Classificação de tomates ‘carmen’ por escovas rotativas divergentes.

Abstract

Classification Standard of fruits and vegetables facilitate the commercialization, adding value to product and reducing losses. Currently there are classification norms for tomatoes, but producers are still not adjusted for those. In this research it was evaluated the efficiency of classification of ‘Carmen’ tomatoes through a System of divergent rotating brushes with straight bristles (Nylon 0,15 mm). Tomatoes of known diameters had been submitted to this System at 450 rpm and 500 rpm rotations, and ascending of 5% and descendant of 5% inclinations. Equipment was efficient in all configurations, but at 450 rpm at descending inclination of 5% had selection of lesser average diameters than in the same classification in ascending position of 5%. The results founded at 500 rpm rotation and without inclination were the same obtained at 450 rpm and ascending inclination of 5%. However, this configuration was not appropriate, because fruits were launched out equipment.