World Grain - August 2021 - 65

Chart 1: Ideal moisture before milling
Type of wheat
Very hard
Hard
Semi-hard
Soft
)
Temperature (Co
21
27
40
60
80
16.0-17.0
15.5-16.0
14.5-15.0
Chart 2: Relation of temperature and
dampening period
Dampening time
2-3 days
12 hours
8 hours
2 hours
40 minutes
Chart 3: Tempering time for various wheat types
Type of wheat
Very hard
Dampering time (hours)
36-48
Hard
Semi-hard
Semi-soft
Soft
24-36
18-24
12-18
6-12
Temperature and time
The heat accelerates both the absorption and the spreading
of water into the wheat kernel. Thus, the required
time for dampening is shortened with the increasing
temperatures.
When the level of moisture in the grain is higher than
desired, hot air is used to reduce the amount of water in
the wheat. The use of heat in dampening reduces time
and also contributes to flour quality. However, it also
should be considered that high temperatures may affect
the wheat structure negatively.
The relation between the temperature and dampening
time is shown in chart 2 (see above).
The duration of the process is determined by grain
properties and the temperature applied. However, even
spreading requires a resting period of 12 to 24 hours for
soft wheat and 24 to 48 hours for hard wheat as detailed
in chart 3 (see above).
Along with these factors, others such as the type
of wheat and ambient conditions affect the dampening
process. For this reason, different dampening
procedures can be applied during the summer or winter
periods.
A Nebulisator (TNBM) device can be used when
it is difficult to reach desired moisture content due to
very hard wheat types, excess ambient temperatures,
etc. In this process, 0.3% to 0.5% water is sprayed into
World-Grain.com / World Grain / August 2021
the wheat to support water
absorption.
A Debimeter (TEDM) also
is used to adjust the water amount
during the dampening process.
Methods and technology
Various methods and technologies are used for wheat
dampening, including cold, warm, and hot dampening,
vapor dampening, microwave and ultrasound
dampening, etc.
Alapala's Intensive Dampening Machine (TCTS) is
widely and effectively used to increase the moisture
level in grains. With the inclined helesonic screw it
features, the wheat is homogenously mixed with water.
The machine offers a high capacity and efficiency in
the dampening process.
Compared to inclined models, Alapala's Horizontal
Dampening Machine (TCTI) offers even better efficiency
in dampening with more water absorption in
shorter periods.
The machine consists of two independent sections
with different paddle design and rotor diameter. The
first section is designed for the pre-mixing process,
while the intensive mixing and dampening operation is
carried out in the following section.
Complementing the machines mentioned above, the
Automatic Dampening Machine (TOCA) measures the
moisture content, temperature, flow rate, and specific
gravity and calculates the required amount of water automatically.
This very precise machine utilizes infrared
technology
Önder Seker is technical marketing executive for Alapala.
He may be reached at Onder.seker@alapala.com.
We want to hear from you - Send comments and inquiries
to worldgrain@sosland.com. For reprints of WG articles,
e-mail reprints@sosland.com.
65
Ideal moisture percentage
16.5-17.5
Alapala's
Intensive
Dampening
Machine
(TCTS) is
widely and
effectively used
to increase the
moisture level
in grains.
http://www.World-Grain.com
World Grain - August 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of World Grain - August 2021
