Evaluation of storage losses in commercial potato cold storage premises.

Author(s) : CHOURASIA M. K., SAHA R., ANIRUDDHA DE, et al.

Type of article: Article

Summary

Measurements were made in a commercial potato cold storage premises to evaluate some of the operating and geometric parameters (e.g. loading density, percentage free space, potato temperature during cooling, cool-down time, storage air temperature and humidity, loading pattern, power consumption pattern, heat transfer coefficients in evaporator and condenser) related to the losses of stored produce. The loading density of potato in stack and cold storage was optimum. Therefore, centre-most potatoes achieved safe temperature (12-13 °C) in about 10 days and the maximum cool-down time was about 30 days. Hence, the potatoes were safe from rotting. Also, the temperature of potatoes at the surface was always above the critical temperature for cold injury. However, large variations in storage air temperature were observed during the cool-down period, which increased weight loss. The average weight loss was 5.3% after 8 months of storage. Steep fluctuations in power consumption were observed due to irregular loading patterns. The power consumption of compressor during transient cooling was found to vary between 34.84 and 84.6 kW.

Details

  • Original title: Evaluation of storage losses in commercial potato cold storage premises.
  • Record ID : 2006-0307
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Int. J. Food Sci. Technol. - vol. 41 - n. 5
  • Publication date: 2004/09

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