Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Negar Ahangarnezhad Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Mechanic Engineering of Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Author-Name: Gholamhassan Najafi Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Mechanic Engineering of Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Author-Name: Ahmad Jahanbakhshi Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Mechanical Engineering of Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran Title: Determination of the physical and mechanical properties of a potato (the Agria variety) in order to mechanise the harvesting and post-harvesting operations Abstract: Studying the physical and mechanical properties of agricultural products has been the subject of criticism and discussion for many years already and has attracted the attention of many researchers. The physical and mechanical properties of agriculture products are the most important parameters in the design of agricultural machinery sorting systems, transmissions, processing and packaging systems. The potato is one of the most important agricultural products as a food resource. The aim of this research is to investigate the physical properties and mechanical behaviour of the potato due to its importance and the current inadequate information about it. In this research, some of the physical and mechanical properties of the potato were measured in standard conditions. The length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter and arithmetical diameter, sphericity, surface area, aspect ratio, mass, volume, bulk density and the projected mean area were included in the physical properties. The mechanical properties of the potato were determined by using a universal testing machine (MRT-5; Santam, Germany) with a uniaxial compression test. Then, the mechanical properties were measured with four repetitions. The physical properties of the potato such as length, width, thickness, mass, volume and geometric mean diameter had a direct relationship, while the density had an inverse relation to the size. The result of the mechanical properties of the sample, such as vertical stress, elasticity module, deformation energy, fracture force and deformation were obtained respectively as 0.34 MPa, 3.09 MPa, 892.02 J, 8.80 N and 207.22 mm. The comparison of the potato's real volume with the standard shapes showed that the potato's shape is similar to an oval due to the largest determination coefficient (R2 = 0.86). The results of this research can be used for the design and optimisation of the processing equipment, as well as the transporting, sorting and packing of the potato crop. Keywords: potato, engineering properties, post-harvest operations, waste control Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 33-39 Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Year: 2019 DOI: 10.17221/122/2017-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/122/2017-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201902-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:65:y:2019:i:2:id:122-2017-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: James Chinaka Ehiem Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, Nigeria Author-Name: Victor Ifeanyichukwu Obiora Ndirika Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, Nigeria Author-Name: Udochukwu Nelson Onwuka Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, Nigeria Author-Name: Vijaya Raghavan Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Bioresources Engineering, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, McGill University, Quebec, Canada Title: The moisture-dependent flow characteristics of Canarium schweinfurthii Engler nuts Abstract: The flow characteristics of three varieties of Canarium schweinfurthii Engler nuts (Canarium schweinfurthii short, Canarium schweinfurthii long and Canarium schweinfurthii large - CSHTLRG) relevant for the design and development of handling and storage systems was studied at three different moisture levels (10.20, 17.23 and 25.06% wet basis). The flow characteristics investigated include the normal stress, the shear stress, the initial shear stress, the coefficient and angle of the internal friction, the coefficient of mobility and the size of the discharge opening. An Instron universal machine at a cross-head speed of 25 mm.min-1 was used to obtain the shear force. The results obtained showed that all the flow properties increased with an increase in the moisture content except for the coefficient of mobility. Moreover, the variety of the C. schweinfurthii nuts had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the flow characteristics. CSHTLRG had the best ability to flow freely than the other varieties. The hopper side wall angle for all the varieties ranged from 67-70°. Round, square and triangle shapes are all acceptable for the smooth flow of C. schweinfurthii nuts. Keywords: stress, friction, mobility, angle, shapes Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 40-47 Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Year: 2019 DOI: 10.17221/47/2018-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/47/2018-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201902-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:65:y:2019:i:2:id:47-2018-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Abbas Akbarnia Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Machine Design and Mechatronics, Institute of Mechanics, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran Author-Name: Mahdi Rashvand Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Mechanic of Agricultural Machinery, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Title: An evaluation of the physical, dynamic and aerodynamic properties of olives Abstract: The determination of the physical and mechanical properties of agricultural products has always been considered as the basis for the design and fabrication of transmission, grading, and processing equipment for agricultural products. Due to the increasing production of olives and the foreign exchange earnings from its trade, the mechanisation of harvesting and processing operations is inevitable. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physical, dynamic and aerodynamic properties of olive species in order to design and fabricate an olive oiling machine. In this research, four species of olives, namely the Manzanilla, Kalamata, Fishemi, and Oily, were used. The physical properties of the samples were completely different. The mean dimensions of the Manzanilla species are the largest and the Oily is smallest and were the inverse in relation to the sphericity index. To determine the mechanical properties of the samples, the test material was used at a speed of 8 mm.min-1. The results showed that the maximum and minimum power and energy of rupture were allocated to the Manzanilla and Oily species, respectively. The Oily samples have the most mechanical sensitivity when compared to the other samples. The aerodynamic properties of the olive species were measured using a wind tunnel. The highest velocity and drag coefficient were assigned to the Oily sample and the lowest values were assigned to the Kalamata sample. Keywords: drag coefficient, fracture energy, fruit, mechanical properties Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 48-55 Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Year: 2019 DOI: 10.17221/5/2018-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/5/2018-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201902-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:65:y:2019:i:2:id:5-2018-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Olugbenga Abiola Fakayode Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria Author-Name: Olayemi Olubunmi Ojoawo Author-Workplace-Name: National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Abuja, Nigeria Title: Moisture dependent thermal properties of selected vegetables in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Abstract: The thermal properties of some selected vegetables in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were investigated. The specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity for the five selected vegetables (Afang, Nkong, Atama, Editan and Nton) were determined and the moisture content variation was investigated. The specific heat values ranged from 2,348-4,580 J.kg-1.K-1, while the thermal conductivity values ranged from 0.00368-0.489 and the thermal diffusivity values ranged from 1.03 × 10-7-1.99 × 10-7 m2.s-1. Nton had the highest specific heat and thermal conductivity, while Editan had the highest diffusivity. An increase in the moisture content increased the specific heat, thermal conductivity and diffusivity of the vegetables and the relationships were found to be linear. Regression equations for the thermal properties were established as a function of the product's moisture content with the experimental data from this study. The thermal properties of the vegetables varied linearly with the moisture content and there were significant differences in the thermal properties of the selected vegetables. Keywords: specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, moisture content, Ibibio Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 56-62 Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Year: 2019 DOI: 10.17221/39/2018-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/39/2018-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201902-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:65:y:2019:i:2:id:39-2018-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ika Amalia Kartika Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Bioenergy and Chemurgy Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia Author-Name: Oky Tresia Ordian Bernia Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia Author-Name: Illah Sailah Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia Author-Name: Tirto Prakoso Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Bioenergy and Chemurgy Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia Author-Name: Yohanes Aris Purwanto Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Mechanical and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia Title: A binary solvent for the simultaneous Calophyllum oil-resin extraction and purification Abstract: Sustainable biodiesel production can be realised by the use of a low-cost feedstock, efficient energy and renewable raw materials. The simultaneous Calophyllum oil-resin extraction and its purification using a binary solvent (n-hexane mixed with alcohol) were examined to meet those aspects. The extraction conditions effect was investigated to determine the optimal oil yield and quality. n-Hexane mixed with alcohol was extracted and purified effectively the oil from Calophyllum seeds. The oil yield and its quality were mainly affected by the n-hexane-to-alcohol ratio. The oil yield enhanced as the n-hexane-to-alcohol ratio enlarged from 1:1 to 2.5:1. The acid value and density of the oil improved as the n-hexane-to-alcohol ratio declined from 2.5:1 to 1:1. The n-Hexane-to-alcohol ratio of 2.5:1 provided the best yield (59%) of the oil extracted at 40°C for 5 hours. The oil presented its best quality at 0.893 g.cm-3 of density, 41.0 mPa.s of viscosity, 8.8 mg KOH.g-1 of the acid value, 88.3 g per 100 g of the iodine value, < 1% of moisture content and < 0.04% of ash content. The oil also had an inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Keywords: sustainable, biodiesel, nyamplung, n-hexane, alcohol Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 63-69 Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Year: 2019 DOI: 10.17221/30/2018-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/30/2018-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201902-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:65:y:2019:i:2:id:30-2018-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Yaser Hoseini Author-Name: Manochehr Shiri Janaghard Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Faculty of Agriculture, Moghan College of Agriculture and Natural Resource, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran Title: Using a fuzzy control system to optimise the parametric method for selecting the appropriate irrigation system Abstract: In this study, a fuzzy logic system was used to optimise a parametric evaluation system in surface and sprinkler irrigation systems. This study was performed on a surface area of 5,175 ha in the Fath-Ali region located in the Ardabil province of Iran. It was indicated that for the sprinkler and surface irrigation system, an area of about 385.06 ha (7.4%) and 159.81 ha (3%) of land is "highly suitable" and an area of about 286.1 ha (5.5%) and 312.69 ha (6%) is "moderately suitable", respectively. About 2,810.08 ha (54.3%) and 2,744.17 ha (53.02%) were respectively "marginally suitable" for the sprinkler and surface irrigation systems. The "currently not suitable" suitability included about 1,322.88 ha (25.5%) and 1,746.05 ha (33.7%) and the "permanently not suitable" suitability included about 370.91 ha (7.1%) and 212.28 ha (4.1%) in the zone under study. According to the results, there is a major difference between the "highly suitable" land obtained through the two methods and the area of the "highly suitable" land using the sprinkler irrigation method is about two times the area of the "highly suitable" obtained through the surface irrigation method. Keywords: surface irrigation, evaluation of lands, sprinkler irrigation, optimisation Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 70-75 Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Year: 2019 DOI: 10.17221/59/2018-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/59/2018-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201902-0006.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:65:y:2019:i:2:id:59-2018-RAE