Comparative Assessment of Comminution Energy Equations (Models) Using Some Selected Legumes, Tubers, Cereals and Sea Food

Abstract

The quest to predict more precisely energy that is just enough to achieve closely any desired final particle size of food material subjected to comminution is necessary. This is to avoid energy wastage, obtain finer product size(s) that are uniform and can encourage easy mixing, dehydration/drying, etc. In this regard, some selected legumes (soybeans and beans), cereals (sorghum, millet, corn and wheat), sea food (crayfish) and tubers (cassava and yam) were subjected to comminution through the application of some major energy equations (models); as they find various applications in food industries. Four energy equations (models) namely the Kick’s, Rittinger’s and Bond’s for size reduction and the OruaAntia’s minimum energy equation for mass-size reduction were employed. The constant in each equation (model) to be applied in grinding of selected food materials was determined and used in obtaining the required specific energy of comminution needed to accomplish desired final product size(s). The corresponding grinding time expected to achieve the desired final product were computed and used in operating the grinding machine. Results revealed that the OruaAntia’s minimum energy equation for mass-size reduction operation may be applied on the selected food materials to achieve very closely any desired final average particle diameter with a percentage deviation of 1.66% followed with Rittinger’s equation having average percentage deviation of 6.88%. Technical analysis re-affirm that Kick’s equation could only achieve coarse particles as the final particle size showed average percentage deviation of 38.40%, while Bond’s equation may be limited to prediction of coarse and intermediate particles; since the final particle size average percentage deviation was 16.19%. Besides using Rittinger’s energy equation to obtain fine particles, the use of Orua Antia minimum energy equation may possibly further achieve desired finer particle size(s).