Method and apparatus for washing and drying harvested vegetables

Details Method and apparatus for washing and drying harvested vegetables Method and apparatus for washing and drying harvested vegetables

1999-02-17

2000-09-05

Wilson, Pamela A.

Drying and gas or vapor contact with solids

Process

By centrifugal force

34322, 34 58, 34 60, 34209, 34236, F26B 508

Patent

active

06112429&

ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus for processing whole head vegetables, characterized by a core end, and an open leafy end, is disclosed. Whole head vegetables pass through a washer which has a bottom belt which runs through the length of the washing line and passes through a first and a second tank (or more tanks) of cleaning water. Between the first and second cleaning tanks, a plurality of spray bars further clean the whole head vegetables. Top belts at each of the cleaning tanks above the bottom belt to secure the produce as it passes through the first cleaning tank and through the second cleaning tank. The lower belt, and the upper belts are controlled by a single speed control system resulting in less damage to the produce. Additionally, the angle of the belts conveying the produce through the two cleaning tanks is chosen for optimum performance. After the produce is washed, baskets, or totes, filled with the wet produce to be dried, are stacked vertically on a rotatable turntable assembly within an inner support frame. The totes are arranged with the open tops facing upwardly. A worker, to load the totes in the dryer, slides each tote within the inner frame with one on top of the other. The inner support frame has a top and bottom spindles or shafts which are rotationally supported by bearing structures at the top and bottom of the dryer. Moisture is driven out by centrifugal force when the inner support frame/totes are rotated.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5413131 (1995-05-01), Medlock
patent: 5675905 (1997-10-01), Hougham

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