Use of compression behaviour of legume seeds in view of impact grinding prediction

An attempt was made to establish relationships between the physical propert ies of the seeds, expressed from the rheological behaviour, and their grind ing behaviour, i.e., the particle size distribution and the specific energy requirement during grinding. The rheological behaviour of the seeds tested (horse bean, pea, lupine, and vetch) with different moisture content was m easured with a traction-compression Instron apparatus on individual seeds. The motion of the piston was registered as well as the applied force and co nsequently different thresholds were defined and parameters were establishe d. A small commercial hammermill Culatti was used for steady-state continuo us grinding experiments. A significant relationship was found between the c haracteristics of the compression curve and the grinding energy requirement .