Decelerator elements for ramp transfer points in fruit packing lines

• Published in: Journal of food engineering Vol. 59; no. 4; pp. 331 - 337
• Main Authors: Garcı́a-Ramos, F.J., Ortiz-Cañavate, J., Ruiz-Altisent, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2003; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Food industries; Fruit and vegetable industries; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Handling, storage, packaging, transport; Fruit; Packing; Deceleration; Quality; Packaging; Conditioning; Transport; Velocity
• ISSN: 0260-8774; 1873-5770
• DOI: 10.1016/S0260-8774(02)00480-6

Two different decelerator elements used to reduce impacts on fruits on ramp transfer points in fruit packing lines were designed and tested. The performance of these elements, a powered decelerator and a multiple curtain, was compared to commercial decelerators (blankets). A ramp of length 60 cm was placed at an angle of 30° in an experimental fruit packing line between a roller transporter and a conveyor. The decelerators were placed on top of the ramp. Different tests were carried out to study the performance of the decelerators using instrumented spheres (IS 100) of various sizes. Results showed that decelerators can reduce the impact intensity down to safe thresholds. The powered decelerator was the most effective because it reduced the speed of fruits and did not cause retention of the fruit, when correctly regulated.