Integrated Mathematical Modelling of the Husking-Separation-Pressing Technological Chain for Safflower Seed Processing

Abstract

This study presents an integrated mathematical model of the technological processing chain for safflower seeds, comprising husking, pneumatic separation, and pressing operations. The model is based on energy and momentum balance equations and enables the engineering analysis of the interactions between consecutive unit operations within the technological chain. For the mechanical husking stage, the critical conditions of husk rupture while preserving kernel integrity were determined, allowing the identification of optimal operating regimes for raw material pretreatment.

Modeling of pneumatic classification demonstrated the existence of a stable aerodynamic separation zone in which the air flow entrains husk particles while kernels remain in the separation channel. The calculated process parameters indicate that approximately 43% of the kernel and 25% of the husk can be recovered, resulting in a theoretical final kernel yield of about 73% when the efficiencies of husking and separation are considered. The pressing stage was analyzed using a momentum-based mechanical model describing the balance of forces acting in the pressing zone. The results show that the technologically efficient operating range of pressing lies between approximately 7 and 20 MPa. Within this range, about 66% of the theoretical oil content is released at the initial pressing stage, while increasing pressure towards the upper limit of the operating zone allows the oil yield to approach 95%, though at lower energy efficiency. The proposed modeling approach enables analysis of the safflower processing line as an integrated technological system. It provides a theoretical basis for the engineering design and optimization of industrial oilseed processing.