Cooling Characteristics of Fruits and Vegetables for Pressure Cooling

차압통풍 예냉 청과물의 냉각특성

Numerous variables affect product cooling rate of pressure cooling system for fruits and vegetables. These include carton vent area, initial and desired final product temperature, flow rate and temperature of the cooling air, product size, shape and thermal properties and product configuration(whether in bulk or packed in shipping cartons). This study was carried out to determine the influence of each of these variables as they affect cooling time. The opening ratio and number of the vent hole were recomended as 4∼10% and 2∼4ea., respectively, for a minimum alt flow resistance and for a uniform air flow pattern. In the cooling experiment for tomatoes and mandarins, optimum air flow rate was 0.04 m3/min.kg in terms of energy saving. The cooling air temperature should be about 2$^{\circ}C$ less than the desired final product temperature for reducing cooling time.