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A Modified Fitch Device for Measuring the Thermal Conductivity of Small Food Particles

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1989

Year

Abstract

ABSTRACT Adevice was developed for measurement of thermal conductivity of individual food particles. The system is a modification of the Fitch apparatus, the original copper plates have been reduced in size to accommodate small food particles. The sample is sliced to a constant thickness and sandwiched between the two copper plates, one plate acts as a heat sink, and the other plate as a heat source. The instrument was tested for accuracy and calibrated by determining thermal conductivity of glass and comparing the results with measurements made with the Heat Flow Meter (ASTM Standard C5'8-76, ASTM, 1976). Kidney bean samples were also used and results are presented for different moisture content levels.