Bruising of apples in four different packages using simulated truck vibration

Abstract

This paper presents the effects of truck vibration and packaging systems on the bruising of apples. The study investigated four different types of interior packaging : the foam tray, the paper pulp tray, and t w o different paperboard partition/box combinations. Testing was done on a vibration table using a random controller driven by a power density spectrum simulating truck trailers with leaf-spring and air-cushion suspensions travelling on expressways. The results showed that the foam tray was the best type of interior packaging followed by the paperboard partitions. The paper pulp tray produced the highest levels of damage. The air-cushion truck suspension showed larger damage levels than the leaf-spring suspension for all package types. Keywords: Apple bruising; truck vibration damage; interior packaging I NTRO D U CTlO NApples packaged commercially undergo a series of shocks as a result of handling and transportation. Every process from picking of the fruit to distribution to the consumer offers an opportunity for bruises, cuts, or punctures. Various studies have been done to determine the effects of picking, handling, and transportation on damage.'-3 Armstrong4 evaluated the effect of vibration on apple bruising in bulk bins. The results showed that the stiffness of the bin bottom played a critical role in establishing the resonant behaviour of the bin and apple system. Schulte et aL5 investigated the effect of intrastate shipments on damage to 'Golden Delicious' apples. His results showed that shipment conditions that cause impacts above 20G in the paper pulp tray-masters are critical to damage and should be avoided.This study investigated the effect of packaging and trailer suspension types using random vibration to simulate the shipping environment. The use of random vibration for package performance testing has become increasingly important since the damaging effects can be significantly greater than for purely sinusoidal vibration, which up to now has been the norm for laboratory simulation of the transportation environment.6 With the introduction of ASTM Standard D 4728, packaging engineers can now use recommended power density spectrums to simulate changing vibration levels in various transportation systems. Figures 1 and 2 show the two power density spectrums used in this study. These spectra were developed from real-time vibration measurements on trailers with leaf-spring and air-cushion suspensions, respectively, travelling on interstate expressways.' The 'good air ride' and 'damaged air ride' spectra shown in Figure 2 correspond to a properly maintained air-suspension system (with required air pressure) and a poorly maintained one (low air pressure and possible leaks) respectively. All testing was done using the 'good air ride' spectrum. Bruise results for the 'damaged air ride' spectrum are expected to be

A comparison of corrugated boxes and reusable plastic containers for mango distribution

“…Careful handling and proper packaging have shown to reduce the losses of fruits due to bruising. 1 Degree of bruising is dependent on various factors, such as variety, maturity, impact parameters and bruise susceptibility of the fruit. Previous data on bruising is available for apples; 2 strawberries; 3 peaches 4,5 and pears.…”

Comparison of reusable and single‐use plastic and paper shipping containers for distribution of fresh pineapples

“…Simulated shipment tests were performed in accordance with ASTM D999 10 and ASTM D4728 10 to evaluate the shipping containers on their protective performances, as previously described by Singh et al 4 Pineapples were randomly selected and packaged vertically with stem upwards, according to the current practices in various shipping containers. The columned stack of five containers high was placed on an electrohydraulic vibration table.…”

“…The rate of pre-cooling of various packaging systems of pineapples was determined, according to the method described by Singh et al 4 Field heat should be removed from the produce in the shortest time possible to maintain quality and prolong the shelf life of the produce. 4 Temperature probes attached to the data loggers were pierced in the pineapple fruits placed in the middle of the containers in the middle layers of the stack.…”

“…4 Temperature probes attached to the data loggers were pierced in the pineapple fruits placed in the middle of the containers in the middle layers of the stack. Changes in pineapple temperatures were recorded during the pre-cooling process.…”

“…2 Bruising results in rejection of the fruits at the destined markets. Studies on various factors affecting bruising of fruits have been previously reported on apples, [3][4][5] peaches 6 and strawberries. 7 Previous studies on bruise damage of tropical fruits include mangoes, 1 papayas 8 and tangerines.…”