We purchased tomatoes for a market trial and are currently in the process of cleaning and sorting them in preparation for drying tests using a dome dryer. This step is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the drying method and assess product quality.
09/04/2025
We had arranged for a batch of tomatoes to conduct a drying trial. But Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a full load of tomatoes trial had to be cancelled. We plan to reschedule it for when tomatoes are available for full load.
11/04/2025
We brought 145 kg of tomatoes from the market, out of which 120 kg were fully loaded onto the solar dome dryer. From this batch, 25 kg of wastewater was removed. The tomatoes were then spread on trays of 3 kg per tray. A data logger was attached at one on the south-facing side, one near the duct, and another on the outer fan. The dome was then covered with an HDPE sheet, and both the fan and data logger were switched on.
To determine the sample weight, 85 grams of tomato were placed on an area of 1 square foot.
To measure the thickness of the tomato, we used a vernier calliper. We had a slicer plate that 4mm thickness, but the tomato was cut with a thickness of 3.29mm it.
12/042025
Temperature and humidity were monitored throughout the day to evaluate their impact on the drying process, with the weight of the onion sample measured at 10:00 AM and again at 6:00 PM to track changes over time.
13/04/2025
Throughout the day, we continuously monitored temperature and humidity levels to assess their influence on the drying process, and we recorded the weight of the onion sample at two key time points—10:00 AM and 6:00 PM—to evaluate moisture loss and drying efficiency under varying environmental conditions.
Tomato Trial Data Download
14/04/2025
At 10:00 AM, we took readings and removed the dried tomatoes from the solar dome dryer.
Once the tomatoes have been removed, carefully record the weight of each individual structure involved in the drying process. Use these measurements to accurately calculate the weight of the tomatoes.
We had placed this sample for testing on a mesh measuring 20 cm by 20 cm to evaluate its performance under the given conditions.
-Total loading = 120kg
-Loading per tray = 3kg
-Sample size = 85gm
-Final weight=6732gm.
15/04/2025
After receiving instructions from Prasad Sir and Abhijeet Sir to conduct trials using the Agro Rangers and the solar dome dryer, we procured 150 kg of onions from a local farmer in the village and, following a thorough cleaning and maintenance check of the solar dryer—including verifying the functionality of the data loggers and the fan—we were joined by members of Vigyan Ashram, who actively supported us in cleaning, sorting, and peeling the onions in preparation for the upcoming trial.
After successfully completing the cleaning and maintenance of the solar dome, the dedicated members from Vigyan Ashram went a step further in their support by actively participating in the subsequent tasks, including the thorough cleaning, careful sorting, and meticulous peeling of onions, showcasing their collaborative spirit and commitment to community efforts.
16/04/2025
We started getting ready for the drying trials by collecting the trays from the slicer machine and the weighing scale. Then, we sliced the onions and spread them evenly on the trays of the solar dome dryer. Each tray was loaded with 2.5 kilograms of sliced onions, and we filled up the whole dryer. Mahesh Sir, Abhijeet Sir, and our teammates Shivanjali, Satyam, Aditya, and Chadvik all helped us set up and organize the entire process.
The solar dome dryer was completely loaded with produce and properly prepared to begin the drying process.
After completing the onion loading process in the solar dome dryer, we proceeded to Agro Rangers to initiate a new drying trial, where Sagar Sir provided us with an in-depth overview of their technologically advanced drying system, which operates electrically while incorporating a solar collector to boost energy efficiency by harnessing solar heat; the system boasts a range of sophisticated features such as humidity control to maintain ideal drying conditions, real-time monitoring of ambient and cabinet temperatures to ensure uniform drying, electric heaters and blowers for precise hot air circulation, and 3 kW infrared (IR) bulbs that deliver consistent and efficient heating, all contributing to its total drying capacity of 30 kg, and he also meticulously guided us through the setup, operation, and management of each component to guarantee optimal drying performance.
After understanding all the information, we initiated the drying trial using an electric dryer. A total of 30 kg of onions were prepared for drying. The dryer consisted of 12 trays, and we evenly spared the load by placing 2.5 kg of onions on each tray. This ensured uniform drying across all trays. Once the onions were loaded, the electric dryer was set up and the trial commenced under controlled conditions.
