Implementación de un deshidratador de verduras automatizado para la producción de harina de brócoli para la Empresa PROAGRIP

Abstract

The purpose of this study was the implementation of an automated dehydrator for vegetables, with this equipment it was possible to improve the production of broccoli flour in PROAGRIP company located in Ambato; as a starting point, a study of the existing systems and equipment was carried out, and the information was necessary to establish the criteria for the equipment, which are: origin of the energy for heat generation, control of temperature and time variables, internal air circulation. With this information, a selection table was made for the heat source, the result of which was the use of LPG gas, a heat exchanger being necessary so as not to contam inate the product to be dehydrated, afterwards, the material of the dehydration chamber was defined to be AISI-304 steel. Next, the modeling and design ofthe plans were carried out, taking into account the capacity of the dehydration chamber, control and safety elements, as well as the design of the electrical diagram, which facilitated the planning of the assembly of the equipment and the purchase of materials, and then proceeded to manufacture the equipment according to the plans and diagrams already established, using the appropriate machinery and personal protection equipment. In conclusion, the results determine that the maximum capacity in the dehydration chamber is 60 kg of fresh broccoli, reaching a temperature of 60 oc in 22 minutes at a dehydration time between 8 and 9 hours. Finally, the use of humidity sensors in the chamber is recommended, to activate an extractor, achieving greater control over the process.