Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Manhattan, Kansas » Center for Grain and Animal Health Research » Stored Product Insect and Engineering Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #308977
Title: Wheat mill stream properties for discrete element method modeling

Author
item PATWA, ABHAY - Kansas State University
item AMBROSE, R.P. KINGSLY - Kansas State University
item DOGAN, HULYA - Kansas State University
item Casada, Mark

Submitted to: Transactions of the ASABE
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/10/2014
Publication Date: 7/1/2014
Citation: Patwa, A., Ambrose, R., Dogan, H., Casada, M.E. 2014. Wheat mill stream properties for discrete element method modeling. Transactions of the ASABE. 57(3):891-899. DOI: http:/dx.doi.org/10.13031/trans.57.10626.

Interpretive Summary: Monitoring all variables during wheat milling would be very challenging, but models are an effective substitute for physically monitoring these variables. mODELS save time and reduce the effort required to control each variable independently; however, previous statistical models were limited and an accurate model of individual particle behavior during the milling process is needed. We measured the physical and mechanical properties of wheat mill streams (wheat kernels, break stream, and wheat flour) that are required as input parameters for a discrete element method (DEM) model for the wheat milling process and determined the effect of moisture content (from 12 to 16% wet basis) on these properties. Moisture content had a greater effect on physical properties (bulk, true, and tapped densities and particle size) of the mill streams than it did on the mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, coefficients of static and rolling friction, and coefficient of restitution). These property values caN now be incorporated into a DEM model of the milling process that will help flour millers to more easily and consistently produce high-quality flour.

Technical Abstract: A discrete phase approach based on individual wheat kernel characteristics is needed to overcome the limitations of previous statistical models and accurately predict the milling behavior of wheat. As a first step to develop a discrete element method (DEM) model for the wheat milling process, this study determined the physical and mechanical properties of wheat mill streams (wheat kernels, break stream, and wheat flour) required as input parameters. The parameters measured were particle size and size distribution, bulk density, Young’s modulus, static and rolling coefficients of friction, and coefficient of restitution. The effect of moisture content (12% to 16% wet basis) on these properties was evaluated. The density, Young’s modulus, and coefficient of restitution tended to decrease while the coefficients of friction tended to increase with increasing moisture content of wheat kernels. The effect of moisture content on material properties was significant for break stream, but there was no significant (p > 0.05) material property change with moisture content for flour. It was concluded that moisture content had a greater significant effect on physical properties (bulk, true, and tapped densities and particle size) of the mill streams than it did on the mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, coefficients of static and rolling friction, and coefficient of restitution).