Design and Experiment on Ultrasonic-ozone Washer for Fruits and Vegetables

Abstract:

A multi-functional ultrasonic-ozone washer was designed by integrating the technologies of ultrasonic washing and ozone washing with the functions of decontaminating, sterilizing and reducing pesticide residues. The washing process of the washer was auto-controlled by microcomputer program, including the steps of spray rinsing, ultrasonic-ozone washing, and re-spraying. The two sprayers were disposed on the tank wall vis-a-vis in stagger position. Combined with the control program, the sprayers enabled the fruits or vegetables in the tank to move and roll intermittently during washing, which ensured all the surface of the wash matter can be cleaned, and the ozone-water blend effect was improved. Experiments on strawberry washing showed that the washer had no significant influence on the strawberry quality, and the sterilization rate of microorganism on strawberry was more than 90%, the degradation rates of equigard, acephate, dimethoate all reached about 85%. The washer had significant effect of decontaminating, sterilizing and reducing pesticide residues.