Abstract:

In this study, the effects of different hazelnut varieties and impeller velocities on energy consumption, hazelnut cracking efficiency and kernel quality in the centrifugal hazelnut cracking method were examined. Giresun Quality Tombul, Levant Quality Çakıldak and Kara hazelnuts, which are important Turkish hazelnut varieties, were selected as the study material. A centrifugal type machine, which does not require grading, crackes with the help of a rotating impeller, and has a crushing capacity of 100 kg per hour, was used as the experimental device. The study was carried out at 4 different fan rotation speeds: 350, 750, 1100 and 1450 rpm. According to the study results, although it is resulted that each hazelnut varieties different behaviors at different impeller velocities, it can be said that the optimum benefit is achieved at 1100 rpm. The results of the article emphasize that equipment adjustments and the development of hazelnut variety-specific processing strategies are important in optimizing cracking and parted rates in the hazelnut processing process. This study can serve as a basis for studies aimed at contributing to efficiency and quality improvements in the hazelnut processing industry.

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