Dielectric Properties of Agricultural Materials and Their Applications

292 Pages·2015·22.18 MB·English

by  Stuart Nelson

Dielectric Properties of
Agricultural Materials and
Their Applications
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Dielectric Properties of
Agricultural Materials and
Their Applications
Stuart O. Nelson
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Richard B. Russell Agricultural Research Center
Athens, GA
USA
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Dedicated to my parents,
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who shared my productive years.
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Contents
Foreword.............................................................................................................................................xiii
Preface.................................................................................................................................................xv
Acknowledgments..............................................................................................................................xix
CHAPTER 1 Theory and Fundamental Principles..............................................1
1.1 Dielectric Properties ofMaterials..............................................................................1
1.2 Variation ofDielectric Properties..............................................................................3
1.2.1 Frequency Dependence.....................................................................................3
1.2.2 TemperatureDependence.................................................................................6
1.2.3 Density Dependence.........................................................................................6
References...................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 2 Measurement of Dielectric Properties.........................................11
2.1 General Principles.....................................................................................................11
2.1.1 AudioFrequencies..........................................................................................14
2.1.2 1to 50MHz....................................................................................................15
2.1.3 50to 250MHz................................................................................................20
2.1.4 200to 500MHz..............................................................................................21
2.1.5 Microwave Frequencies..................................................................................22
2.1.6 BroadbandMeasurements..............................................................................26
References.................................................................................................................28
CHAPTER 3 General Agricultural Applications...............................................33
3.1 Dielectric Heating.....................................................................................................33
3.2 Microwave Heating..................................................................................................34
3.3 Basic Differences......................................................................................................35
3.4 Product Quality Sensing...........................................................................................36
3.5 TreatingSeed-Borne Pathogens...............................................................................37
3.5.1 Loose Smut in Barley.....................................................................................37
3.5.2 Bacteria on Alfalfa Seed................................................................................38
References.................................................................................................................39
CHAPTER 4 Insect Control Applications........................................................41
4.1 Stored-GrainInsects.................................................................................................41
4.1.1 Selective Dielectric Heating...........................................................................41
4.1.2 Experimental Findings....................................................................................42
4.1.3 Entomologic Factors.......................................................................................43
4.1.4 Physical Factors..............................................................................................45
4.1.5 Practical Aspects.............................................................................................50
vii
viii Contents
4.2 Pecan Insects.............................................................................................................51
4.3 Summary...................................................................................................................53
References.................................................................................................................53
CHAPTER 5 Seed Treatment Applications......................................................57
5.1 BackgroundInformation...........................................................................................57
5.2 Alfalfa Seed Studies.................................................................................................58
5.2.1 Basic Factors...................................................................................................59
5.2.2 Experimental Findings....................................................................................60
5.2.3 Aspectsof Practical Application....................................................................63
5.3 SweetcloverSeed......................................................................................................64
5.4 Other Small-Seeded Legumesand Some Cereals...................................................65
5.5 Vegetable Seed.........................................................................................................65
5.6 Tree Seed..................................................................................................................66
5.6.1 Pine Seed........................................................................................................66
5.6.2 Other Tree andWoody Plant Seeds...............................................................67
5.7 Summary...................................................................................................................68
References.................................................................................................................69
CHAPTER 6 Product Conditioning Applications..............................................73
6.1 BackgroundInformation...........................................................................................73
6.2 Drying of Chopped Alfalfa......................................................................................73
6.3 Improving Nutritional Value of Soybeans...............................................................74
6.4 Quality Maintenance inPecans................................................................................74
References.................................................................................................................76
CHAPTER 7 Grain and Seed Moisture Sensing Applications............................77
7.1 BackgroundInformation...........................................................................................77
7.2 Early History.............................................................................................................77
7.3 DielectricProperties.................................................................................................78
7.4 Moisture ContentSensing........................................................................................83
7.5 Summaryof Grain Moisture Sensing Development................................................88
7.6 Single Kernel orSeed Moisture Sensing.................................................................89
7.6.1 Single-Kernel Grain Moisture Measurements on Corn.................................90
7.6.2 Single Soybean Seed Moisture Measurements..............................................93
7.6.3 MeasuringMoisture Content inSingle Kernels ofPeanuts..........................94
7.6.4 Comparison ofFour Single-Kernel Moisture Sensing
Techniquesfor Corn.......................................................................................95
7.6.5 Single Nut andKernel Pecan Moisture Sensing............................................97
7.6.6 Single-Kernel Microwave-Resonator Moisture Sensing...............................99
References...............................................................................................................103
Contents ix
CHAPTER 8 Assessment of Soil Treatment for Pest Control........................... 109
8.1 SoilMicroorganisms andNematodes....................................................................109
8.2 SoilTreatment for Weed Control..........................................................................110
8.3 Initial Assessment...................................................................................................111
8.4 Basic Principles......................................................................................................112
8.5 Further Assessment.................................................................................................113
8.5.1 Attenuation....................................................................................................113
8.5.2 Selective Heating..........................................................................................115
8.5.3 Soil Insect and Nematode Treatment...........................................................117
8.6 Discussion...............................................................................................................118
8.7 Conclusions.............................................................................................................120
References...............................................................................................................120
CHAPTER 9 Quality Sensing in Fruits and Vegetables .................................. 123
9.1 Background Information.........................................................................................123
9.2 Studieson the Use of Dielectric Properties...........................................................123
9.2.1 Melon Studies...............................................................................................124
9.2.2 Apple Studies................................................................................................125
9.2.3 OnionStudies................................................................................................126
9.2.4 Sensing the Moisture Contentof Dates.......................................................127
References...............................................................................................................129
CHAPTER 10 Mining Applications............................................................... 131
10.1 BackgroundInformation—Coal...........................................................................131
10.2 DielectricProperties Measurements on Coal......................................................131
10.3 DielectricHeating of Coal(cid:1)Pyrite Mixtures.......................................................132
10.4 BackgroundInformation—Minerals....................................................................134
10.5 Measurements of the DielectricProperties of Minerals......................................134
10.6 Coal and Limestone Measurements.....................................................................136
10.7 Sensing Pulverized Material Mixture Proportions...............................................142
10.7.1 Principles ofResonantCavityMeasurement..........................................143
10.7.2 MeasuringMixture Proportions..............................................................143
References............................................................................................................145
CHAPTER 11 Dielectric Properties of Selected Food Materials..................... 147
11.1 Measurement of the DielectricProperties of Some
Food Materials......................................................................................................147
11.2 Measurements on Hydrocolloid Food Ingredients...............................................159
11.3 DielectricProperties of Chicken Meat for Quality Sensing................................159
References............................................................................................................164