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: Analyze the factors related to the material's properties for size reduction (comminution).
A. Friability: This is a measure of how easily a material fractures or crumbles. A highly friable food requires less energy for size reduction. It is a critical factor.
C. Moisture content: High moisture content can make materials sticky or elastic, making them difficult to grind and causing them to clog equipment. Dry materials are generally easier to reduce in size.
D. Heat sensitivity: Size reduction generates heat. For heat-sensitive foods (e.g., those high in sugar or volatile oils), this can cause melting, degradation, or loss of quality. This influences the choice of equipment (e.g., requiring a cryogenic grinder).
B. Bulk density: While important for equipment capacity and material handling (how much material fits in the grinder), it is less of a direct factor in the effectiveness of the physical breaking process compared to the intrinsic properties of the material itself like friability. The primary factors are how the material behaves under stress.
Therefore, A, C, and D are the most influential factors.