Can't find the materials you are looking for?
The material groupings on our website are extensive but not exhaustive. Talk to a rep today about customizing our equipment to better suit your application.
Hemp Hearts
Hemp hearts, also known as hulled hemp seeds, are the edible inner kernel or seed of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). They are gaining popularity in various culinary applications due to their rich nutritional profile and versatile nature. Beyond their health benefits, hemp hearts pose specific challenges in bulk material conveying due to their unique characteristics. In this article, we will delve into the definition and overview of hemp hearts, their common uses, key characteristics, challenges encountered in bulk material conveying, and the ideal UniTrak equipment for handling them.
At a Glance
Hemp hearts are the shelled seeds of the hemp plant, devoid of the outer shell or hull. They are rich in essential fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to various dishes. With a nutty flavor and creamy texture, hemp hearts are used in both sweet and savory recipes, ranging from salads and smoothies to baked goods and granola bars.
Hemp hearts possess several key characteristics that impact their handling and processing:
- Lightweight: Hemp hearts are lightweight and prone to fluidization, making them challenging to convey without causing dust or fines.
- Abrasive: Despite their small size, hemp hearts can be abrasive, causing wear and tear on conveying equipment over time.
- Hygroscopic: Hemp hearts have a tendency to absorb moisture from the environment, leading to clumping and flowability issues.
- Variable particle size: The particle size distribution of hemp hearts can vary, affecting flow rates and consistency during conveying.
Common Uses
Hemp hearts are versatile and can be incorporated into numerous culinary creations. Some common uses include:
- Nutritional supplements: Hemp hearts are often consumed raw or added to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal for a nutrient boost.
- Baking: They can be used as a topping for bread, muffins, or cookies, or as an ingredient in gluten-free baking recipes.
- Salad toppings: Sprinkling hemp hearts over salads adds texture and a nutritional punch.
- Snack foods: Roasted hemp hearts can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or mixed with other nuts and seeds.
- Plant-based protein source: Hemp hearts are a complete protein source, making them popular among vegetarians and vegans for protein-rich meals.
Challenges in Conveying
Bulk material conveying of hemp hearts presents several challenges due to their unique characteristics. These challenges include:
- Dust and fines generation: Hemp hearts can generate dust and fines during conveying, leading to air quality concerns and equipment maintenance issues.
- Abrasion: The abrasive nature of hemp hearts can cause premature wear on conveying equipment, increasing maintenance costs and downtime.
- Flowability issues: Hemp hearts may exhibit poor flowability, leading to material buildup and blockages within conveying systems.
- Moisture sensitivity: Hygroscopic properties can cause hemp hearts to clump together, impeding flow and causing handling difficulties.
Equipment Options
UniTrak offers a range of bulk material handling equipment designed to address the challenges of conveying hemp hearts effectively. Among these:
- The TipTrakTM bucket conveyor stands out as the ideal solution for handling hemp hearts.
With its gentle and enclosed conveying design, TipTrakTM minimizes dust generation and protects hemp hearts from moisture absorption and contamination. Additionally, the TipTrakTM's robust construction withstands the abrasive nature of hemp hearts, ensuring reliable performance and minimal maintenance requirements.
Want to chat more about your specific application or materials?
In conclusion, hemp hearts are a versatile and nutritious ingredient with a wide range of uses across various industries. However, conveying them in bulk presents unique challenges that require specialized equipment capable of handling their powdery nature and potential for dust generation. UniTrak's extensive experience in customized bulk material handling equipment makes them the ideal partner for addressing these challenges. Whether it's gentle handling, dust containment, or efficient loading and unloading, UniTrak offers a range of solutions tailored to the specific needs of handling hemp hearts and other complex materials.
Our team is here to answer your questions and provide the information you need for your unique applications or challenges. Book some time to speak with our team today and start the conversation.