Experimental Study on Forced-Air Precooling of Dutch Cucumbers

Experiments about the forced-air precooling of cucumbers were carried out under different operation parameters. The results show that the relation between cooling rate and air velocity can be given by power function. The linear relationship between the initial temperature of cold air and cucumbers and the final temperature of cucumbers is gained. Temperature gradient exists in different radius position in the same cross section. But the temperature gradient is not significant for the beginning and the final during the procooling process.