X-Ray Detection of Fissures in Rough Rice Kernels

Abstract. X-ray imaging is a viable method of fissure detection in rough rice kernels owing to the ability of X-rays to penetrate hulls, thus allowing visualization of internal rice kernel structure. Traditional methods of fissure detection are only applicable for brown and milled rice, and therefore cannot be used to study fissures developed during rough rice drying. In this study, the fissure detection capability of an X-ray system was evaluated and the relationship between head rice yield (HRY), as measured through laboratory milling, and the percentage of fissured rough rice kernels was determined. Long-grain rice lots of various cultivars were dried using heated air at 60°C, 10% relative humidity (RH) for five drying durations to produce different degrees of fissuring, and then milled to determine HRY. A strong linear correlation (R 2 = 0.95) between HRY and the percentage of fissured rough rice kernels after drying was determined. This correlation confirms the substantial impact that kernel fissures have on milling yields. Overall, these findings show the effectiveness of X-ray imaging in rough rice fissure detection, which could allow for drying research that may provide a better understanding of kernel fissuring kinetics. Keywords: Fissures, Grainscope, Head rice yield, Rice drying, X-ray imaging.