No abstract

An experimental prototype leafy-vegetable washing system using water recirculation and several novel mechanical features was tested in a commercial processing plant during the fall and spring, 1975-76. Sixty-seven metric tons of collards, spinach, and turnip greens were processed through the prototype in 52 hr of operating time. Conventional washers were monitored for 27 hr (38 tons). Insect and bacteria counts, COD, TSS, VSS, and several other water and product parameters were measured at predetermined times and locations. Data were obtained to predict expected waste loads from the products. The system produced slightly cleaner product than the conventional washers, using l/5 the amount of water.