Abstracto

Application of Peleg's equation for modeling of water absorption kinetics of paddy (Oryza sativa)

Krita Ganguli,Uma Ghosh

PelegÂ’s equation was applied to depict the nature of hydration characteristics of paddy grain during soaking temperature of 10°C, 20°C and 30°C for 30minutes to 12 hr.This equationwas adequately capable topredict the hydration characteristicsof paddy underexperimental conditions.Therelationshipbetween two PelegÂ’s constant (k1, k2) and temperature showed that Peleg rate constant (k1, h%–1) reduceswith the increase in hydration temperaturewhile Peleg capacity constant (k2,%–1) increases withthe rise in temperature. This indicated thatwater absorption rate increased andwater absorption capacitydecreasedwith increase in temperature.AnArrhenius-type equationwas used to describe the temperature dependence of k1 and k2 (R2>0.98) and activation energy was found to be 35.83kJ/mol.Using the value of activation energy different thermodynamic parameterswere evaluated.