The physical and mechanical properties of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers as related to the automatic separation from clods and stones

Abstract

In the current research, some of the mechanical and physical properties of two industrial varieties of potato tubers that have a prominent role in the mechanised separation process from clods and stones were investigated. These properties include the physical dimension, mass, volume, sphericity, surface area, density, projected areas and Young’s modulus. In addition, the static coefficient of friction and rolling resistance for tubers on five surface materials were determined. The tuber’s size positively affected the physical and mechanical properties of the tubers. The frictional properties of the tubers were affected by the tuber size, the surface type, and the interaction between them. The results showed that most of the apparent properties for the Sante variety were greater than those of the Marfona variety. The static coefficient of friction for the tubers on a wood surface was the maximum and was the minimum value on a galvanized sheet, but for the tuber’s rolling resistance, the results were inversed. The results proposed that the automatic separation of the potato tubers from the impurities using the properties of the crop is possible.

Physico-chemical properties of selected Irish potato varieties grown in Kenya

“…Tuber weight is important as it is one of the major indices for determining the yield of produce and also, potatoes are usually sold on weight basis. Average weights of both varieties and grades were consistent with the mean values for grade-1 (213.17-220.94 g) and -2 (132.00-147.08 g) tubers reported by Abedi et al (2019).…”

“…Tuber size was measured as described by Abedi et al (2019). Three linear dimensions were determined by measuring the length (largest diameter of the maximum projected area), width (minimum diameter of the maximum projected area), and thickness (diameter of the minimum projected area) using a Vernier caliper (Mitutoyo-Japan).…”

“…Determination of specific gravity was conducted using the method described by Abedi et al (2019) where the mass of tuber in air and mass of water displaced by the tuber were measured:…”

“…Some processes such as sorting and grading of tonnes of potato are still done manually especially by small scale producers and processors, thereby increasing labor costs and reducing production rates (Abong and Kabira, 2015). Physical characteristics are vital parameters for the design of grading, sorting, conveying, peeling, slicing/ cutting and packaging systems (Abedi et al, 2019).…”

Mass modeling of potato cultivars with different shape index by physical characteristics

“…grading, linear regression models, post-harvest machinery, predictive modeling erties is reported by several researchers for different potato cultivars, like Vital, Draga, Agria, Ajacks (Tabatabaeefar, 2002), Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Sinduri (Singh et al, 2006), Analytic (Dalvand, 2011), Milva, Jelly, and Sante (Altuntas et al, 2013), and Sante and Marfona (Abedi et al, 2019). Tabatabaeefar (2002) established mathematical relationships among the physical attributes and found a higher correlation (R 2 = .98) between volume and diameters of selected potatoes.…”