Sharif Digital Repository

Some physical and aerodynamic properties of pistachio nut and its kernel were determined in order to design processing equipment and facilities. In this study, several physical properties of pistachio nut and its kernel were evaluated as a function of moisture content in the range of 4.10-38.10% (w.b.). The length, width, height, shell splitting and unit mass of pistachio nut ranged from 16.07 to 17.25 mm, 12.41 to 12.75 mm, 10.98 to 12.24 mm, 3.59 to 4.47 mm and 0.90 to 1.30 g respectively as the moisture content increased. The respected value for pistachio kernel varied from 15.21 to 16.22 mm, 9.11 to 10.53 mm, 8.73 to 9.66 mm and 0.51 to 0.80 g, respectively. In pistachio nut, the... 

Thin-layer drying characteristics of pistachio nuts were determined experimentally as a function of temperature, relative humidity and air velocity. Six mathematical models (Page model, modified Page model, exponential model, diffusion model, two term exponential model and Thompson model) for describing the thin-layer drying behavior of pistachio nuts were investigated. Tests were conducted using four air temperatures (25, 40, 55 and 70 °C), three air velocities (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s) and two levels of relative humidity (5% and 20%) and three replications for each treatment. Out of the six models considered, Page model was found to be the most suitable for describing the drying behavior of... 

Nowadays, the salinisation of groundwaters causes a substantial reduction in the yield of agricultural lands. To reduce the impact of this problem on the profitability of the lands, farmers tend to use desalination processes. However, this transition is not simple and some technical, economic, and environmental issues should be considered. In this study, we highlight some key factors for the use of desalination processes in the agricultural sector. Also, we conduct a techno-economic evaluation of using reverse osmosis desalination in a pistachio orchard as a high-value crop. Moreover, because of the solar energy potential in the location of the case study, the use of solar panels is assessed... 

Sustainable technologies are the main concerns of the 21st century modified oilfield industries. The insufficiency of conventional drilling fluid formulations with a combination of hardly degradable hazardous chemicals as additives raise the demands of field-applicable innovative and environmentally friendly methods. Pistachio Shell discards as degradable wastes, which can intellectually apply in drilling fluid formulation. The experimental oilfield investigations of utilizing pistachio shell powder prove the significant enhancement of rheological properties, reduction of fluid loss and mud cake thickness in both API (Low Pressure —Low Temperature) and High Pressure—High Temperature (HPHT)...