SOME TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CASTOR SEEDS (RECINUSCOMMUNIS) OF IMPORTANCE IN THE DESIGN OF ITS PROCESSING OPERATIONS

This study was designed to evaluate technological attributes of castor seeds being evaluated under varietal improvement programmes in Nigeriathat may be useful in designing production, processes, oil extraction equipment and overall postharvest handling. The average seed major, intermediate, and minor lengths were considered and ranges from 9.42±0.36 mm, 5.62±0.22 mm and 4.27±0.14 mm respectively. The average seed weight was 116.17±19.46 g/1000 seed. While, the arithmetic, geometric, square and equivalent mean diameters were 6.43±0.20, 6.09±0.18, and 6.25±0.19 and 6.26±0.19 mm respectively. However, sphericity was 65% and aspect ration was 95%. Seed volume was 12.60±1.22 g/cm3 and particle density was 9.29±1.69. A knowledge of these properties constitute important and essential engineering data in design of machines, processes and controls; in analyzing and determining the efficiency of machine or an operation, in developing new plant as well as in evaluating and retaining the quality of final product.