Magnetic resonance image analysis to explain moisture movement during
wheat drying
Transactions of the ASABE, 49 (4):
1181--1191 (2006)Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was
used to explain the moisture movement in single wheat kernels prior
to and during drying. Drying was performed at temperatures of 40�C
and 50�C using heated N2 gas at a velocity of 0.23 m/s. Individual
wheat kernels of 20% to 64% moisture content (wet mass basis) were
dried to study the moisture movement inside the kernel during drying.
MR images were recorded at equal time intervals during drying. Moisture
distribution and transfer were analyzed from MR images of wheat kernels
obtained before and during drying. Moisture distribution was non-uniform
at an equilibrium state prior to drying. Further, moisture loss from
the seed parts differed significantly during drying. The MR images
were used to obtain the drying rates and patterns of water in wheat
kernels during the drying process. Influence of grain parts on the
moisture distribution was also studied using mechanically scarified
kernels and germ-removed kernels. � 2006 American Society of Agricultural
and Biological Engineers.