D-optimal designs for sorption kinetic experiments: Cylinders

Modelling Water Absorption in Micronized Lentil Seeds with the Use of Peleg’s Equation

The aim of the paper was to investigate the effect of infrared pre-treatment on the process of water absorption by lentil seeds. The paper presents the effects of micronization on the process of water absorption by lentil seeds. As a source of infrared emission, 400-W ceramic infrared radiators ECS-1 were used. The seeds were soaked at three temperature values (in the range from 25 to 75 °C) for 8 h, that is, until the equilibrium moisture content was achieved. Peleg’s equation was used to describe the kinetics of water absorption by lentil seeds. The results were compared with those obtained in the process of soaking crude seeds. On the basis of the conducted research, it was found that the infrared pre-treatment contributed to a substantial increase in the water absorption rate in the initial period of soaking lentil seeds (especially at 25 °C). Infrared irradiation can be an effective method for intensification of lentil seed hydration at an ambient temperature. It should be assumed that, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, shortening the heating time will significantly reduce the energy consumption and cost of processing lentil seeds.