Some Physical Properties of Telfaria Occidentalis Seeds as Influenced by Moisture Content

Abstract

The effect of moisture content on some physical properties of Telfaria Occidentalis seed was investigated at 31%, 34%, 36% and 41% moisture content (wet basis). The mean values of the physical properties of the seeds were determined as length 36.09 – 38.32 mm,width 30.22 – 32.82 mm, thickness 14.22 – 16.42 mm, geometric mean diameter 24.94 – 27.44 mm, sphericity 0.69 – 0.73 mm, thousand seed mass 8.50 – 10.81 kg, bulk density 0.77 – 0.80 g·cm-3, true density 0.86 – 1.17 g·cm-3, porosity 17.09 - 26.74 %, surface area 1953.46 – 2364.00 cm2. The coefficient of friction as measured on glass was 0.37 – 0.58%, sheet metal 0.49 – 0.58%, plywood 0.53 – 0.65%. All the physical properties of the seeds evaluated increased with increase in moisture content but however the porosity, decreased with the increase in moisture content. This information will provide engineers and designer the relevant data for efficient equipment design and process handling of Telfaria Occidentalis seed thereby increasing its utilization in Nigeria.

Uticaj sadržaja vlage na neke fizičke osobine semena Telfaria Occidentalis bio je ispitivan pri vlažnostima od 31%, 34%, 36% i 41%. Srednje vrednosti fizičkih osobina semena koje su određene su: dužina 36.09 – 38.32 mm, širina 30.22 – 32.82 mm, debljina 14.22 – 16.42 mm, geometrijski srednji prečnik 24.94 – 27.44 mm, sveričnost 0.69 – 0.73 mm, masa hiljadu zrna 8.50 – 10.81 kg, gustina gomile 0.77 – 0.80 g·cm-3, stvarna gustina 0.86 – 1.17 g·cm-3, poroznost 17.09 - 26.74 %, spoljna površina 1953.46 – 2364.00 cm2. Koeficijent trenja meren na staklu iznosio je 0.37 – 0.58 %, na metalnoj ploči 0.49 – 0.58 % i šperploči 0.53 – 0.65%. Sve vrednosti fizičkih osobina ocenjivanog semena povećale su se sa povećanjem sadržaja vlage, izuzev poroznosti koja je opadala sa porastom sadržaja vlage. Ove informacije će inženjerima i konstruktorima obezbediti relevantne podatke za efikasno konstruisanje uređaja i opreme za tretman semena Telfaria Occidentalis čime će se povećati njegova upotreba u Nigeriji.