Damage to potatoes during mechanized operations

This paper forms part of the wide field of study regarding post-harvest operations. Indeed, here we present the results of research carried out on a potato handling line with the aim of highlighting the stress exerted on the vegetables from their entrance onto the line to their packing. The instruments used consist of two impact sensors that have been present on the market for some time: the American IS100, for measuring acceleration, and the German PMS-60, for pressure measurement. Putting the two instruments into the line repeatedly, the stress exerted on them by various machines was measured. In processing the data acquired, on the one hand we sought to identify which points on the line might bring about most stress on the produce and, on the other hand, to compare the results provided by the two instruments used in studying the same phenomenon.