Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
(a)
(b)
Figure 14.20
Harvest into (a) field bins or (b) wagons for transport to packing facilities.
Unloading
area
Packing line
Bin/Pallet
storage
area
Trailer
Wash
Rinse
Cold room
Forced-air
cooler
Loading
dock
area
Sort/Grade
Drying
Cold room
entrance
Packing
Area
Storage area
Figure 14.21
Generalized schematic of a packing facility (top view). (From Sargent 2001.)
Sorting and grading operations for fresh produce are very
labour intensive and, therefore a major expense for packers
and shippers (Figure 14.24). Packing line equipment must
be properly designed and maintained to minimize mecha-
nical injury. Adequate illumination is critical to ensure
consistent grading and reduce worker fatigue. Marshall and
Brown (1991) noted that high contrast is the main factor that
can be manipulated in the grading area, since the product has
inherent colour and reflective properties that cannot be
changed. Best grading discrimination, therefore, is achieved
with light intensity of at least 1800 lux and use of a dark or
black background to minimize reflection and glare.
Automation of packing line operations is becoming more
prevalent, increasing efficiency for many commodities and
showing potential for cucurbit operations. For example,
electronic, in-line equipment is commonly employed in citrus,
