EFFECT OF AIR SPEED AND SIZE VENT AREA ON THE PRECOOLING CYCLE FOR CANTALOUPE FRUITS

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assist. Prof. Agric. and Biosystems Eng. Dept., Fac. of Agric. (El-Shatby), Alexandria University. Egypt.

Abstract

Cantaloupe is one of the important crops in Egypt a long time ago. Now a day there is a high increase in cantaloupe’s production especially in the new reclaimed areas.  Large amount of production is exported to international markets which represents a good income and a new source for hard currency. Removing heat from the product is required to prevent fruits deterioration and loss of its value. Forced-air cooling is considered an improved technique compared with other cooling methods such as room cooling since the cold air is forced through produce packed in boxes or ballet bins via its venting areas.  In the present work, the fruits were analyzed for physiological properties such as loss in weight as well as the ostensiblyproperties.  Three ranges of air speed were used: 2.5, 3.75 and 5 m/s and two sidewall vent area: 5%, 10% to examine the effect of increasing air speed and sidewall vent area on the precooling cycle and weight loss for cantaloupe fruits.  The results indicated that, the air flow rate, total opening area and opening size show a significant effect on cooling efficiency and the quality of the cantaloupes fruits.  Cooling temperature can extend the period of fresh appearance of the product, also increasing air flow rate and increasing side wall vent area has a good effect on the quality of the fruits.

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Misr Journal of Agricultural Engineering
Volume 33, Issue 1
January 2016
Pages 243-256

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