Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Investigating the Effects of Table Grape Package Components and Stacking on Airflow, Heat and Mass Transfer Using 3-D CFD Modelling

  • Communication
  • Published:
Food and Bioprocess Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The flow phenomenon during cooling and handling of packed table grapes was studied using a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model and validated using experimental results. The effects of the packaging components (bunch carry bag and plastic liners) and box stacking on airflow, heat and mass transfer were analysed. The carton box was explicitly modelled, grape bunch with the carry bag was treated as a porous medium and perforated plastic liners were taken as a porous jump. Pressure loss coefficients of grape bunch with the carry bag and perforated plastic liners were determined using wind tunnel experiments. Compared with the cooling of bulk grape bunch, the presence of the carry bag increased the half and seven eighth cooling time by 61.09 and 97.34 %, respectively. The addition of plastic liners over the bunch carry bag increased the half and seven eighth cooling time by up to 168.90 and 185.22 %, respectively. Non-perforated liners were most effective in preventing moisture loss but also generated the highest condensation of water vapour inside the package. For perforated plastic liners, cooling with a high relative humidity (RH) air minimised fruit moisture loss. Partial cooling of the grape bunch inside the carry bag before covering it with a non-perforated plastic liner maintained the required high RH inside the package without condensation. The stacking of packages over the pallet affected the airflow pattern, the cooling rate and moisture transfer. There was a good agreement between measured and predicted results. The result demonstrated clearly the applicability of CFD models to determine optimum table grape packaging and cooling procedures.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig.3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Abbreviations

A c :

Cooler surface area (m2)

a p :

Specific fruit area (m−1)

Bi:

Biot number

C p :

Specific heat capacity (J kg−1 °C−1)

D :

Diffusion coefficient (m2 s−1)

D c :

Collar diameter of heat exchanger tube (m)

D e :

Effective diffusivity (m2 s−1)

D P :

Fruit diameter (m)

g :

Gravitational acceleration (m s−2)

h h :

Heat transfer coefficient (W m−2 °C−1)

h m :

Mass transfer coefficient (m s−1)

K :

Darcy permeability (m2)

k :

Turbulence kinetic energy (m2 s−2)

L :

Latent heat (J kg−1)

p :

Pressure (Pa)

Pr:

Prandtl number

p sat :

Saturated vapour pressure (Pa)

p v :

Vapour pressure (Pa)

Re :

Reynolds number

Sc:

Schmidt number

S e :

Heat source term (W m−3)

S m :

Mass source term (kg m−3 s−1)

St:

Stanton number

t :

Time (s)

T :

Temperature (°C)

T′ :

Fluctuating temperature (°C)

u i , u j :

Mean velocity components in X, Y, and Z directions (m s−1)

u i ′, u j ′:

Fluctuating velocity components (m s−1)

V :

Volume (m−3)

x i , x j :

Cartesian coordinates (m)

X v :

Moisture content (kg/kg)

Y v :

Vapour mass fraction

β :

Forchheimer drag coefficient (m−1)

ε :

Dissipation rate of turbulence kinetic energy (m2 s−3)

μ :

Dynamic viscosity (kg m−1 s−1)

λ :

Thermal conductivity (W m−1 °C−1)

ω :

Specific dissipation rate (s−1)

ρ :

Density (kg m−3)

ϕ :

Porosity

α :

Thermal expansion coefficient (°C−1)

a :

Air phase

c :

Cooler

o :

Reference condition

p :

Product

t :

Turbulence

i, j :

Cartesian coordinate index

References

  • Acevedo, C., Sánchez, E., & Young, M. E. (2007). Heat and mass transfer coefficients for natural convection in fruit packages. Journal of Food Engineering, 80, 655–661.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alvarez, G., & Flick, D. (1999). Analysis of heterogeneous cooling of agricultural products inside bines. Part I: aerodynamic study. Journal of Food Engineering, 39(3), 227–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alvarez, G., Bournet, P. E., & Flick, D. (2003). Two-dimensional simulation of turbulent flow and transfer through stacked spheres. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 46, 2459–2469.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amara, S. B., Laguerre, O., & Flick, D. (2004). Experimental study of convective heat transfer during cooling with low air velocity in a stack of objects. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 43, 1213–1221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ANSYS (2010). ANSYS FLUENT 13.0 users guide. ANSYS, Inc., Canonsburg, PA, USA.

  • Antohe, B. V., & Lage, J. L. (1997). A general two-equation macroscopic turbulence model for incompressible flow in porous medium. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 40(13), 3013–3024.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Becker, B. R., Misra, A., & Fricke B. A. (1994). A computer algorithm for determining the moisture loss and latent heat load in the bulk storage of fruits and vegetables. Final report (project 777-RP), ASHRAE, Atlanta, USA.

  • Bingol, G., Pan, Z., Roberts, J. S., Devres, Y. O., & Balaban, M. O. (2008). Mathematical modelling of microwave-assisted convective heating and drying of grapes. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 1(2), 46–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bird, R., Stewart, W., & Lightfoot, E. (2002). Transport phenomena (2nd ed.). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caleb, O. J., Opara, U. L., & Witthuhn, C. R. (2011). Modified atmosphere packaging of pomegranate fruit and arils: a review. Food and Bioprocess Technology. doi:10.1007/s11947-011-0525-7.

  • Carson, J. K. (2006). Review of effective thermal conductivity models for foods. International Journal of Refrigeration, 29, 958–967.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chau, K., Gaffney, J., Baird, C., & Church, G. (1985). Resistance to air flow of oranges in bulk and in cartons. Transactions of ASAE, 28(6), 2083–2088.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chourasia, M. K., & Goswami, T. K. (2007). CFD simulation of effects of operating parameters and product on heat transfer and moisture loss in the stack of bagged potatoes. Journal of Food Engineering, 80(3), 947–960.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Costa, C., Lucera, A., Conte, A., Mastromatteo, M., Speranza, B., Antonacci, A., & Del Nobile, M. A. (2011). Effects of passive and active modified atmosphere packaging conditions on ready-to-eat table grape. Journal of Food Engineering, 102, 115–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crisosto, C., Smilanick, J., Dokoozlian, N., & Luvis D. A. (1994). Maintaining table grape post-harvest quality for long distant markets. International Symposium on Table Grape Production, California, USA, 28–29 June 2004. American Society for Enology and Viticulture, pp 195–199.

  • Crisosto, C., Smilanick, J., & Dokoozlian, N. (2001). Table grapes suffer water loss, stem browning during cooling delays. California Agriculturae, 55, 39–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Castro, L. R., Vigneault, C., & Cortez, L. A. B. (2004). Container opening design for horticultural produce cooling efficiency. Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment, 2(1), 135–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Paula, R., Colet, R., de Oliveira, D., Valduga, E., & Treichel, H. (2011). Assessment of different packaging structures in the stability of frozen fresh Brazilian Toscana sausage. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 4(3), 481–485.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delele, M. A., Schenk, A., Tijskens, E., Ramon, H., Nicolaï, B. M., & Verboven, P. (2009). Optimization of the humidification of cold stores by pressurized water atomizers based on a multiscale CFD model. Journal of Food Engineering, 91(2), 228–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delele, M. A., Schenk, A., Ramon, H., Nicolaï, B. M., & Verboven, P. (2009). Evaluation of a chicory root cold store humidification system using computational fluid dynamics. Journal of Food Engineering, 94(1), 110–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delele, M. A., Vorstermans, B., Creemers, P., Tsige, A. A., Tijskens, E., Schenk, A., Opara, U. L., Nicolaï, B. M., & Verboven, P. (2012). Investigating the performance of thermonebulisation fungicide fogging system for loaded fruit storage room using CFD model. Journal of Food Engineering, 109, 87–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dincer, I. (1995a). Determination of heat-transfer coefficients for cylindrical products exposed to forced-air cooling. International Journal of Energy Research, 19(5), 451–459.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dincer, I. (1995b). Air flow precooling of individual grapes. Journal of Food Engineering, 26, 243–249.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eisfeld, B., & Schnitzlein, K. (2001). The influence of confining walls on pressure drop in packed beds. Chemical Engineering Science, 56, 4321–4329.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrua, M. J., & Singh, R. P. (2009). Modeling the forced-air cooling process of fresh strawberry packages, Part III: experimental validation of the energy model. International Journal of Refrigeration, 32(2), 359–368.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Frederick, R. L., & Comunian, F. (1994). Air-cooling characteristics of simulated grape packages. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 21(3), 447–458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gentry, J. P., & Nelson, K. E. (1964). Conduction cooling of table grapes. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 15(1), 41–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gowda, B. S., Narasimham, G. S. V. L., & Murthy, M. V. K. (1997). Forced-air precooling of spherical foods in bulk: a parametric study. International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 18, 613–624.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoang, M. L., Verboven, P., De Baerdemaeker, J., & Nicolaï, B. M. (2000). Analysis of air flow in a cold store by means of computational fluid dynamics. International Journal of Refrigeration, 23, 127–140.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Högberg, M., Bewley, T. R., & Henningson, D. S. (2003). Linear feedback control and estimation of transition in plane channel flow. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 481, 149–175.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jacimovic, B. M., Genic, S. B., & Latinovic, B. R. (2006). Research on the air pressure drop in plate finned tube heat exchangers. International Journal of Refrigeration, 29, 1138–1143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laguerre, O., Ben Amara, S., Alvarez, G., & Flick, D. (2008). Transient heat transfer by free convection in a packed bed of spheres: comparison between two modelling approaches and experimental results. Applied Thermal Engineering 28, 14–24.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lichter, A., Kaplunov, T., & Lurie, S. (2008). Evaluation of table grape storage in boxes with sulfur dioxide-releasing pads with either an internal plastic liner or external wrap. HortTechnology, 18, 206–214.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lichter, A., Kaplunov, T., Zutahy, Y., Daus, A., Alchanatis, V., Ostrovsky, V., & Lurie, S. (2011). Physical and visual properties of grape rachis as affected by water vapour pressure deficit. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 59, 25–33.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mirade, P. S., & Picgirard, L. (2006). Improvement of ventilation homogeneity in an industrial batch-type carcass chiller by CFD investigation. Food Research International, 39, 871–881.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moureh, J., & Flick, D. (2004). Airflow pattern and temperature distribution in a typical refrigeration truck configuration loaded with pallets. International Journal of Refrigeration, 27, 464–474.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nahor, H. B., Hoang, M. L., Verboven, P., Baelmans, M., & Nicolaï, B. M. (2005). CFD model of the airflow, heat and mass transfer in cooling stores. International Journal of Refrigeration, 28, 368–380.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nakayama, A., & Kuwahara, F. (1999). A macroscopic turbulence model for flow in a porous medium. Journal of Fluids Engineering-Transactions of the ASME, 121, 427–433.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, K. E. (1978). Pre-cooling-its significance to the market quality of table grapes. International Journal of Refrigeration, 1(4), 207–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, K. E. (1985). Harvesting and handling California table grapes for market. University of California Bulletin No. 1913 (p. 72). Oakland: DANR Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, K. E., & Ahmedullah, M. (1976). Packaging and decay-control systems for storage and transit of table grapes for export. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 27(2), 74–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ngcobo, M. E. K., Opara, U. L., & Thiart, G. D. (2011). Effects of packaging liners on cooling rate and quality attributes of table grape (cv. Regal Seedless). Packaging Technology and Science. doi:10.1002/pts.961.

  • Opara, U. L. (2011). From hand holes to vent holes: what’s next in innovative horticultural packaging? Inaugural Lecture delivered on 2 February, Stellenbosch University, 24 pages.

  • Opara, L. U., & Zou, Q. (2006). Novel computational fluid dynamics simulation software for thermal design and evaluation of horticultural packaging. International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 1(2), 155–169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Opara, L. U., & Zou, Q. (2007). Sensitivity analysis of a CFD modelling system for airflow and heat transfer of fresh food packaging: inlet air flow velocity and inside-package configurations. International Journal of Food Engineering, 3(5), article 16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patel, V. C., & Head, R. (1969). Some observations on skin friction and velocity profiles in fully developed pipe and channel flows. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 38, 181–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, W. C. (1979). Thermodynamic properties in SI: Graphs, Tables, and Computational equations for 40 substances. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford.

  • Tassou, S. A., & Xiang, W. (1998). Modelling the environment within a wet air-cooled vegetable store. Journal of Food Engineering, 38, 169–187.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, J. F., Mejia, D. C., & Singh, R. P. (2010). Energy use of commercial forced-air cooler for fruit. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 26(5), 919–924.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsiraki, M. I., & Savvaidis, I. N. (2011). Effect of packaging and basil essential oil on the quality characteristics of whey cheese “Anthotyros”. Food and Bioprocess Technology. doi:10.1007/s11947-011-0676-6.

  • Tso, C. P., Cheng, Y. C., & Lai, A. C. K. (2006). An improved model for predicting performance of finned tube heat exchanger under frosting condition with frost thickness variation along fin. Applied Thermal Engineering, 26, 111–120.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tutar, M., Erdogdu, F., & Toka, B. (2009). Computational modeling of airflow patterns and heat transfer prediction through stacked layers products in a vented box during cooling. International Journal of Refrigeration, 32, 295–306.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • van der Sman, R. G. M. (2002). Prediction of air flow through a vented box by the Darcy–Forchheimer equation. Journal of Food Engineering, 55(1), 49–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van der Sman, R. G. M. (2008). Scale analysis and integral approximation applied to heat and mass transfer in packed beds. Journal of Food Engineering, 85, 243–251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verboven, P., Flick, D., Nicolaï, B. M., & Alvarez, G. (2006). Modelling transport phenomena in refrigerated food bulks, packages and stacks: basics and advances. International Journal of Refrigeration, 29, 985–997.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Versteeg, H. K., & Malalasekera, W. (1995). An introduction to computational fluid dynamics—the finite volume method. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vigneault, C., & de Castro, L. R. (2005). Produce-simulator property evaluation for indirect airflow distribution measurement through horticultural crop package. Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment, 3(2), 67–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vigneault, C., & Goyette, B. (2002). Design of plastic container opening to optimize forced-air precooling of fruits and vegetables. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 18(1), 73–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wakao, N., & Kaguei, S. (1982). Heat and mass transfer in packed beds (pp. 243–295). New York: Gordon & Breach.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilcox, D. C. (2000). Turbulence modeling for CFD (2nd ed.). La Canada: DCW Industries, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu, Y., & Burfoot, D. (1999). Simulating the bulk storage of food stuffs. Journal of Food Engineering, 39, 23–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zou, Q., Opara, L. U., & McKibbin, R. (2006). A CFD modeling system for airflow and heat transfer in ventilated packaging for fresh foods: II. Computational solution, software development, and model testing. Journal of Food Engineering, 77(4), 1048–1058.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zukauskas, A., & Ulinskas, R. (1990). Banks of plain and finned tubes. In G. F. Hewitt (Ed.), Handbook of heat exchanger design (pp. 2.2.4-1–2.2.4-17). London: Hemisphere.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work is based upon research supported by the South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and National Research Foundation. The financial support of the South African Postharvest Innovation Programme through the award of research grant on ‘Packaging of the Future’ project is acknowledged. The authors are grateful to Mr. Cobus Zietsman for his technical support with the wind tunnel experiment and to Ms. Nazneen Ebrahim for support in the postharvest technology laboratory. We thank the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and feedback.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa

    Mulugeta A. Delele, Mduduzi E. K. Ngcobo & Umezuruike Linus Opara

  2. Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa

    Chris J. Meyer

  3. Perishable Products Export Control Board, 45 Silwerboom Avenue, Platterkloof, Parow, 7500, South Africa

    Mduduzi E. K. Ngcobo

Authors
  1. Mulugeta A. Delele
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mduduzi E. K. Ngcobo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Umezuruike Linus Opara
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Chris J. Meyer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Umezuruike Linus Opara.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Delele, M.A., Ngcobo, M.E.K., Opara, U.L. et al. Investigating the Effects of Table Grape Package Components and Stacking on Airflow, Heat and Mass Transfer Using 3-D CFD Modelling. Food Bioprocess Technol 6, 2571–2585 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-012-0895-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-012-0895-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation