Thermal Properties of Kerstingiella geocarpa Seeds as Influenced by Moisture Content

Abstract

The specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of Kerstingiella geocarpa seeds were determined as a function of moisture content. The initial moisture content of the seeds determined using the ASAE standard test was 10.0 % (d.b). The specific heat capacity of Kerstingiella geocarpa seed increased from 155.83 to 204.45 Jkg-1k-1, as the moisture content increased from 10 to 30 % (d.b). The thermal conductivity of the seed increased from 5.13 x 10-2 to 4.87 x 10-1 Wm-1k-1, as the moisture content increased. The thermal diffusivity of the seed increased from 2.35 x 10-4 to 3.66 x 10-3 m2s-1, as the moisture content increased. These values indicate the ability of the Kerstingiella geocarpa seed to retain heat when processed. The regression models that could be used to adequately express the relationships existing between the thermal properties of the Kerstingiella geocarpa seed and moisture content were established.

Keywords: Kerstingiella geocarpa seed, specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, moisture
content.