Question

Factors that determine the effectiveness of size reduction and influence the selection of an equipment are % List

[A.] Friability of the food
[B.] Bulk density
[C.] Moisture content
[D.] Heat sensitivity of the food
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. A, C and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. A, B and D only
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

When considering size reduction, focus on the material properties that affect how it breaks. Friability (brittleness), moisture (stickiness), and heat sensitivity (degradation) are key. Bulk density is more about handling and throughput.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Evaluate the material properties relevant to size reduction (comminution).
A. Friability: This indicates how easily a material breaks or crumbles. Highly friable materials require less energy to reduce in size and is very important.
C. Moisture content: High moisture can cause stickiness or elasticity, hindering grinding and causing clogs. Drier materials generally reduce more easily.
D. Heat sensitivity: Size reduction produces heat. Heat-sensitive foods (e.g., those with high sugar or volatile oil content) may melt, degrade, or lose quality, influencing equipment choices (e.g., cryogenic grinders).
B. Bulk density: While important for equipment capacity and material handling (grinder fill), it less directly impacts the physical breaking process than intrinsic material properties like friability. The material's behavior under stress is key.
Therefore, friability, moisture content, and heat sensitivity (A, C, and D) are the most important factors.