Physical properties of carob bean (Ceratonia siliqua L.): An industrial gum yielding crop

Some physical properties of carob bean (Ceratonia siliqua L.) were evaluated and the application of these properties also discussed. The carob bean has an average of 13.8% (d.b.) moisture content. The average seed length, width, thickness and geometric mean diameter were 8.69 mm, 6.43 mm, 3.88 mm, and 5.99 mm, respectively. The average 1000 seed weight, volume and surface area of carob bean were 158.56 g, 81.23 mm3 and 96.22 mm2, while the sphericity and aspect ratio were 0.70 and 74.09%, respectively. The average bulk density of seed was 899 kg/m3 while the true density was 1364 kg/m3, and the corresponding porosity was 33.78%. The gravimetric and volumetric flow rates of carob beans were 104 g/s and 115.37 ml/s, respectively. The average static and dynamic angle of repose values were found 31.20° and 23.80°, respectively. The static coefficient friction was least in case of stainless steel sheet while it is highest for PVC.

► We investigated the some physical properties of carob beans (Ceratonia siliqua L.) on its natural moisture content.
► The frequency distribution curves of the axial dimensions of carob beans tend a nearly normal distribution.
► Sneed and Folk triangular diagram method was used to obtain for carob beans shape indices.
► Article provides useful information for designers of processing equipment and for industrial processing of carob beans.