Abstract

A continuous type root vegetable washer was developed for washing crops like carrot and radish. The equipment consists of a HDPE washing drum, spray assembly, chassis and drive mechanism. The performance of the washer was assessed in terms of washing efficiency, cleaning efficiency and bruise index. The vegetable washer which was continuous in operation was tested for washing carrot in farmers fields. The washing efficiency and cleaning efficiency were found to be 88 % and 91 % for carrot respectively. The damage to the tubers while washing was found to be negligible. The capacity of the equipment was found to be 350 kg/h for carrot with a savings in labour about 70 per cent.

Keywords: root crops, mechanical washer, washing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, bruise index