Influence of moisture content on the flow properties of basundi mix

In this study, flow and flow-related properties namely morphology, angle of repose, moisture sorption, glass transition and sticky point temperature of basundi mix powder were determined. The bulk and tapped densities decreased from 690.71 to 622.71 kg/m³ and 819.10 to 729.31 kg/m³, respectively as moisture content increased from 3 to 9% (d.b.). Cohesiveness, expressed in terms of Hausner ratio and Carr index, increased with increase in moisture content. The sticky point temperature also decreased from about 40 °C at 2% moisture content to 10 °C at 8% moisture content, suggesting that the product was very much susceptible to caking. The basic flow energy values increased from 783.39 kPa at 3% moisture content to 1883.2 kPa at 9% moisture content. Shear tests showed that basundi mix was relatively more flowable at 3% (or less moisture content) than at 9% moisture content. It could be concluded that dynamic flow tests were better in characterizing flowability of basundi mix than static flow indicators such as angle of repose and Hausner ratio. Overall, basundi mix could be classified as a cohesive material, and to have better flowability and less stickiness, this powder is recommended to be stored at < 30 °C and 40% RH. This characterization will help to understand the behavior of basundi mix during processing, and will be useful in the design of handling, processing and storage equipment.