Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Fluid-dynamic behavior of flaxseed fluidized and spouted bed

Comportamento fluidodinâmico de sementes de linhaça em leito fluidizado e jorro

ABSTRACT:

Processing of particles in a moving bed, such as a fluidized bed or a spouting bed, is commonly used in the operations of drying, coating, and granulation of particulate systems. This process has applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical and, presently, agronomical industries, especially for seed treatment/coating. This research aimed to analyze the fluid-dynamic behavior of fluidized and spouting beds with different air temperatures and loads of flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.), with estimates of the fluid-dynamic parameters correlated to each process. The parameters were compared with the values obtained from classical correlations in the literature, with indications of associated percentages of deviation. Influence of fluid dynamics on the physiological quality of seeds was assessed by germination tests and the germination speed index. An analysis of the results indicated that seed processing was adequate for processing in dynamically active beds; however, temperatures above 50ºC in both beds caused significant reductions in the physiological quality of the seeds. Processing in a fluidized bed presented a smaller reduction of the physiological properties of the flaxseed.

Key words:
Linum usitatissimum L.; dynamic bed; physiological quality; germination; fluid-dynamic parameters

RESUMO:

O processamento de partículas em leitos móveis, como o leito fluidizado e o leito de jorro, são comumente empregados em secagem, recobrimento e granulação de sistemas particulados, com aplicações nas indústrias química, farmacêutica, e atualmente na agronômica, em especial no tratamento/revestimento de sementes. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o comportamento fluidodinâmico, em leito fluidizado e jorro, das sementes de linhaça (Linum usitatissimum L.), para diferentes cargas de sementes. Obter as curvas fluidodinâmicas dos leitos: fluidizado e de jorro, estimando os parâmetros fluidodinâmicos correlacionados a cada processo. No leito fluidizado foram determinados: a velocidade de mínima fluidização, queda de pressão na máxima e mínima fluidização, expansão do leito e, porosidade de mínima fluidização e, para o leito de jorro, foram estimados a velocidade de mínimo jorro, queda de pressão máxima e queda de pressão no mínimo jorro. Estes parâmetros foram comparados com os valores obtidos de correlações clássicas da literatura, sendo observados baixos desvios percentuais para os mesmos. Avaliou-se a influência da fluidodinâmica sobre a qualidade fisiológica das sementes através dos testes da germinação e do índice de velocidade de germinação.

Palavras-chave:
linhaça; fluidodinâmica; leito de jorro; leito fluidizado

INTRODUCTION:

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is the fruit of flax, a plant belonging to the family Linaceae. According to the official grain grading guide of the CANADIAN GRAIN COMMISSION (CGC) of 2016CANADIAN GRAIN COMMISSION. Official grain grading guide flaxseed. 556 p., 2016. Available from: https://www.grainscanada.gc.ca/oggg-gocg/oggg-gocg-2016-eng.pdf>. Accessed: Dec. 16, 2015.
https://www.grainscanada.gc.ca/oggg-gocg...
, there are two types of flaxseed: ordinary flax (flaxseed) and Solin, which presents yellow integument and is known as golden flaxseed in Brazil (MORRIS and VALSEY-GENSER, 2003MORRIS, D.H.; VAISEY-GENSER, M. Flaxseed. Enc Food Sci Nutr, v. 10, p.2525-2531, 2003. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B012227055X014024>. Accessed: Sept. 08, 2015. doi: 10.1016/B0-12-227055-X/01402-4.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...
). Several benefits have been attributed to the consumption of flaxseed (C: 18:3, ω-3) owing to high amounts of a-linolenic fatty acid, lignans, fibers, or gum (GUI et al., 2012GUI, B. et al. Distribution of cyclolinopeptides in flaxseed fractions and products. J Agric Food Chem, v.60, p.8580-8589, 2012. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Youn_Shim/publication/230684344_Distribution_of_Cyclolinopeptides_in_Flaxseed_Fractions_and_Products/links/02e7e5345d4c5c485c000000.pdf>. Accessed: Dec. 12, 2015. doi: 10.1021/jf3023832.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/You...
).

The quality management of seeds is of great importance in adding commercial and economic value. This relies on certain care, including minimizing the mechanical damage that occurs during processing (SILVEIRA & VIEIRA, 1982SILVEIRA, J.F.; VIEIRA, M.G.G.C. Beneficiamento de sementes. Informe Agropecuário, v. 8, p.50-56, 1982.). According to CARVALHO & NAKAGAWA (1988 CARVALHO, N.M. de; NAKAGAWA, J. Seeds: science, technology and production. 3.ed. Fundação Cargill, 424 p., 1988.), mechanical damage might ruin essential seed structures, increase susceptibility to microorganisms and sensitivity to fungicides, and reduce germination. In this context, unitary operations in moving-bed reactors such as fluidized and spouted bed dryers have been efficient in optimizing seed processing because they provide a strong solid-fluid contact and; consequently, high rates of heat and mass transfer. A fluidization technique became known in 1940 for the cracking of coal, but it was not until the 1970s that studies on seed processing and coating in fluidized beds were developed, as KUNII & LEVENSPIEL (1991KUNII, D.; LEVENSPIEL, O. Fluidization engineering. New York: John Wiley, 491 p. 1991.) reported.

The National Research Council of Canada coined the term “spouted bed” in 1954. GISHLER & MATHUR (1957GISHLER, P.E.; MATHUR, K.B. Method of contacting solid particles with fluids. Ottawa: National Research Council of Canada, 1957. U.S Patent n.2.p.786-280, 1957. Available from: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2786280.pdf>. Accessed: Aug. 12, 2015.
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2786280...
) described it as a system applied to large diameter and/or very dense particles whose main fluid-dynamic characteristic is to split the particulate solid flow in three clearly distinct regions: spout, annulus, and fountain. The processing of particulates in moving beds has been used for seed coating (COSTA et al., 2010COSTA, C.M.L. et al. Effect of process variables on efficiency and particle growth of Spilanthes oleracea seeds coating. Mater Sci Forum, v.660-661, p.419-425, 2010. Available from: https://www.scientific.net/msf.660-661.419>. Accessed: Dec. 14, 2015. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.660-661.419.
https://www.scientific.net/msf.660-661.4...
) in order to create a barrier against fungi proliferation (GORIM & ASCH, 2012GORIM, L.; ASCH, F. Effects of composition and share of seed coatings on the mobilization efficiency of cereal seeds during germination. J Agro Crop Sci, v.198, p.81-91, 2012. Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1439-037X.2011.00490.x/full>. Accessed: Dec. 08, 2015. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-037X.2011.00490.x
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.11...
). It has been used for drying pulp to produce powdered fruits (ROCHA et al., 2011ROCHA, S.C.S. et al. Drying of tropical fruit pulps: Spouted bed process optimization as a function of pulp composition. Drying Technol, v. 29, p.1587-1599, 2011. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233008311_Drying_of_Tropical_Fruit_Pulps_SpoutSp_Bed_Process_Optimization_as_a_Function_of_Pulp_Composition>. Accessed: Aug. 07, 2015. doi: 10.1080/07373937.2011.585442.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication...
), and for studying the fluid-dynamic behavior applied to seed treatment in these beds (NASCIMENTO et al., 2015NASCIMENTO, L.D. et al. Fluid-dynamics evaluation in a conical spouted bed and characterization of foxtail millet seeds. Particuology, v. 23, p.75-81, 2015. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674200115001091?via%3Dihub>. Accessed: Aug. 12, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.partic.2015.01.009.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...
). It showed the importance of the characteristic parameters of beds in order to learn about the fluid-dynamic behavior and, hence, to identify the ideal conditions for processing and mixture of particulates.

This study assessed the fluid-dynamic behavior in fluidized and spouted beds with different loads of flaxseed by obtaining the characteristic fluid-dynamic curve of each bed and, based on statistical analyses and analyses of variance (ANOVA), evaluated the influence of these beds on the physiological quality of the seeds at different temperatures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study assessed a brown variety of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) obtained from small farmers in Giruá, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in November 2015. The seeds were submitted to pre-drying under ventilation at 35ºC for 4h to reduce moisture. Then, they were stored in plastic containers at 7ºC in 60% relative humidity in a laboratory at the Federal University of Pará, Brazil.

Seed characterization

The determination of the absolute specific mass (ρabs), which is defined as the ratio of the mass of a solid and the total volume of particles (including pore volume and excluding interparticle spaces) to the apparent specific mass (ρap)s of flaxseed was performed in triplicate using the comparison pycnometer method as recommended by WEBB & ORR (1997WEBB, P.A.; ORR, C. Analytical methods in fine particle technology. Norcross: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, 301 p., 1997.), with 25-mL pycnometers and hexane as a comparison liquid. The tabulated data of the specific mass of the liquid, together with its mass value added to the pycnometer, is the liquid volume contained in the seeds, hence determined as the difference of seed volume in the pycnometer, which supports obtaining the specific mass.

Specific bulk mass was determined according to a method described by HOLDICH (2002HOLDICH, R.G. Fundamentals of particle technology. Midland Information Technology and Publishing, p.45-54., 2002. ). Seeds were packed in a container of known volume, and then the mass of the particles was weighted in this volume using a 0.0001-g precision scale. The mean Sauter diameter of the particle (dp) was determined by a particle size analysis using Tyler/Mesh sieves with the following openings: 8, 9, 10, and 12mm. A stirrer (Produtest, 220V-5ª) was used at 80rpm for 15min (McCABE et al., 1993McCABE, W.L. et al. Unit operations of chemical engineering. 5.ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1154 p., 1993.). The angle of repose was estimated using the rotary drum method, which was measured after grain flow on a flat surface until reaching static equilibrium, hence considering the angle formed by the free surface and the horizontal plane. Then, grains were sorted according to their flowability, as described by JONG et al. (1999JONG, J.A.H. et al. Properly determine powder flowability to maximize plant output. Chem Eng Prog, v. 95, p.25-34, 1999. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hendrikus_Finkers/publication/265737451_Properly_Determine_Powder_Flowability_to_Maximalize_Plan_Output/links/541ab4940cf2218008bfdaf1.pdf>. Accessed: Oct. 11, 2015.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hen...
). Sphericity (φ) of the particle was calculated from the estimate of the geometric dimensions of the seeds (a, b, and c) in the three mutually perpendicular axes of the solid by the largest axis. Measurements were conducted with a digital caliper (Minolta Md 80-200mm) with 100 replicates, according to MOHSENIN (1970).

The seed quality testing determined the physical purity of the seeds. The samples were weighed and sorted according to different components such as pure seeds, other seeds, and inert waste. Results were expressed as a percentage of pure seeds. The weight of 1,000 seeds was determined using eight replicates of 100 seeds, with each sample weighed individually. The mean of the replicates was multiplied by 10. The results were expressed in grams. The germination rate (GR) was tested using germination plates with 300 seeds each, maintained at 25ºC for seven days. The result was expressed as a percentage of germinated seeds, which were counted from root growth after seven days (BRASIL, 2009BRASIL. Ministry of Agriculture and Supply. Germination test. In: Rules for seeds analysis. Brasília: SNAD/DNDV/CLAV, 398 p., 2009. Available from: http://www.agricultura.gov.br/assuntos/insumos-agropecuarios/arquivos-publicacoes-insumos/2946_regras_analise__sementes.pdf>. Accessed: Oct. 21, 2015.
http://www.agricultura.gov.br/assuntos/i...
). Taking advantage of the conditions of the germination test, the germinated seeds were counted on a daily basis, and GR was calculated using the relation proposed by MAGUIRE (1962MAGUIRE, J.D. Speed of germination: aid in selection and evaluation for seedling emergence and vigor. Crop Sci, v. 2, p.176-177, 1962. Available from: https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/cs/abstracts/2/2/CS0020020176/preview/pdf>. Accessed: Aug. 08, 2015.
https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publicat...
).

Fluid-dynamic equipment

The operating system supporting fluid-dynamic beds (fluidized or spouted) was connected to a 4-cv blower through a 2-in galvanized iron pipe. The fluidized bed was composed of an acrylic cylinder with an inner diameter of 16cm, coupled to a plenum chamber that has a stainless-steel distribution plate in the upper portion. The cone used in the spouted bed is 15cm high and has an air inlet with a diameter of 2.54cm at an angle of 60º.

Fluid dynamics

The fluid-dynamic behavior was determined by measuring the increasing and decreasing incoming air flow repeatedly. Pressure drop graphs as a function of gas superficial velocity were created from these data. Velocity range used in the fluidized bed was between 0.57 and 0.66m s-1, and between 16.96 and 12.34m s-1 in the spouted bed.

Fluid-dynamic parameters that were estimated and compared with the fluidized bed were as follows: (a) The minimum fluidization pressure drop, calculated by using the equation (1) of ZUIDERWEG (1967ZUIDERWEG, R. In: Drinkenburg, ed. Proc Int Symp on Fluidization. Netherlands Press, p.739, 1967): ΔP = Lmf (1-εmf). (b) (ρp−ρf)g, the minimum fluidization velocity using the correlations described, respectively, in (2) Remf = ENT#091;25.72+0.0365 ArENT#093;½-25.7 by RICHARDSON (1979RICHARDSON, J.F.; JEROMINO, M.A.D.S. Velocity-voidage relations for sedimentation and fluidization. Chem Eng Sci, v. 34, p.1419-1422, 1979.) and (3) Remf = ENT#091;27.22+0.0408 ArENT#093;½-27.2 by GRACE (1982GRACEJ.R Fluidized bed hydrodynamics. In: HETSRONI, G.. Handbook of multiphase systems. New York: Hemisphere and McGraw-Hill, p.8-6, 1982. ). (c) The minimum fluidization porosity and the minimum fluidization height for the following seed loads: 0.40, 0.60, and 0.80kg.

The evaluated spouted-bed parameters were as follows: the maximum spouting pressure drop using the correlation described in equation (4) ΔPmax = H(ρpf)(1-ε)g by PALLAI & NÉMETH (1969PALLAI, I.; NEMETH, J. Analysis of flow in a spouted bed apparatus by the so called phase diagram. In: International Congress Chemical Engineer (CHISA), v. 3, 1969. ), and the minimum spouting velocity using the correlations shown in equation (5) (Rei)mj = 0.051 (Ar)0.59 (Di/Dc)0.10 (Hmj/Dc)0.25 described by MUKHELENOV & GORSHTEIN (1965), and (6) Umj = (1/1.74) ENT#091;(dp/Dc) (Di/Dc) (2gHmj ((ρp-ρf)/ρf)½-0.25ENT#093; reported by ABDELRAZEK (1969ABDELRAZEK, I.D. An analysis of thermo-chemical deposition in spouted beds. Ph. D. (Thesis) - Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, 145 p., 1969.). The following seed loads were used: 1.59, 2.44, and 2.95 kg. ΔP and ΔPmax are the minimum fluidization pressure drop in the fluidized bed, and the maximum spouting pressure drop (Pa), respectively. ρp and ρf are the specific masses of the particulate and fluid (kg m-3), and dp is the particulate diameter (μm). Lmf, H, and Hmj are, respectively, the heights of the fluidized bed under minimum fluidization, in the static bed, and the minimum spouting bed (m). εmf is the minimum fluidization porosity. Remf and Reimj are the Reynolds number calculated from the conditions of minimum fluidization and Di, respectively. Ar is the Archimedes number. Dc and Di are, respectively, the column diameter and air inlet diameter (m), g is gravitational acceleration (m s-2), Umf and Umj are the minimum fluidization velocity and minimum spouting velocity (m/s), respectively.

Experimental design

All experiments were carried out with a seed load of 1.59kg for 90min. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design, which investigated the influence of factors such as temperature (35, 50, and 65ºC in treatments) and bed type (seeds treated in fluidized and spouted bed in blocks), in triplicate, totaling 36 experimental units. Seeds not submitted to beds were used as controls for the physiological parameters of germination (GERM, %) and the germination rate (GR, days-1). The means were submitted to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05). When significant, these were compared using the Tukey test at a significance level of 5%, with the aid of the software Statistica, version 13.1. To validate the conclusions using ANOVA, the homogeneity of variances (Bartlett’s and Levene’s test) and normality of variance (Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling) tests were performed with the experimental data at α = 0.05 (not shown in this article).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Characterization of raw material

The following values were reported for the estimated results of flaxseed characterization: absolute specific mass 1.28g cm-3 (CV = 8.66%), apparent specific mass 1.11g cm-3 (CV = 8.22%), and specific bulk mass 0.64g cm-3 (CV = 0.02%). In view of these results, the actual specific mass presented a value close to that obtained by COŞKUNER & KARABABA (2007COŞKUNER, Y.; KARABABA, E. Some physical properties of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). J Food Eng, v.78, p.1067-1073, 2007. Available from: http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0260877406000136/1-s2.0-S0260877406000136-main.pdf?_tid=945dae86-658a-11e7-bb03-00000aacb362&acdnat=1499703333_ae2d4de4fcc4f517b11194a2b122ec01>. Accessed: Dec. 16, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.foodeng.2005.12.017.
http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0260877406000136/...
), from 1.00 to 1.11g cm-3. The sphericity of the seeds was 0.54 (CV = 9.92%), the mean Sauter diameter was 1.74 μm (CV = 0.49%), and the angle of repose was 34.75º. This indicated that particles had good fluidity, which favored their flow ability in relation to the dynamics (JONG et al., 1999JONG, J.A.H. et al. Properly determine powder flowability to maximize plant output. Chem Eng Prog, v. 95, p.25-34, 1999. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hendrikus_Finkers/publication/265737451_Properly_Determine_Powder_Flowability_to_Maximalize_Plan_Output/links/541ab4940cf2218008bfdaf1.pdf>. Accessed: Oct. 11, 2015.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hen...
). An evaluation of seed quality showed that the GR was 98% (CV = 2.04%), a result superior to that observed by FLOSS (1983FLOSS, E.L. Flax, cultivation e utilização. Passo Fundo: UPF, Faculdade de Agronomia, 39p., 1983. Available from: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/33886333.pdf>. Accessed: Jun. 09, 2015.
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/33886333...
), in which the GR of flaxseed was 80%. The batch also had 85.0% of pure seeds (CV = 2.48%) and 1,000 seeds weighted 0.52 g (CV = 2.31%).

Seed classification is of great importance, both from the agronomic standpoint since it aids the selectivity and quality control (MOHSENIN, 1970), and the technological point of view since it provides appropriate subsidies for the type of bed/processing method to be used, for drying and/or recoating, as well as maintaining the product quality.

Analysis of fluid-dynamic behavior

The fluid-dynamic parameters of the fluidized bed were estimated using the fluid-dynamic curve that was obtained (Table 1). The minimum fluidization porosity (εmf) showed lower values such as 0.29 (0.40kg), 0.26 (0.60kg), and 0.20 (0.80kg) at each load increase. The minimum fluidization height (Hmf) showed values such as 0.03 m (0.40kg), 0.04m (0.60kg), and 0.06m (0.80kg). Although, the porosity decreased, this effect caused no resistance to the passage of the fluidization air that could compromise the fluid dynamics with the increase of seed load. The minimum fluidization pressure drop (ΔPmf) directly influenced the seed mass. Nevertheless, a comparison between the experimental and calculated values showed high deviation values, indicating that equation (1) does not adequately describe the experimental data. ALMEIDA & ROCHA (2002ALMEIDA, C.; ROCHA, S.C.S. Fluid-dynamic of broccoli seeds in fluidized and spouted beds. Sci Agric, v.59, p.645-652, 2002. Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/sa/v59n4/a04v59n4.pdf>. Accessed: Jan. 16, 2016.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/sa/v59n4/a04v59...
) also reported marked deviations when studying fluid dynamics in fluidized and spouted beds for the fluidization of broccoli seeds.

Table 1
Comparison between fluid-dynamic parameters of flaxseed in fluidized and spouted beds.

An analysis of the results for minimum fluidization velocity presented a mean value of 0.59±0.05m s-1. The evaluated correlations showed that Umf values, compared with the experimental data, had small deviations (>20%). This demonstrated, according to KUNII & LEVENSPIEL (1991KUNII, D.; LEVENSPIEL, O. Fluidization engineering. New York: John Wiley, 491 p. 1991.), that such correlations adequately describe the fluid-dynamic behavior of fluidized beds under minimum fluidization conditions. ALMEIDA & ROCHA (2002ALMEIDA, C.; ROCHA, S.C.S. Fluid-dynamic of broccoli seeds in fluidized and spouted beds. Sci Agric, v.59, p.645-652, 2002. Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/sa/v59n4/a04v59n4.pdf>. Accessed: Jan. 16, 2016.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/sa/v59n4/a04v59...
) also observed this behavior while fluidizing broccoli seeds.

In the spouted-bed study, small porosity variations were observed for the seed bed in case of minimum spouting porosity (εmj) in relation to seed loads such as 0.48 (1.59kg), 0.46 (2.44kg), and 0.44 (2.95kg). These variations are a result of the sphericity of the seeds and the packaging of solids in the bed. That is, it is a function of the manner that the particles are settled in the bed, which can result in a larger void fraction in case of a smaller seed load. The analysis of fluid-dynamic parameters (Table 1) in relation to the maximum pressure drop shows an increased pressure drop with a solid load in the bed, presenting satisfactory deviations (below 10%) for loads of 2.44 and 2.95kg. ALMEIDA & ROCHA (2002ALMEIDA, C.; ROCHA, S.C.S. Fluid-dynamic of broccoli seeds in fluidized and spouted beds. Sci Agric, v.59, p.645-652, 2002. Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/sa/v59n4/a04v59n4.pdf>. Accessed: Jan. 16, 2016.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/sa/v59n4/a04v59...
) and NASCIMETO et al. (2015) also observed this fluid-dynamic behavior in fluidized and spouting beds when fluidizing broccoli and millet seeds, respectively. It was also observed that the minimum spouting velocity increased as the seed load in the bed increased. The same deviations were reported only in the 1.59-kg load for both equations (5) and (6), suggesting that the processing/fluid dynamics of flaxseed in the spouting bed is best conducted in that seed load. NASCIMENTO et al. (2015NASCIMENTO, L.D. et al. Fluid-dynamics evaluation in a conical spouted bed and characterization of foxtail millet seeds. Particuology, v. 23, p.75-81, 2015. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674200115001091?via%3Dihub>. Accessed: Aug. 12, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.partic.2015.01.009.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...
) observed a similar behavior in the fluid-dynamic behavior of millet seeds.

Statistical analysis

The variances obtained were homogeneous, and there is no evidence of a lack of normality. Table 2 also shows the comparison between mean values of the physiological parameters of flaxseed processed in moving beds in relation to the temperature. Based on Tukey’s test, at α=0.05, a significantly decreased means was observed with increased temperature, thus showing effectively different means. Statistically, equal means were also reported for both beds at 35ºC for the GERM response, and at all temperatures and beds evaluated for the GR response.

Table 2
ANOVA and Tukey’s test.

SS: sum of squares, Df: degrees of freedom, MS: mean square, F: F-distribution, P: probability of significance. *Significance level at α = 0.05. 1Means on the same line followed by the same letter do not differ from each other. 2Means on the same column followed by the same letter do not differ from each other.

Physiological analysis after fluid dynamics

The physiological results of the flaxseed analyzed by Tukey’s test (Table 2) showed that the evaluated bed types decreased GERM and GR when compared to data for fresh seeds. It is also observed that these parameters are mainly decreased in the spouted bed, which can be explained by the solid-fluid intense interaction this bed type causes in the particles. This intensifies the friction between seeds and the seed-bed wall, which can damage seeds and favor poor quality parameters.

Nevertheless, concerning the bed type used, only GERM showed statistically significant differences above 50ºC. That is, above this temperature, the GR of flaxseed is no longer agronomically acceptable since FLOSS (1983FLOSS, E.L. Flax, cultivation e utilização. Passo Fundo: UPF, Faculdade de Agronomia, 39p., 1983. Available from: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/33886333.pdf>. Accessed: Jun. 09, 2015.
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/33886333...
) reported that it should be 80%. ALMEIDA & ROCHA (2002ALMEIDA, C.; ROCHA, S.C.S. Fluid-dynamic of broccoli seeds in fluidized and spouted beds. Sci Agric, v.59, p.645-652, 2002. Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/sa/v59n4/a04v59n4.pdf>. Accessed: Jan. 16, 2016.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/sa/v59n4/a04v59...
) reported a similar result at room temperature when the physiological quality of broccoli seeds was analyzed in fluidized and spouted beds. These researchers reported no decreased GR, indicating that seeds could produce normal seedlings under laboratory conditions.

CONCLUSION:

Flaxseed showed good fluid-dynamic behavior that was appropriate for processing in dynamically active beds. However, temperatures above 50ºC caused significantly decreased seed quality in both beds. In addition, data on the conservation of seed quality after processing indicated that the GR was slightly superior (87%) in a fluidized bed at 50ºC.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors are grateful to Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) (Process 400624/2014-1) for their financial support of this research

REFERENCES:

  • 0
    CR-2016-0644.R2

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    2017

History

  • Received
    04 July 2016
  • Accepted
    14 June 2017
  • Reviewed
    08 Aug 2017
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Rurais , 97105-900 Santa Maria RS Brazil , Tel.: +55 55 3220-8698 , Fax: +55 55 3220-8695 - Santa Maria - RS - Brazil
E-mail: cienciarural@mail.ufsm.br