Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

The drying rate and germination parameters of rapeseeds (PF variety) treated by a high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) were investigated. The experiment was laid out as a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that the electrostatic field had a significant effect (P < 0.01) on decreasing rapeseed moisture content. Average drying rate for 8, 9, and 10 kV electrostatic fields over a time of 270 min increased by 1.78, 2.11, and 2.47 times, respectively, compared with that of the control. Drying rate increased with increasing voltage. Moreover, the results obtained from the germination experiment showed that the EHD had significant effects on the stemlet and radicle lengths of the rapeseed sprouts compared to that of the control. No significant effects were observed on the seed germination percentage and speed. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.