Browsing for innovations at PotatoEurope cultivation and technology 20 percent less energy with EC ventilator PotatoEurope also presented something of a novelty in the field of storage technology. Tolsma Techniek in Emmeloord presented the latest EC ventilators, for example. These are ventilators that use 20 percent less energy than the previous versions. Baselier’s Speedkap not only faster Baselier, the manufacturer of rotary ridge cultivators, presented a newly-developed ridge-maker at PotatoEurope. This is the Speedkap, an extra-long ridger that builds a firmer ridge than its former, shorter version. Its shape is also somewhat changed as a result of which the hood no longer tends to level the soil. All in all, these adjustments have made it possible to drive the machine a bit faster and use 15 percent less fuel as well. Another novelty is the insertion of plastic wiring plates inside the hood. They ensure less wear and less crusting of wet, sticky soil. The price increase for this adjustment is not large. The new Speedkap now costs € 900 in stead of € 880 previously. Mobile lab for potato analyses Most advantage is gained when the ventilator is used at a lower speed. Already at 80 percent of the maximum capacity, the ventilators use 50 percent less energy. Although the ventilators are € 1,000 more expensive than the non-energy efficient models, it may still be worthwhile to invest in them. Director Harry Goos works out that, at current energy prices, the extra expense can be recovered in six years. His calculation starts from 600 hours per ventilator per year per stored 1,000 tons of potatoes. The fact that technology in the potato sector is becoming increasingly sophisticated came to light with the introduction of a complete mobile lab for potato analysis. The lab in question contained automatic analysis equipment to determine the glucose, fructose and asparagines contents in potatoes. Glucose and fructose are the sugars that are significant for determining the baking quality of potatoes. Potatoes with lots of asparagines can produce acrylamide when heated, which is not very healthy for the consumer. The analysis technology comes originally from the medical world but is now also applied in the food technology industry, salesman Frank Fürle explains. Some potato processors in Germany are already working with this very fast analyser. Results are available within ten minutes. The equipment is available in various models. A suitable analysis machine for the average potato processing company would be the model that can do three different analyses at 250 samples per hour. The purchase price of this machine is approximately € 60,000. ● Leo Hanse Potato World 2010 • number 4 19 Pagina 18
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