Development of a low-cost ice crusher for raw fish storage

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. 727-735
Author(s):  
M. A. Rabbani ◽  
◽  
K. Tamanna ◽  
A. K. Ahmed ◽  
S. M. Rifat ◽  
...  

The fisheries sector in Bangladesh undergoes various post-harvest problems: the high post-harvest loss of fish. As fish is highly perishable, it needs proper handling, processing, and distribution in time. Ice is the major and primary material that is used in Bangladesh for fish preservation. Different methods are used for crushing ice. In the traditional method, ice is crushed with a heavy load by hand. This method is very laborious and most often does not provide a uniform shape. So, an attempt was taken to develop a low-cost ice crusher machine in the Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Based on the design and drawing, the machine was manufactured. Necessary materials to construct the machine were collected from the local market. The machine throughput capacity of the developed ice crusher was found 854.85 kg/hr. with an overall loss of 10.5%. Based on the test parameters, the machine performance was found satisfactory. The machine construction cost was estimated as Tk 11048. The operating cost for ice crushing was calculated, and it was found to be Tk 0.07/kg. This machine was simple at construction and the cost is also low, which indicates that the machine is suitable input for ice crushing to the marginal user. Where electricity is not available and large commercial heavy ice crushers are not available, this machine can be very suitable.

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guenevere Perry ◽  
Diane Williams

The consumer demand for fresh fruits and vegetables increases every year, and farmers need a low cost novel method to reduce post-harvest loss and preserve the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables. This study identifies a method to induce soil bacteria to biosynthesize a nitrile compound that potentially enters the plants tissue and negatively affects climacteric ripening and delays the ripening process at 20-30˚C. This study used soil rich with soil microbes, to delay the ripening of climacteric fruit. The soil was treated with nitrogen, a heavy metal, and ethylene gas. Ethylene induced the soil to delay the ripening of organic bananas and peaches. A prototype transportation container maintained fruit fresh for up to 72 h at 20-30˚C. The fruit retained color, firmness, texture, no bruising and minimal spotting. The soil also prevented fungal infection in all samples. GC-MS analysis suggests ethylene induced the soil microbes to release an acetonitrile compound into the gaseous environment. The nitrile is released in low concentrations, but mature plants (fruits) contain very low levels of indole-3-acetonitrile (IAN) or indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The nitrile may obstruct or modify the mature plants (fruit) late stages development process, thus delay the climacteric ripening process and retarding the physiological and phenotypic effects of fruit ripening. We believe this study may have strong applications for post-harvest biotechnology.


2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Kátia Isabel Milagres ◽  
Camila Rodrigues Amaral ◽  
Érica M. da Silva Santos ◽  
Tarcísio B. Marques ◽  
Guilherme De O. Gomes

The photometry in the visual field has wide application in analytical laboratories and research physical, chemical, biochemical, pharmacological, etc. It is essential that students of physics and chemistry have knowledge about this quantitative technique. One obstacle to the widespread use of this technique is the cost of equipment and materials to be used. The objective of this work is the introduction of a photometer didactic, whose construction and technique with a low operating cost and the easy using and producing results, as a practical solution to put school improvement. The features highlighted in the work do the proposed photometer an economically viable alternative tool for chemical analysis in the laboratories of the Faculty for research and / or teaching.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 105-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.J. Griffin ◽  
D.F. Batten ◽  
T. Beer ◽  
P.K. Campbell

Capital and operating cost estimates for converting microalgae to oil or biodiesel are compared. These cost comparisons are based on Australian locations, which are expected to fall at the lower end of the cost spectrum in the Asia-Pacific Region and other parts of the world.  It is assumed that microalgae are grown in a concentrated saltwater medium in raceway ponds, then are harvested, dewatered and the oil is extracted and converted to biodiesel by transesterification. The size of the desired pond system affects the number of potential locations due to constraints in resource availability. Cost estimates vary significantly due to differences in the assumed oil productivity, the harvesting equipment and the method of converting residual biomass to electric power. A comparison is made with recent cost estimates from other parts of the world, in which the expected costs of microalgae oil production from a number of publicly available sources lay between 0.34–31.0 USD/L.  The resulting cost estimates of between 1.37—2.66 USD/L are at the lower end of this scale, thereby confirming that Australia has the potential to be a low-cost producer of algal oil and biodiesel in the Asia-Pacific Region.  It was significant that, despite similar assumptions for the microalgae-to-oil process, cost estimates for the final biodiesel or oil price differed by a factor of 2.  This highlights the high degree of uncertainty in such economic predictions. Keywords: Asia-Pacific region; biodiesel; economics; microalgaeThis article is cited as :Griffin, G., Batten, D., Beer, T., & Campbell, P. (2013). The Costs of Producing Biodiesel from Microalgae in the Asia-Pacific Region. International Journal Of Renewable Energy Development (IJRED), 2(3), 105-113. doi:10.14710/ijred.2.3.105-113Permalinkhttp://dx.doi.org/10.14710/ijred.2.3.105-113


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 619-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R Armstrong ◽  
Samuel McNeil ◽  
Naomi Manu ◽  
Augustine Bosomtwe ◽  
James K Danso ◽  
...  

Abstract. Storage of grain in bags is common in Africa, Asia, and many other less developed countries making a bag probing method well-suited for moisture content (MC) measurement. A low-cost meter was developed under a USAID project to reduce post-harvest loss (PHL). The meter, referred to as the PHL meter, measures the MC of maize and other grains based on relative humidity (RH) and temperature (T) measurements obtained by a small digital sensor located in the tip of a tubular probe that can be inserted into bags of grain or other grain bulks. Measurements are used by equilibrium moisture content (EMC) equations programmed into the meter to predict MC. A handheld reader connected to the probe provides a user interface. Keywords: Equilibrium moisture content, Grain storage, Maize, Moisture content, Moisture meter, Post-harvest


2012 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 50-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadia Afreen

This work proposes a new combination and proportion of chemicals available in the local market to prepare laundry detergent at low cost in context of Bangladesh. The proposed formula ensures good foaming and washing quality of the detergent that can compete the existing other laundry detergents in the market. The pH of the product is maintained at 10 which is close to that of other detergent powder being sold in market now. The cost analysis in accordance with the proposed formula shows that the production of 1 kg detergent powder costs 20-25 BDT; therefore, can be sold at a price lower than the other detergents available in market. The proposed formula can reduce the selling price of the detergent at 40-45 BDT, whereas the other companies are selling it from 50-140 BDT in the market. This offers a new scope to produce laundry detergent at a very low cost as well as good washing performance of the product using the locally available chemicals in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10184 JCE 2011; 26(1): 50-53


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1856-1859
Author(s):  
Harendra Nishantha Kariyawasam

This study focuses on analyzing the variables affecting the average operating cost per aircraft movement. Since airlines around the world are operated on thin profit margins and with increasing competition from Low Cost Carriers it will be important for an airline to get a complete understanding about their operating cost structure. The aim of this study is to suggest an airline of actions to reduce their operating cost and will differentiate the cost structures of Low Cost Carriers and Full Service Carriers. This study was conducted for 20 airlines which were operating in Asia Pacific region. Published financial and statistical data were used for analysis and a parametric approach was used. The results of this study do not suggest economies of scale for the airline, which is to have higher number of aircraft to reduce cost.


Author(s):  
Karan S Belsare ◽  
Gajanan D Patil

A low cost and reliable protection scheme has been designed for a three phase induction motor against unbalance voltages, under voltage, over voltage, short circuit and overheating protection. Taking the cost factor into consideration the design has been proposed using microcontroller Atmega32, MOSFETs, relays, small CTs and PTs. However the sensitivity of the protection scheme has been not compromised. The design has been tested online in the laboratory for small motors and the same can be implemented for larger motors by replacing the i-v converters and relays of suitable ratings.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Georges Bridel ◽  
Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽  
Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽  
Jean-Georges Brévot ◽  
Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽  
...  

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-461
Author(s):  
Gabriela M. Baia ◽  
Otniel Freitas-Silva ◽  
Murillo F. Junior

Fruits and vegetables are foods that come into contact with various types of microorganisms from planting to their consumption. A lack or poor sanitation of these products after harvest can cause high losses due to deterioration and/ or pathogenic microorganisms. There are practically no post-harvest fungicides or bactericides with a broad spectrum of action that have no toxic residual effects and are safe. However, to minimize such problems, the use of sanitizers is an efficient device against these microorganisms. Chlorine is the most prevalent sanitizing agent because of its broad spectrum, low cost and well-established practices. However, the inevitable formation of disinfection by-products, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), is considered one of the main threats to food safety. Alternative sanitizers, such as chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and ozone, are becoming popular as a substitute for traditional post-harvest treatments. Thus, this review addresses the use of chlorine, chlorine dioxide and ozone emphasizing aspects, such as usage, safe application, spectrum of action and legislation. In order to ensure the quality and safety of final products, the adoption of well-prepared sanitation and sanitation programs for post-harvest fruits and vegetables is essential.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Lazarus ◽  
M. Ncube

Abstract Background Technology currently used for surgical endoscopy was developed and is manufactured in high-income economies. The cost of this equipment makes technology transfer to resource constrained environments difficult. We aimed to design an affordable wireless endoscope to aid visualisation during rigid endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The initial prototype aimed to replicate a 4-mm lens used in rigid cystoscopy. Methods Focus was placed on using open-source resources to develop the wireless endoscope to significantly lower the cost and make the device accessible for resource-constrained settings. An off the shelf miniature single-board computer module was used because of its low cost (US$10) and its ability to handle high-definition (720p) video. Open-source Linux software made monitor mode (“hotspot”) wireless video transmission possible. A 1280 × 720 pixel high-definition tube camera was used to generate the video signal. Video is transmitted to a standard laptop computer for display. Bench testing included latency of wireless digital video transmission. Comparison to industry standard wired cameras was made including weight and cost. The battery life was also assessed. Results In comparison with industry standard cystoscope lens, wired camera, video processing unit and light source, the prototype costs substantially less. (US$ 230 vs 28 000). The prototype is light weight (184 g), has no cables tethering and has acceptable battery life (of over 2 h, using a 1200 mAh battery). The camera transmits video wirelessly in near real time with only imperceptible latency of < 200 ms. Image quality is high definition at 30 frames per second. Colour rendering is good, and white balancing is possible. Limitations include the lack of a zoom. Conclusion The novel wireless endoscope camera described here offers equivalent high-definition video at a markedly reduced cost to contemporary industry wired units and could contribute to making minimally invasive surgery possible in resource-constrained environments.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document