Mathematical modeling of grinding kinetics of food particulates

•Food materials are difficult to grind due to its varying proportion of constituents.•Size reduction operations require rational mathematical description of the process.•Mathematical model for the distribution function of grinding kinetics was developed.•Selection and distribution functions were related through a single parameter.•The expression developed can be used to design and simulate grinding operations.

A mathematical model for the size reduction process of food particulates was developed based on the distribution of number of fractures occurring in a particle. It was found that the selection and distribution functions are related through a single parameter λ, expected number of fractures per unit original size. The model was validated using experimental results of comminuted spice black pepper (Piper nigrum) as a model material. The generalized expression presented is applicable to any feed size distribution, rate of breakage and non-ideal classification and can be used to design and simulate grinding operations.