Improvement of equipment for cleaning watermelon from the bark under the influence of steam
In Kazakhstan, the growth rate of fruit and vegetable production is observed at an average of 4.3 % per year. The bulk of the crop is consumed fresh. But the period of consumption of fresh products is very short. Since the production of fruit and vegetable products is seasonal, the provision of vegetable products in the off-season is due to its processing. In Kazakhstan, 20-30 % of watermelons grown annually remain undeveloped on melon fields. One of the main reasons is that the technology of mechanical processing of melons is not established, as well as the lack of technological machines and equipment at the enterprises. Therefore, along with the cultivation of melons, it is necessary to ensure the efficient processing of products in accordance with the needs of consumers. One of the main operations in the process of processing watermelon products is the primary processing, that is, cleaning the watermelon product from the bark. The problem of application and scientific justification of new methods of cleaning watermelon products from the bark, the use of simple and reliable machines with minimal energy consumption in technologically efficient and operational use is urgent. The work is aimed at creating a high- performance technology with minimal energy consumption and technical devices for cleaning watermelon from the bark in the field of preparing juice, jam, drinks, candied fruit, etc.in food production.