Comparison of Two Impact Detecting Devices to Measure Mechanical Load on Potatoes

Abstract

Mechanized production techniques cause numerous mechanical loads on perishable fruit and vegetables and, therefore, frequently mechanical damage and economical losses. Laboratory tests were conducted to measure and to compare two impact detecting devices, the artificial fruit PMS-60 measuring pressure and a data transmitting sensor for implantation into perishable fruit measuring acceleration. Both devices can be used to detect mechanical load in potato processing lines. A specific test device with three conveyor belts running in circuit at four velocities of 0.2, 0.4, 0.55 and 0.65 m/s and with several free fall steps was used for the experiments. The data transmitter was implanted in a real potato. This potato was run together with PMS-60 and other potatoes through the conveyor belt circuit. Results show significant differences between mechanical loads recorded with PMS-60 and the implanted sensor. Data transmitting sensor recorded higher average load values (51.81, 53.28, 54.94 and 54.03 N,s at belt velocities of 0.2, 0.4, 0.55 and 0.65 m/s respectively) than PMS-60 (41.84, 42.99,43.34 and 42.39 N,s).The results will be discussed