Instrumented sphere evaluation of potato packing line impacts
1992
Hyde, G.M. | Brown, G.K. | Timm, R.J. | Zhang, W.
Impacts were measured through two potato packing lines in Washington State, an elevator-to-accumulator bin transfer, a Pomona bagger filling 2.27 kg (5 lb) polyethylene bags, and a vibratory box settler, using the Instrumented Sphere (I.S.) developed by the USDA-ARS and Michigan State University. The purpose was to assess the impact levels caused by these handling components. Although damage threshold impact values are not yet firmly established for potato tubers, the results indicate that many transfers on both packing lines caused high g impacts on hard surfaces. (One G = 9.8 ms-2, the acceleration due to earth's gravity.) Laboratory experiments must be completed to determine the impact thresholds for potato bruising. However, addition of cushioning and removal of steel at many transfers would quickly and inexpensively reduce the impact levels and any related bruise damage.
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