Reliable detection of mechanical wear is essential for maintaining operational stability and reducing unplanned downtime in industrial extrusion systems. This study investigates non-invasive detection of screw wear using operational electrical measurements acquired from a single-screw industrial extruder. Electrical parameters were recorded under steady-state processing conditions for healthy and worn screw configurations to determine whether measurable differences in electromechanical behavior could support condition assessment. The collected signals were segmented into 1429 labeled samples and evaluated using statistical and time–frequency analyses. Mean electrical parameters were compared between technical states, and independent samples Welch t-tests confirmed statistically significant differences in phase voltage for all monitored phases (p < 0.001). Continuous wavelet transform was applied to capture non-stationary signal characteristics, enabling extraction of energy- and entropy-based descriptors associated with variations in mechanical load. The derived features were subsequently used for automated classification of machine condition. The results revealed consistent increases in phase voltage for the worn screw ranging from 0.50% to 0.61%, indicating a stable shift in the electrical operating characteristics of the drive system. Supervised classification achieved an accuracy of 96.2% (289 of 300 samples correctly classified in the testing subset), demonstrating reliable separability between technical states without the need for additional vibration instrumentation. These findings confirm that operational electrical signals provide diagnostically relevant information for screw wear detection and support scalable implementation of electrical condition monitoring in industrial extrusion systems.
This paper presents a single-site empirical case study — formulated without claims to statistical generalisability — of a 10 kWp photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with a 19.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery storage unit, based on 365 days of operational data from a single-family household in southern Poland (50.06°N; 19.94°E). The system was commissioned in August 2024; the battery was pre-charged to approximately 80% SOC prior to the monitoring period commencing 1 September 2024, ensuring that the initial SOC condition is documented and that the annual energy balance closes with negligible net change in stored energy. Standard-ised performance indicators — Self-Consumption Rate (SCR), Self-Sufficiency Rate (SSR), Equivalent Full Cycles per Year (EFC/year), and Grid Dependency Index (GDI) — are deter-mined at daily and monthly resolution. Measured annual PV yield (882.7 kWh/kWp) is com-pared with PVGIS TMY reference data (915.4 kWh/kWp), confirming that the monitoring period was characterised by irradiation approximately 3.6% below the long-term mean. The system achieved annual SCR = 46.2% and SSR = 80.9%, with complete grid independence on 70.1% of days. Battery round-trip efficiency of 91.1% confirms technical quality, while EFC ≈ 96.6 cy-cles/year indicates significant underutilisation of cycling capacity relative to the rated 6,000-cycle lifetime. Economic analysis indicates a battery-specific simple payback period of approximately 26–32 years (sensitivity range) under current Polish net-billing tariffs, identifying uncontrolled electric vehicle (EV) charging as the principal disruptor of system balance. The results constitute empirical evidence relevant for validating simulation models and provide observations useful for the design of residential energy storage systems in continental European climates.
The pulsation pattern of the liners and the operating parameters of the pulsator affect the health of the cows’ udders and the quality of the milk produced. Quarter milking clusters are rarely used in cowsheds. Their use allows for individual control of the teatcups during milking, which helps, among other things, to reduce the negative effects of empty quarters in cows’ udders. This study provides an overview of quarter milking clusters, both prototypes and those in mass production. Older designs (up to the 1990s) were based on mechanical and electrical components, whilst the main function of the quarter milking system was the individual removal of milking cups. In the 21st century, mass-produced quarter milking cluster appeared on the market, and in selected academic centres, prototypes of modern quarter milking clusters were developed. The quarter milking cluster with thermal milk flow indicators, developed at the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the Poznań University of Life Sciences, was the only design described and was the subject of scientific research. The main aim of this research was to optimise the operating parameters of the quarter pulsator and to evaluate the functionality of the thermal milk flow indicators fitted to the teatcups. Further research in cowsheds using quarter milking clusters requires the development of an effective method for mounting sensors on the teatcups or the development of a measurement module to be fitted inside the claw.
Jordan, an arid to semi-arid and extremely water-scarce country, relies heavily on groundwater, rendering the Wadi Shuaib sub-basin a critical yet vulnerable resource. Contamination threats from septic-tank leakage, overflows from the Assalt and Fuhais wastewater treatment plants, and diffuse agricultural pollutants necessitated assessing and refining groundwater vulnerability via the DRASTIC index in a GIS framework. The standard DRASTIC model, utilizing seven hydrogeological parameters from hydrological, geological, soil, land-use, and well data, produced a vulnerability map classifying the 172 km² basin into five categories: very low to very high. About three-quarters of the area exhibits low to very low vulnerability, while high (6%) and very high (5%) classes concentrate in the south-western sector, driven by shallow water tables (<1.5m), permeable alluvial Entisols, and focused recharge that accelerate contaminant percolation. Validation employed a Groundwater Quality Index (GQI) for E. coli, nitrate, and turbidity against Jordanian drinking-water standards, revealing generally high GQI scores (90–99%) but post-storm deteriorations exactly in high-vulnerability zones. Sensitivity analysis (P-values <0.05, R²) highlighted the Impact of vadose zone, net recharge, hydraulic conductivity, and topography as key contaminant transport controls, warranting higher weights for these and lower weights for depth to water, soil media, and aquifer media. The optimized DRASTIC scheme enhanced alignment between vulnerability classes and GQI distributions, offering a realistic pollution risk portrayal, particularly in recharge hotspots. The resulting maps constitute a decision support tool for delineating wellhead protection areas, prioritizing monitoring, and guiding land use planning adaptable to other semi-arid basins via local calibration and water-quality validation.
The study analyses trends in the development of agricultural tractor engines in the context of technological and environmental transformation between 2015 and 2024, with forecasts up to 2035. Based on catalog data of over 150 tractor models and technical documentation from major manufacturers, changes in displacement, cylinder number, and specific power were evaluated. The aim of this study was to identify and quantitatively assess the key technological shifts in agricultural tractor engine design between 2015 and 2024, and to forecast their development pathways and potential impact on energy efficiency and sustainability up to 2035. The results indicate a continued transition from conventional downsizing to the rightsizing concept, with a simultaneous increase in average engine power by approximately 25% and a 10% reduction in displacement. Modular engine platforms have become dominant, enabling flexible configuration of four- and six-cylinder units and improving design unification. In the high-power segment, a renaissance of large-displacement engines optimized for low-speed efficiency was observed. Hybridization and electrification of powertrains are expected to increase their share to approximately 15% and 8%, respectively, by 2035, leading to a potential 10–20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The implementation of Smart Engine Management systems and advanced thermal control strategies contributes to improving thermal efficiency to approximately 43–45%. The obtained results provide a comprehensive overview of current and future engine development trends and may support decision-making processes related to sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural machinery design.
Ethiopia’s rice production has grown steadily since the 1970s, reaching 268,224 tons in 2020/2021. The Fogera Plain, a major rice-producing region, has strong potential for rice-processing expansion but faces challenges in grain quality, competitiveness, and supply chain efficiency. Rice processing adds value, supports incomes and employment, and strengthens rural economies. This study analyzes the structure, performance, and constraints of the Fogera Plain rice-processing sector, focusing on milling technologies, market dynamics, and operational challenges. Data on machine distribution, processing capacity, technological adoption, and value-chain factors were used to assess milling efficiency and its implications for producers and processors. N90 and NX110 mills dominate the sector (42.64% and 18.60%). Between 1998 and 2023, an average of 6.15 new machines were installed annually, reflecting a 5.25% mean growth. One-pass Engelberg machines account for 75.97% of mills, followed by two-pass SB series (23.25%) and multilevel machines (0.78%). Poor maintenance and limited processing knowledge reduce efficiency, increase breakage, energy use, processing time, and costs, and lower market value. Farmers face high transport costs and limited market access, while processors often act as buyers and traders. Milling is concentrated November–February, and maintaining optimal paddy moisture (12–16%), skilled labor, and efficient machinery is critical. The sector has strong growth potential but is constrained by outdated technology, quality control issues, and supply chain inefficiencies. Enhancing competitiveness requires policy support, strengthened cooperatives, post-harvest management, and educational programs. Premium rice production offers higher returns, but adoption may remain limited without targeted interventions.
This second part of our work presents the results of analyses of the process of drying pumpkin fruit slices at 50, 55, and 60 °C and slice thicknesses of 3, 5, and 7 mm. The dryer exhibited distinct heating phases under no-load and loaded conditions, with product load slowing the temperature rise. Drying temperature and slice thickness significantly affected drying rate and drying efficiency (p<0.05). The highest drying rate (12–14 kg/h) occurred within the first 2 hours, especially for 3 mm slices at 60 °C. The rate then declined to 2–3 kg/h between 2 and 5 hours and fell below 1 kg/h after 5 hours. Drying efficiency ranged from 42–58% at 50 °C, 47–72% at 55 °C, and increased markedly to 43–94% at 60 °C, with the 3 mm slices at 60 °C achieving the highest efficiency. Energy analysis showed a chamber efficiency of 32.2%. Product quality parameters, including shrinkage, rehydration ratio, proximate composition, microbial load, and colour, varied significantly with drying conditions. Economic analysis indicated a positive net benefit and a payback period of 1 year and 5 months. Overall, the hybrid dryer demonstrated high drying performance, improved energy use, acceptable product quality, and strong economic viability.
Vacuum impregnation (VI) was applied to Jonagold apple slices using green tea infusion with honey (L1) and green tea with honey and elderflower juice (L2). Samples were dried by convective (CD), microwave–vacuum (MVD) and freeze drying (FD), followed by determinations of dry matter, water activity, colour parameters (L*, a*, b*), tensile properties and drying kinetics. VI slightly increased dry matter and reduced water activity in fresh slices; all dried variants reached low moisture content (9.65–13.31%) and low water activity (0.19-0.35), ensuring shelf stability. VI-modified apple chips showed higher redness and favorable colour characteristics than no pretreated. Tensile tests revealed that drying method strongly affected mechanical response at rupture: CD samples were stiff and strong but brittle, FD samples exhibited low strength and energy absorption, whereas MVD samples combined moderate stiffness with markedly higher deformation capacity and rupture work density, indicating enhanced mechanical resilience. In conclusion, VI with green tea, honey and elderflower is a promising pretreatment method to obtain stable, attractive apple chips.
Most available studies on the mechanical properties of apples lack the comprehensive results needed for the construction and validation of static FEM models. Researchers typically focus on either the flesh and epidermis or the whole fruit, often overlooking the maturity stage of the examined apples. They usually report only firmness or the starch index as indicators of maturity. Furthermore, many studies use store-bought apples, which is impractical for industrial applications since this fruit has already undergone various treatments before reaching the shelf. This article aims to determine the mechanical properties of apples necessary for constructing static FEM models that are both adequate and useful for the industry. The new Polish apple variety, Chopin, was selected as the research material. The study was conducted for three stages of apple maturity: development, ripening, and senescence. Mechanical properties of the flesh and skin were determined as material data for FEM models. Force-displacement curves and pressure-force functions were examined for future model validation. Using micro-computed tomography, the bruise volumes of fruit subjected to 20%, 50%, and 80% of the destructive force were determined. Significant differences were found between apples in the senescence stage and those in the development and ripening stages. Results of Micro-Ct and the results of modified and real compression tests of whole fruit have allowed us to formulate the research hypothesis regarding the influence of flesh cracking (characterized by local drops of force), influencing the bruise visibility and detection.
To conserve soil moisture, and increase soil temperature; mulch is used. This study established to evaluate the soil temperature, moisture and saved water due to the effect of three types of mulch; clear plastic, black plastic, and sawdust versus bare of clay soil in Jordan. Soil temperature and soil moisture were measured at three depths; 15, 30, 45 cm for each type for one month. Sawdust showed a highest average reading of moisture at 15 cm, the second was clear mulch followed by black mulch and at the lowest average for bare soil. The highest total saved water for sawdust. Soil temperature decreased with depth under the same type of mulch. Pearson Test showed a negative strong correlation between soil temperature and moisture for all treatment at (α= 0.01). Black mulch showed high correlation between temperature and moisture at depth of 30 cm. But sawdust and clear showed high correlation at 15 cm soil depth. Two tailed t-test showed that clear mulch had non-significant differences at α = 0.05 and α = 0.01 for all factors except temperature at depth of 30 cm and 45 cm respectively. Black mulch and sawdust showed significant differences for temperature. Black had strong significant in positive direction, which mean increased soil temperature, but sawdust is negative. Saw dust was recommended to use after the winter, black was recommended to use in summer and clear was recommended to use during winter and early spring.
Mushrooms have been an important part of the human diet for thousands of years. In many cultures, they are not only a source of food but also a raw material with medicinal potential. Their unique structure and chemical composition make them an interesting subject of research in the fields of nutrition, food technology, and medicine. Currently, there is a growing interest in mushrooms as functional foods that can contribute to health improvement and support the body in fighting diseases. A possible hazard linked to eating tree-growing fungi is the accumulation of heavy metals in their fruiting bodies, as these organisms have a strong ability to bioaccumulate such elements. For this reason, it is essential to avoid collecting fungi from polluted areas and to respect recommended safety limits for single servings. Despite certain restrictions—especially concerning vulnerable groups such as children—fungi can still be considered a functional food with health-promoting properties. While in vitro studies on tree fungi have revealed a rich diversity of biologically active metabolites, translation of these findings to in vivo or clinical efficacy remains limited to a few well-studied examples. The aim of this study was to assess the current state of knowledge on the chemical composition and biological potential of selected Polish species of wood-inhabiting mushrooms (Laetiporus sulphureus, Pleurotus pulmonarius, Pseudohydnum gelatinosum, Sparassis crispa, Armillaria, and Tricholomopsis rutilans in the context of their nutritional and therapeutic applications.
The first part of our research describes the methodology for the development of a hybrid dryer and presents the methods of the study along with the general results obtained. The study presents the design, development, and performance evaluation of a hybrid solar dryer for dehydrating pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) slices. The dryer integrates solar energy with a DC-powered electrical heating coil to ensure uninterrupted drying and stable thermal conditions during periods of low solar radiation. The system comprises a lagged mild-steel drying chamber, five stainless-steel trays, a centrifugal blower, temperature and humidity control sensors, and a solar-battery power arrangement. Engineering design analyses were conducted to determine heat energy requirements, moisture removal needs, airflow capacity, blower sizing, and solar energy specifications. Performance evaluation was carried out on pumpkin slices of 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm thickness, assessing drying rate, moisture reduction, drying efficiency, shrinkage, rehydration behaviour, colour quality, microbial load, and proximate composition. The hybrid dryer demonstrated efficient heat utilization, improved drying uniformity, and enhanced product quality compared with traditional sun-drying. The results indicate that the developed system offers a reliable and energy-efficient solution for reducing post-harvest losses and improving value addition in pumpkin processing.
The article presents the results of research conducted at the Department of Biosystems Engineering of the Poznań University of Life Sciences, related to the issue of temperature measurement in milking cluster. The construction of a four-quarter diagnostic milking system made it possible to re-examine the problem of using temperature sensors installed in teatcups for cow diagnostics. An original approach was the construction of a quarter milking system equipped with an electronic pulsator controlled by temperature sensors. Tests of temperature sensors using a modern laboratory station enable detailed identification of disturbances affecting temperature measurement conditions in the milking cluster. The main area of interest was to simulate phenomena occurring during cow milking, which for methodological reasons cannot be studied directly at units in cowsheds.
Due to the large number of various defects occurring during the production process of the spreading drum of a process trailer, the primary goal of the research was to develop a method for improving its quality and attempt to implement it at a selected company. Achieving the primary goal required a detailed analysis (participant observation) of the spreading drum production technology, diagnosing the causes of the defects, and, based on this, proposing solutions that would eventually eliminate all imperfections (quality orientation). From the perspective of the method's practical application, a set of criteria was proposed for its evaluation. This assessed its suitability for the specific process of producing the spreading drum of a process trailer.
The relationship between agricultural productivity to applied on-farm field mechanized practices can never be overemphasized. The level of mechanization techniques applied by farmers for various agricultural operations in Ibaji Local Government Area (ILGA) was a determinant of their productivity output. Research analysis findings revealed that both manual and mechanical power sources at varying levels of utilization were used among the farmers. In assessing these impacts on their agricultural productivity, farmers’ low literacy level of 18 % negatively affected agricultural mechanization practice. This was determined by establishing a relationship between mechanical farm power inputs and the level of human involvement in each operation. Mechanization Index (MI) for the level of mechanical power used was also determined. Other productivity functions were used as indicators. From the results, 55.31 and 23.73 % were recorded as the highest and lowest levels of mechanical power inputs, respectively. While; 0.9822 and 0.9659 represented the highest and lowest average MI, respectively, it revealed the underutilization of mechanical power, hence, the high reliance on human power for most farming operations, which contributed only to 0.014 ha/kwhr as the largest cultivated farmland by farmers across the studied ten (10) communities in ILGA.
Due to the widespread application of plate heat exchangers (PHE) in the food industry, a key aspect of their operation is ensuring a high level of hygiene, which guarantees the microbiological cleanliness of the final product. This is achieved through the cleaning of installations containing PHE using the Clean-in-Place (CIP) system. An important aspect is the determination of flow resistance, as this enables the specification of drive parameters and the selection of a pump that provides a sufficiently high flow rate through the installation, particularly required during the pre-rinsing stage. The subject of the research was a three-section plate heat exchanger, which forms part of a prototype technological line designed for the pasteurisation of liquid egg mass and its fractions – egg white and yolk. As part of the study, the effectiveness of the cleaning process was assessed depending on the flow rate. Based on experimental results, the minimum flow rate necessary for effective cleaning using commercial sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-based cleaning agents was determined. In addition, the extent to which the relationship described in the literature – linking flow rate with hydraulic resistance in PHE – is confirmed under real operating conditions during the cleaning process in the CIP system was analysed. The results obtained may be used to optimise the parameters of the CIP process, which will contribute to increased efficiency, reduced consumption of chemical agents, and improved microbiological safety of the final product.
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of driving speed and liquid pressure on the average coverage rate and unevenness coefficient using selected standard and air induction flat fan nozzles. The study was conducted using a spraying device that functioned like a self-propelled sprayer. Based on the test results, it was found that the highest average coverage was obtained for single standard flat fan nozzles. On the other hand, greater uniformity was observed with standard nozzles at 0.4 MPa.
The study presents an analysis of both passive and active balancing systems, with active balancing systems considered more effective, especially for devices with variable rotational speeds and imbalance dynamics. The focus was placed on the balancing mechanism of a centrifuge used for mineral particle sedimentation studies. The analysis of available solutions revealed that ready-made electronic and mechanical systems were not suitable for direct adaptation, necessitating the development of a new solution. An innovative active balancing mechanism was designed, based on two cooperating discs, one of which can move relative to the other along two axes. The mechanism works by detecting centrifugal force and automatically adjusting the relative position of the discs, bringing the rotating system to a balanced position. The built prototype confirmed the effectiveness of the solution up to 800 rpm. The developed design has been submitted for patent protection.
The current importance of using various methods of mechanical weed control. These methods are based on the action on the growing undesirable plants (weeds) in the soil of the working elements of tools carrying out mechanical weed elimination (knives, wide blades, chisels) used, for example, in weeders. Their direct contact with stones deposited in the cultivation layer of the field results in excessive, faster frictional wear or even destruction. Other machines at risk of damage from contact with stones are, for example, the cutting units of crop harvesting machines and the working units of combine harvesters for harvesting winter squash and sugar beet. The article identifies the hazards caused by stones in agricultural fields, related to hampering field work and worsening plant vegetation and harvesting conditions. Various stone removal methods are described and illustrated with technical examples. Spot removal of large stones and two-stage and one-stage harvesting from the entire field area are discussed. It was pointed out that the diverse range of machines available on the market makes it possible to fully mechanise the removal of stones, and that the high costs of such a procedure can be fully compensated by the removal of hazards to the working units of the machines and an increase in the quality of the crop.
The practice of precision farming is contingent upon a comprehensive understanding of the spa-tial variability of a multitude of physical and chemical soil parameters. The acquisition of knowledge regarding soil parameters necessitates the undertaking of soil sampling and subsequent analysis, a process that is inherently labour-intensive and time-consuming. Consequently, preci-sion farming employs the identification of homogeneous field regions through the utilisation of scanning techniques, with the objective of ascertaining soil electrical characteristics, including electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility. The objective of this study was to attempt to predict soil compaction based on selected electrical parameters. In order to predict compaction, machine learning methods, namely decision tree and support vector regression were employed. The highest R-value of 0.87 was obtained for the decision tree model and soil layer 0.1-0.2 m for the training set. For the test set, the highest R-value of 0.85 was obtained for soil layer 0.1-0.2 m and the support vector regression model, which also had the lowest MAPE error value of 11.31%. The prediction of soil compaction using electrical soil parameters based on machine learning methods represents a promising avenue of research.
