Vol. 9, Special Issue 12, Part N (2025)

Physical and engineering characterization of selected vegetables for post-harvest handling applications

Author(s):

Sushant Bakal, Sagar M Chavan, Mangal A Patil and Sujata V Patil

Abstract:

Accurate characterization of the physical and engineering properties of fresh vegetables is fundamental for optimizing post-harvest processing technologies. This study systematically quantified the dimensional, geometric, and flow-related attributes of carrots, tomatoes, and spinach to support the design and performance assessment of advanced vegetable handling and washing systems. Carrots exhibited an average length of 158 mm, while tomatoes and spinach leaves measured 51.38 mm and 120 mm, respectively. Geometric mean diameter and sphericity values highlighted distinct morphological patterns, with tomatoes approaching spherical geometry and carrots exhibiting pronounced elongation. Bulk density varied substantially among samples, with spinach displaying the lowest density and highest porosity, indicating greater aeration and reduced packing resistance. True density, frictional properties on stainless steel, surface area, and angle of repose were also evaluated to determine their implications for flowability and equipment-material interactions. The comprehensive dataset generated in this study provides critical empirical inputs for computational modelling, equipment calibration, and the development of energy-efficient, non-destructive post-harvest processing systems. These findings serve as a valuable reference for designing industrial vegetable washers, graders, and transport mechanisms that minimize product loss while enhancing operational efficiency.

Pages: 1096-1101  |  79 Views  39 Downloads

How to cite this article:
Sushant Bakal, Sagar M Chavan, Mangal A Patil and Sujata V Patil. Physical and engineering characterization of selected vegetables for post-harvest handling applications. Int. J. Adv. Biochem. Res. 2025;9(12S):1096-1101. DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2025.v9.i12Sn.6669