Why Radio frequency heating is more effective to deactivate and release non-nutritive components from pulses

加拿大豆类产业发展迅速，过去几年豆类出口销售迅速增长。射频加热是节能的，适合大规模的商业应用，但已在有限的地区实施。我的研究目标是发现在脉冲处理过程中发生的微观结构变化的机制及其对产品质量的影响。该项目需要三个工作包。工作包1：同步加速器3D脉冲X射线成像第四代同步加速器将用于研究在受控射频加热条件下孔隙、水、蛋白质和淀粉分布的3D X射线图像。我们将研究X射线成像的对比度增强同轴相位衬度断层扫描与相干X射线源可通过同步辐射。使用加拿大光源的生物医学成像和治疗设备，将详细研究微通道发展的3D图像，脉冲中孔，水，蛋白质和淀粉的密度和分布的变化。我们还将比较用常规焙烧和高功率RF加热处理的脉冲的3D离子化孔隙空间。工作包2：优化颗粒流动的垂直喷头设计为了有效使用射频加热系统，正确设计喷头至关重要。为了确保连续（无间隙）和均匀的颗粒流进入两个电极之间的空间，我们将设计和建造垂直施加器。对于颗粒流，我们将考虑在出口处具有致动器的自由下落类型和螺旋钻类型。我们将测试平行和同轴电极配置。将使用不同的参数对这两种类型进行基于离散单元法的计算机模拟，以进行设计优化。将制造优化的施源器，并测试RF加热期间的粒子流和温度分布。工作包3：脉冲质量比较在使用工作包2中选定的施源器进行射频加热期间，我们将观察在各种操作条件下非营养成分如何从脉冲中失活和释放。将进行平行测试，以比较射频加热与传统的热梯度驱动焙烧。优化工艺条件后，将比较两种加热方法的其他质量参数（颜色、质地、蛋白质和淀粉）。非营养成分的去除将与同步加速器X射线图像和RF加热和常规烘焙的脉冲内的温度梯度定量相关。很明显，这三个领域的研究成果将产生重大的积极影响，并将为加拿大各种各样的豆类产品增加价值。该计划还将通过跨学科研究为HQP提供高质量的培训。

Canadian pulse industries are growing fast and export sales of pulses increased rapidly over past years. Radio frequency heating is energy efficient and suitable for large-scale commercial applications, but has been implemented in limited areas. The goal of my research is to discover the mechanism of the microstructure changes that occur during pulse processing and their effect on product quality. The project requires three work packages. Work package 1: Synchrotron 3D X-ray imaging of pulses The 4th generation synchrotron on the U of S campus will be used to study 3D X-ray images of pore, water, protein, and starch distributions under controlled RF heating conditions. We will study enhancement of the contrast in X-ray imaging in-line phase-contrast tomography with coherent X-ray sources accessible via synchrotron radiation. Using Biomedical Imaging and Therapy Facility at Canadian Light Source, 3D images of microchannel development, changes in the density and distribution of pore, water, protein, and starch in the pulses will be studied in detail. We will also compare the 3D skeletonized pore spaces of pulses treated with conventional roasting and high-power RF heating. Work package 2: Vertical applicator design for optimized particle flow To use an RF heating system efficiently, it is critical to have a properly designed applicator in place. To ensure a continuous (no gaps) and uniform flow of particles into the space between the two electrodes, we will design and build vertical applicators. For particle flow, we will consider a free-falling type with an actuator at the exit and an auger type. We will test parallel and co-axial electrode configurations. Computer simulations based on the discrete element method will be conducted for both types using different parameters for design optimization. The optimized applicators will be fabricated, and tested for particle flow and temperature distribution during RF heating. Work package 3: Pulse quality comparison During RF heating with the selected applicators from Work package 2, we will observe how non-nutritive components are deactivated and released from the pulses under various operating conditions. Parallel tests will be performed to compare RF heating with conventional thermal gradient-driven roasting. After optimization of the process conditions, additional quality parameters (colour, texture, protein, and starch) will be compared for the two heating methods. The non-nutritive components removal will be quantitatively correlated with synchrotron X-ray images and temperature gradients inside the pulses for both RF heating and conventional roasting. It is clear that the results of these three areas of research will have a significant positive impact and will add value to a wide array of pulse products in Canada. The program will also provide quality training for HQPs through interdisciplinary research.