Effect of Moisture and Grain Type on the Grinding Process by the Hammer Mill

Abstract The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of grain moisture and type of grains on the grinding process by the hammer mill. Power consumption (Kw), mill productivity (kg/h), temperature increasing of grinding ( 0 C), particles size (mm), and grinding bulk density (g/cm 3 ) were measured. Two moisture levels of the grain (8.2 and 13.4 %) and three types of grain (Wheat, Barley and Maize) were used. Results showing that increasing moisture of grain from 8.2 to 13.4 % produced significant increase in power consumption and size of particles, on the other hand decreased temperature increasing of grinding and grinding bulk density, with no significant effect on mill productivity. Changing the type of grain (Wheat, Barley and Maize) recorded a significant effect in all the studied characteristics. It was the best results the least power consumption was 0.889 kW with moisture of grains 8.2 % and barley grains type. Also, highest mill productivity was 2.531 kg/h, and the lowest size of particles reached 0.174 mm with moisture of grains 8.2 % and maize grains, the lowest temperature rising of grinding reached 19.4 0 C with moisture of grains 13.4 % and wheat grains. The highest grinding bulk density was 0.683 g/cm 3 at the grain moisture 8.2 % and wheat grains. It was concluded that the moisture and type of grain are affecting factors on the mill and the grinding process.