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MINIMIZATION OF WATER USE IN LEAFY VEGETABLE WASHERS
Citation:
Wright, M. AND R. Hoehn. MINIMIZATION OF WATER USE IN LEAFY VEGETABLE WASHERS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-77/135 (NTIS PB272254), 1977.
Description:
This project was undertaken to construct and test an improved leafy greens washing system employing water recirculation, to characterize the quality of the wash water and waste stream and to make comparisons to conventional washers. The prototype system produced a cleaner product while reducing water requirements and consolidating waste loads. The prototype system consisted of two drum immersion washers in series, each with associated moving belt screens, settling tanks and water recirculation systems. Construction was similar to conventional washers but with modifications to improve removal of floating trash and increase hydraulic agitation of product. The prototype was tested in a commercial processing plant during the fall and spring harvesting seasons, 1975-76. Sixty-seven metric tons of collards, spinach, and turnip greens were processed through the prototype in 52 hours of actual operating time.