Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Abstract

Investigation into the Effects of Impeller Vane Patterns and Pistachio Nut Size on Hulling Efficiency of Pistachio Nuts using A Centrifugal Huller

R. Khodabakhshian and M. R. Bayati

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of machine parameters on hulling performance of pistachio nuts using a centrifugal huller. Two independent variables including impeller design (material and configuration) of centrifugal huller and size of pistachio nut were selected for evaluating of the machine in a factorial design based on completely randomized block. The overall performance was expressed in terms of hulling efficiency and breakage percent. Forward-curved impeller vanes made of aluminum gave highest hulling efficiency (92.77%) than that with mild steel or rubber vanes. Large size pistachio nut (length > 16 mm) at 10.5% (d.b.) showed the higher hulling efficiency (93.37%) using forward curved aluminum vane. However, the breakage percent was found to be minimum (8.2%) with the medium pistachio size having average length between 14 and 16 mm.