The moisture-dependent flow characteristics of Canarium schweinfurthii Engler nuts

摘要

The flow characteristics of three varieties of Canarium schweinfurthii Engler nuts {Canarium schweinfurthii short, Canarium schweinfurthii long and Canarium schweinfurthii large - CSHTLRG) relevant for the design and development of handling and storage systems was studied at three different moisture levels (10.20, 17.23 and 25.06% wet basis). The flow characteristics investigated include the normal stress, the shear stress, the initial shear stress, the coefficient and angle of the internal friction,the coefficient of mobility and the size of the discharge opening. An Instron universal machine at a cross-head speed of 25 mmmin"1 was used to obtain the shear force. The results obtained showed that all the flow properties increased with an increase in the moisture content except for the coefficient of mobility. Moreover, the variety of the C. schweinfurthii nuts had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the flow characteristics. CSHTLRG had the best ability to flow freely than the other varieties. Thehopper side wall angle for all the varieties ranged from 67-70°. Round, square and triangle shapes are all acceptable for the smooth flow of C. schweinfurthii nuts.