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A directional response for a partially filled tank with agro-food liquids incorporates the motion of the free surface due to roll and longitudinal accelerations into the dynamic tank model. This paper presents an analysis of efficaciousness of different designs of baffles for two different tank, to limit the impact of the response given by the liquid on the tank walls. In this paper modelling of the behaviour of the cross-section circular and ellipsoidal tank with baffles, partially filled with liquids agro-food, was developed, which performs a braking-in-a-turn manoeuver. Two different tank truck models have been used to simulate the sloshing effect of agro-food liquid cargo. Is also studied the two geometric models of the tank was done by using SolidWorks and simulating the behaviour of the tank ANSYS-CFX. In this study, there were simulated and modeled two models of tank-type “X”, respectively type “Y” used for the storage and transport of liquid agro-food products, namely water, for different speeds (v = 14m / s and v = 20m / s) and two filling levels of the tank trucks (40% and 80%). The results obtained were compared the behaviour of the tank partially filled into a braking-in-a-turn manoeuver, in which the total values of the deformations that appear as a result of the impact due to the movement of the liquid inside the tank trucks.

In order to conserve perishable food and extend the permissible storage and marketing period, one of the best methods that uses artificial frost is freezing. The action of low temperatures leads to a slowing down of the modifying processes, both nutritionally and organoleptically. The researches presented within the paper aims to determine some specific parameters for the freezing process using an experimental model of a fast freezing equipment with liquid nitrogen. Experimental researches use two species of horticultural products, namely blueberries and green bean pods. The results indicate that the values of total freezing time, average linear freezing rate and liquid nitrogen consumption for quick freezing of blueberries were higher than those recorded for green bean pods. Also, with the lowering of the set temperature inside the freezing chamber, the freezing time from 0°C to the temperature of -15°C decreases, resulting in lower freezing times, higher average linear freezing rates and liquid nitrogen consumptions with increasing tendency.

Development of computers and software made possible CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modeling of heat transfer phenomena in drying process of agricultural seeds. Validation of the mathematical model of the heat transfer process in a porous medium was achieved by measuring the seed temperature at several points of the seed layer in a dryer. The CFD simulation obtained the temperature profile in the seed layer on the three thicknesses studied. Simulation and experiment allow optimization of the drying process by increasing the quality of dried seeds with low energy consumption. The results of the simulation and experimental data give a dry layer optimum thickness of the 100 mm for all tested seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drying process is affected both by the complex thermo physical processes (diffusion, thermal diffusion etc.) that take place inside the particles forming the product which is dehydrated and by the mass and heat transfer in the boundary layer that separates the surface of the solid body from the thermodynamic agent, also called drying agent. In order to study the drying process of the agricultural seeds and to optimize the parameters of the dehydration process a innovation vertical drier with heat recovery was designed and built. The drier allows the surveillance of the parameters involved in the drying process of the agricultural seeds. The following parameters are continuously measured and recorded: ambient air temperature and humidity, the temperature and humidity of the drying agent, the temperature and humidity of the seeds, the energy consumed. The drier is equipped with a frequency converter which allows the continuous adjustment of the velocity of the drying agent and with a data acquisition card (DAQ) to secure the transfer of data to a PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide a rich and updated information on certain aspects regarding the necessity of establishing of lavender crops, to highlight the large palette of use the products, which can be obtained from this plant and not least, the material benefits. The paper is addressed to specialists, farmers, to the family associations, highlighting the most important aspects to obtain quality products, and under favorable economic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent years, a rapid increase has been noticed from farmers and business men in fruit and vegetables dehydration, requiring dehydrating installations of up to 2-3 tons/charge, rarely being registered demands for larger machines. Among these requests over two thirds have been asking for machines for up to 400 kg of fresh fruit per charge. Taking into account these requirements, it is recommended to use the convective dryers with trays. The paper presents a method of choosing and calculating the equipment and operating parameters according to productivity, product type, fuel, construction and cost optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar radiation represents an inexhaustible and unexploited energy resource in Romania and internationally. At present time, in which the energy issue grows in importance, and environment protection became a society demand, efforts in unconventional energy technologies development (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.). Many sectors rely on sun technology benefit, and so can agriculture. The productivity of these sectors depends on the amount of energy that they gather from the sun. Generally there are two types of solar systems: the ones that convert solar energy into electricity and the others that convert solar energy into heat. Both types have many applications in agriculture, helping the productivity. Photovoltaic panels are very economy efficient regarding electricity distribution for long distance locations, like agricultural exploitations, farms, orchards, and other agricultural operations. The use of solar panels is indicated for agriculture due to easy maintenance. Farmers don't use only energy from the sun, its heat being also very important in agriculture. Drying cereal and other products through sun exposure is widely used. In this paper solutions of solar radiation use nationally and internationally are presented, different methods adapted for agriculture, as well as results from researches in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food preservation is the process of treating food, with the aim of preserving its qualities for as long as possible. Extending the freshness period for processed foods has been and is a continuing challenge for producers in the food industry. New technologies and conservation methodologies are continuously researched, which will have as little effect as possible on the nutritional value of the products. Microwave food processing is constantly evolving, rapid heating and high energy efficiency are the major advantages of using this technology. The paper presents a study regarding the preservation of food products using microwaves, its acting mechanism and other applications of microwaves for food processing, as well as some installations and equipment that use this technology.

Ultrasound is a rapidly developping research field that is more and more used in the food domain, both for analysis and processing of food products. This technology has been successfully applied within food industry for various processes like freezing, filtration, drying, separation, emulsion, sterilization and extraction. The paper presents aspects regarding the mechanism and use of ultrasound in food processing, as well as some technical equipment that use ultrasound within a combined technology, for the decontamination of the external surfaces of some horticultural products.

In recent years, intense concerns about the increasing resistance of weed populations to herbicide treatments, the low availability of bioactive ingredients for vegetable crops, as well as the expansion of organic farms for these niche crops have stimulated the development of new non-chemical methods of control or new approaches to those already used. In general, vegetable crops exhibit increased sensitivity to weeds compared to other crops. Therefore, weed control in organic vegetable crops is a real challenge for farmers, mainly using the so-called physical combat methods. Therefore, weed destruction is accomplished by using manual, mechanical, thermal or mulching means. The paper presents the preliminary experimental results obtained under laboratory conditions, referring to an innovative model of equipment for the ecological weed control in vegetable crops. It will achieve the destruction of weeds, combining the thermal method based on using hot water with the mechanical one, by equipping the machine with environmentally friendly active parts. The results obtained constitute an important premise for developing efficient equipment for the ecological weed control that can be used within integrated control systems, specific for organic onion, bean and bell pepper crops.