which decreased gradually with the lapse of storage periodregardless of the storage temperature. The organoleptic quality of eels during ice storage was assessed on thebasis of sensory parameters. Baim was found in acceptable conditions for 24 days whereas Tara baim andGuchi were in acceptable condition for 28 days in ice storage. Percent moisture content increased but proteinand lipid contents decreased in almost all the fish samples with the lapse of storage period but a little changewas observed in ash content. The TVB-N, peroxide and NPN value remained within the recommended valueup to 24 days in Baim and 28 days in Tara baim and Guchi. The initial bacterial loads were 6.5×103,6.2×103 And 6.3×103 CFU/g in Baim, Tara baim and in Guchi, respectively. At the end of the 24 days ofice storage, bacterial load increased in all the fish samples.

A comprehensive study on the effect of moisture content on coal spontaneous combustion tendency

There are several phenomenons for polluting the environment, especially in coalfields; which coal spontaneous combustion is one of them. The moisture content is one of the intrinsic characteristics of coal, which has an important role in the occurrence of this phenomenon. Therefore, this research predicts the coal spontaneous combustion tendency based on moisture content. The percentage of moisture content is a very important parameter on the occurrence of this process; so far a conclusion about the effect of moisture content on coal spontaneous combustion, a comprehensive study was done. 55 coal samples with different percentage of moisture content for the training of overall underground coalfields in Iran were collected and the CPT test method for each coal sample was carried out. Then, the method of regression analysis was used for modeling and predicting the coal spontaneous combustion tendency. The results show, the coal sample undergoes oxidation most rapidly when the moisture content supply is about under 20%, and it can reduce coal spontaneous combustion in excessed of 20%, because when moisture is present in excessed of 20%, the heat released by oxidation is used to evaporate the moisture. For validation and testing, 15 coal samples of another coalfield were collected and the CPT test method for each coal sample was carried out, and the results of the test method were compared by the regression equation. The results obtained from the models show that a good appropriate prediction has been done for determining the coal spontaneous combustion tendency by regression analysis.

The assessment of skin sebum and moisture content of infants with atopic dermatitis

Background/aimAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by dry skin, pruritus and eczematous lesions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the skin moisture and sebum content of the infants with AD and its relationship between the disease severity.Materials and methods For this cross-sectional and case-control study we included 49 infants with AD aged between 2 and 24 months and 34 healthy infants with the same age and sex as a control group. Skin moisture and sebum content were measured by the bio-impedance method and recorded. Skin prick tests, total IgE levels and food-specific (milk, egg) IgE levels were performed.Results There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of mean skin moisture and sebum content percentage (P < 0.001, both). The mean skin moisture and sebum content were correlated with CRP in patients with AD (P < 0.01, r = –1.00, both), but we did not find any correlation between these parameters with the disease severity.Conclusion We found that skin moisture and sebum content were low even in unaffected areas in AD. The skin structure of these patients may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Oral Film of Midodrine Hydrochloride

Oral fast dissolving midodrine hydrochloride films prepared by solvent casting method, PEG 400 was the selected plasticizers, incorporating superdisintegrants such as croscarmellose sodium (CCS) and sodium starch glycolate (SSG) to achieve the goal. Drug content, weight variability, film thickness, disintegration time, endurance, percentage of moisture content, and in vitro dissolution tests were analyzed for the prepared films. In all formulations, the tensile strength value was found from 0.965±0.045 and 1.256±0.032 and the folding capacity was over 100. The assay values ranged from 97.98±0.25 to 99.89±0.36 percent for all formulations. The disintegration time was ranging between 55±9 to 120±6 sec, the minimum time for disintegration was found in formulation F5 (55±9). The prepared F5 formulation shows greater release of the drug (99.25±0.41 percent) within 15 min relative to other formulations. As the drug having low solubility, fast disintegration may leads to more drug availability for dissolution, resulting in faster absorption in systemic circulation increased systemic availability of drug leads to quick onset of action which is prerequisite for hypertension.&#x0D; Keywords: Midodrine hydrochloride, Fast dissolving films, Solvent casting method, Superdisintegrants.

Perkembangan Teknologi Pengering surya

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Solar dryers used in agriculture for food and crop drying are used for industrial drying processes. They can be proved to be a very useful device from the energy conservation point of view. It not only saves energy but also saves a lot of time, occupies less area, improves quality of the product, makes the process more efficient, and also protects the environment. Solar dryers circumvent some of the major disadvantages of classical drying. Solar drying under controlled conditions of temperature and moisture removing rate ensures perfect drying and desirable product quality. The percentage of moisture content in different agricultural products is different and varies product to product. For drying different moisture content products, the drying systems are usually classified as low and high temperature operated drying systems. The indirect, direct, and mixed mode dryers that have shown potential in drying agricultural products in the tropical and subtropical countries are discussed. A side from identifying the active and passive mode solar dryers, they also highlight the environmental influence on solar energy (harnessing) that plays a vital role in the solar drying sector. The classifications of sun drying procedures are created based on the stage of processing, the location of drying, or the apprehension to solar radiation. This paper also presents the related technologies that can help improve existing solar dryers.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Modeling of fragment formation of parchment coffee beans for rapid heat and mass transfer during fluidization drying

Fluidization drying technique allows fluidized coffee beans to float, resulting in rapid heat and mass transfer, which have been directly associated with an increase in the moisture gradient, creating bean stress. Bean quality is determined by the degree of bean fragmentation caused by drying, an important standard considered in purchasing and selling. We have modeled the drying process to explain the kinetics of bean fragmentation. Drying temperature affected the drying rate and fragmentation of parchment coffee beans. Specific energy consumption varied with the drying rate. Comparing the experimental results for the predicted average moisture content and the predicted bean fragment formation, using a first-order equation, yielded satisfactory results. Modeling enabled the prediction of drying conditions with the lowest possible specific energy consumption, while the final moisture content and bean fragment percentage met commercial standards. Practical applications The advantage of fluidization drying is rapid heat and mass transfer between material and hot air. In spite of this advantage, a rapid reduction of moisture during fluidization may cause stress to the material, resulting in bean fragmentation. Fragmentation is a physical measurement of bean quality after undergoing the drying process; it is one of the standards that is taken into consideration by buyers and sellers. We have developed a model to explain and predict the kinetics of bean fragmentation during the complex drying process. The predictions of our model can be used as guidelines for drying parchment coffee beans by the fluidization technique.

Drying process of black pepper in a swirling fluidized bed dryer using experimental method

Black pepper (piper nigrum) is one of the well-known spices extensively used worldwide. Drying is the most popular methods of preserving the black pepper. Unfortunately, this operation may negatively influence product quality. Moreover, due to the high heat capacity of water, drying is usually a long-lasting and energy-intensive process, thus new drying techniques are continuously being sought. Fluidized bed dryers have been applied to dry raw materials due to the advantages of good mixing efficiency and high heat and mass transfer rate. In order to control and optimize the drying process of fluidized bed dryers, it is necessary to develop reliable methods to measure the moisture content of solid particles in the bed. For this project we dried the black pepper using two methods which is drying under sun drying and swirling fluidized bed dryer using heater. The temperature for both drying will be the same. Then, the characteristic and the drying moisture ratio of the black pepper were compared between these two drying methods. The performance of the swirling fluidized bed dryer was evaluated based on the percentage of moisture content of loss reduction. The time taken for this drying is 10 hours, which considered as 1 day of drying process. The percentage of moisture content loss reduction is 57.9%. The moisture ratio after 10 hours of drying is 0.3420. In conclusion, drying using swirling fluidized bed dryer is the new technology that can be used in drying industry.