Industrial Technology

Measurement and Analysis of Vehicle Vibration for Delivering Packages in Small‐Sized and Medium‐Sized Trucks and Automobiles

Vanee Chonhenchob et al. — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:48:49 PDT

In distribution, packaged products are subjected to the variation in vibration levels from transport vehicles that vary in frequency and acceleration while moving to their destinations. This vibration may negatively affect the product or packaging. This study measured and analysed vibration levels in vehicles commonly used to transport packages in the last leg of the package delivery service that is used by single‐parcel carriers. Using data recorders, we monitored vertical, lateral and longitudinal vibrations over 75 h of travel time in five different types of small and medium package delivery vehicles. The study presents these data as power density (PD) spectra and compares it with previously measured PD vibration levels in commercial long‐haul interstate tractor‐trailer truck shipments. Data were collected in the USA and Thailand.

Review of Package Warning Labels and Their Effect on Consumer Behaviour with Insights to Future Anticounterfeit Strategy of Label and Communication Systems

John Spink et al. — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:16:47 PDT

This paper investigates and reviews literature regarding a range of topics important to the research question – the themes apply across all the topics. The topics include label and package warnings, including tamperevident features, to review their effect on the consumer behaviour of changing usage or purchase decisions. This information was then applied to gain insight into anticounterfeit product/package efforts. Based on this research, it appears that there is value for brand marketers to enhance their anticounterfeit efforts and consumer confidence by utilizing warning labels and information labels on their labels or packages. Currently, consumer perception of a domestic counterfeit product threat (promoted as genuine products), even for pharmaceuticals by healthcare professionals, although increasing has still been very low. Generally, the consumers believe and expect that the product purchased from retailers is safe and genuine. The study reviewed many key warning and label communication areas: consumer behaviour review, technical specifications, anticounterfeit, tamper evidence/tamper resistance, over‐the‐counter drugs, alcohol, cigarette, nutrition food and nutrition supplements. To complete the insight on communicating with the consumer, a review of label legibility was included. Before brand marketers consider adding anticounterfeit warning labels, extensive consumer behaviour research should be conducted in areas such as fear appeals and involuntary risk outrage.

Effect of Processing, Packaging and Vibration Treatment on the Sensory Quality of Fresh-cut Apple Slices

M. Siddiq et al. — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:30:38 PST

Fresh-cut fruit industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years. The present study was designed with the objective of studying the sensory quality of fresh-cut apple slices that were treated with different antibrowning agents, packed in three types of packaging materials and subjected to vibration treatment to simulate commercial transportation. The slices were treated with two commercial antibrowning agents [NatureSeal (Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc., Westport, CT, USA) and Ever-Fresh (Kraft Foods, Inc., Rye Brook, NY, USA)] at 5% (w/v) application rate. The treated slices were packaged in 5 oz polystyrene rigid container, 2 lb polyethylene bag or 2 oz polyethylene bag. A nine-member trained panel and a 100-member consumer panel evaluated the treated slices for selected sensory attributes. The trained sensory small panel found minimal difference in the fresh-cut slices in comparison with the control (non-vibrated) sample, with the slices treated with NatureSeal better in quality than those treated with Ever-Fresh. Case positions (bottom, middle or top) within the vibration stack did not affect the quality of the slices significantly; similar results were found from the consumer panel sensory evaluation. The consumer panel evaluation results showed that the slices treated with NatureSeal were better in sensory attributes of colour, texture, flavour and overall acceptability. Overall, package type had no or minimal effect on the slice quality attributes.

Evaluation of an Innovative System for Improving Readability of Passive UHF RFID Tags Attached to Reusable Plastic Containers

Jay A. Singh et al. — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:21:55 PDT

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a contactless identification technology that has proven to work well in conjunction with reusable plastic containers (RPCs). The impact of this technology on returnable containers has been explored by several past studies. This study evaluates an innovative system for improving readability of passive UHF RFID tags in conjunction with RPCs. The system involves an energy transfer device (ETD), which when attached to the RPCs, passively transfers radio frequency signals to interior regions of a unitized load thereby improving the readability of all RFID tags attached to the RPCs. This study included an evaluation of the improvement in readability of tagged RPCs in a unitized load with forklift truck speed, product type and pallet pattern as the variables and with readability as the main control variable. It was observed that ETDs vastly improve the readability rates by nearly 97%. Results are also included in this paper describing the effects of the product type, pallet patterns and forklift truck speeds on the readability of tagged RPCs in a unitized load.

Life Cycle Inventory of HDPE Bottle-Based Liquid Milk Packaging Systems

Jay Singh et al. — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:07:21 PDT

This study aims at providing a relatively straightforward methodology to serve as a decision-making tool when more than one packaging solution could be available to a user. It involves a life cycle inventory (LCI) analysis and comparison of three currently available 3.79 l (1 gallon) packaging systems for liquid milk. Two of the primary container types studied use reusable plastic crates (RPCs) for stacking and shipping,
while the third type is a heavier duty container that does not require secondary shipping containers. The three primary containers studied are identified as original, cube and stackable throughout this paper. The study shows that the use of RPCs for controlled environment distribution reduces the material requirements
of the primary containers and therefore reduces the overall CO2 emissions. It was also found that though the transportation-related emissions varied between the packaging systems for the two end-of-life scenarios considered, it had the lowest overall effect on the CO2 emissions and use of energy. The study concludes that transportation weight limits must be considered as a limiting factor in package design for liquid products, as trailers ‘weigh out’ before they ‘cube out.’ As related to the LCI impacts, this study found that the original and cube container-based packaging systems have better overall per functional unit performance in comparison with the stackable design. It was also noted that scorecards based on the Wal-Mart format do not accurately define the environmental impacts posed by packaging systems.

An Exploratory Model for Predicting Post-Consumer Recycled PET Content in PET Sheets

Dong Ho Kang et al. — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:07:17 PDT

An exploratory model for determining post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) content in PET sheets for one specific stream of mechanically recycled PET (RPET) was developed. Six kinds of PET sheets with varying percent of virgin (V) and recycled (R) PET contents (i.e., 100V, 80V20R, 60V40R, 40V60R, 20V80R, and 100R PET) were commercially extruded. The optical, thermal, physicomechanical and barrier properties of the PET sheets were evaluated as function of RPET content. Differences were found between the sheets for UV and visible light absorption in the regions 200–350 nm and 670–700 nm, respectively. Intrinsic viscosities of 100V and 100R PET sheets were different. A censored normal multiple linear regression model including thermal, physical, optical and barrier properties was the best-fit model to predict VPET and RPET content in PET sheets.

Evaluation of the Stress-Energy Methodology to Predict Transmitted Shock through Expanded Foam Cushions

J. Singh et al. — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:56:36 PST

Mechanical stresses experienced by packages in the distribution environment include shock and vibration amongst several others. The destructive effects of these hazards can typically be restricted by using cushioning materials to help protect fragile goods during distribution. ASTM D1596 is the conventional standard used to determine shock absorbing performance of a cushioning material for a given combination of static loading, thickness, and drop height. This industry-accepted standard, however, requires significant amounts of transmitted shock data and can be expensive with respect to costs associated with testing and materials amongst others. Alternate stress-energy-based methodologies, developed in the past decade, recommending a considerable reduction in the number of drop tests while providing the ability to predict transmitted shock for any drop height, static loading as well as cushion thickness, are evaluated in this study for their stated accuracy. Based upon an in-depth evaluation of dynamic cushion curves for closed cell moldable foams generated using ASTM D1596, this research evaluates the accuracy of the proposed methodology in relation to the prediction of transmitted shock. Results show that the stress-energy methods while saving time in predicting transmitted shock, produce higher degrees of error than the ±5 % previously stated. In addition, they cannot predict behavior of cushions, and transmitted shock at high drop heights and static loadings with thin cushions, where only the measured values are accurate.

Life Cycle Inventory Comparison of Paper and Plastic Based Packaging Systems for Strawberry Distribution

Jay A. Singh et al. — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:25:54 PST

The goal of this study was to conduct a life Cycle Inventory (Lei) analysis based comparison of eleven primary container and pillow wrap combinations for the distribution of fresh strawberries Three of the primary containers studied were paper based (molded pulp, paperboard and corrugated fiberboard) and three other containers investigated were clamshells or punnets made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and recycled PET (rPET) Pillow wraps made of rPET and polylactlde (PLA) were also Included for all punnet/tray style containers The scope of the study ranged from the extraction of raw materials, their processing and formation for all packaging components, product filling and distribution followed by their end-of-life scenarios The scope includes energy Inputs/credits and greenhouses gases In CO2 equivalents followed by the end-of-life disposal The functional unit selected was 0.45 kg of packaged strawberries delivered to Institutional customers (on-site users) and retailers within 402 kilometers from the processing and packing plant with a minimum of one week of shelf life at delivery When compared to the traditional PET clamshell style containers, the ten alternative packaging systems provide better energy usage/credit and GHG results Molded pulp trays outperformed all alternates studied in this regard, while the paperboard and corrugated fiberboard systems provide very practical and environmentally feasible alternatives. Scenario I for the end-of life, which reflects a close approximation of the MSW treatment rates III the US, the paperboard and corrugated fiberboard based systems had a 3---4% and 12-17% Improved performance towards tile energy usage/credit and GHG emissions respectively

Measurement, Analysis, and Comparison of the Parcel Shipping Shock and Drop Environment of the United States Postal Service with Commercial Carriers

J. A. Singh et al. — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:04:06 PST

The past decade has shown a great increase in the number of direct to consumer shipments of products and packages. As a result, parcel delivery companies like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and the USPS have strengthened their presence in air transport to deliver products faster and through larger distances. Using cargo planes, they route packages from various destinations to large airport hubs, where they sort millions of packages and ship them to their destinations. There is a continuous need to quantify what happens to these packages as they are handled both manually during collection and delivery and on large high-speed conveying and sortation equipment at hubs. The dynamic events during these moves can cause damage. The information collected in this study helps packaging engineers design protective packaging. This study measured and compared shock and drop events for these carriers during next-day and two-day shipping service between Michigan and California. Data are presented in terms of drop heights associated with the 90, 95, and 99th percentile of occurrence for DHL, FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Impact orientation is also discussed. The data from this study are beneficial to new test methods being developed for drop testing of single parcel shipments by ASTM.

An Evaluation of the Ability of RFID Tags to Withstand Distribution of Fresh Produce in the RPC Pooling System

Jay A. Singh et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:19:33 PST

This study focused on the ability of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags applied on reusable plastic containers (RPCs) to withstand repeated abuse due to physical distribution and storage environment related hazards. It also studied the effect of the chemical cleaning environments that RPCs are commonly exposed to in the pooling/rental systems commonly used to distribute fresh produce. RPCs are being successfully deployed in the US, Europe and Asia to ship fresh produce from growers to retailers. The increasing demand for traceability and tracking of fresh produce from ‘farm to fork’ requires these containers to be monitored and identified in the food supply chain, and RFID technology provides one of the solutions. This study compared eight commercially available RFID tags mounted on RPCs for use in fresh produce distribution and subjected them to repeated physical and climatic cycles representing the distribution and cleaning environments, and their effective ‘read’ capabilities were tested.

Effect of Transport Vibration on Quality of Minimally Processed and Packaged Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe

Koushik Saha et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:19:31 PST

This study was undertaken to determine the quality of packaged fresh cut cantaloupe subjected to transport vibration after treating with various anti-browning agents. Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) pieces were dipped in two anti-browning solutions: Treatment- A (2% ascorbic acid + 1% calcium chloride + 0.5% citric acid) and Treatment-B (3% NatureSeal™) for 2 minutes and packaged in bio-based clamshell containers and vibrated for 60 minutes (ASTM 4169, Truck assurance level II). Vibration of cut-cantaloupe packaged in sample containers had a positive effect on the flavor and overall liking. The overall liking scores were higher than 6(slightly like) on a hedonic scale of 1–9 for all samples except for vibrated-Treatment-A. The texture of vibrated cut-cantaloupe deteriorated with time, which was partially supported by firmness values obtained using a Kramer shear press. Treatment-B cut-cantaloupe subjected to vibration performed better than Treatment-A for appearance, flavor, texture and overall acceptability. No off-odor, sliminess or mold growth was observed in any of the samples during 10-day storage at 5°C ± 0.3°C. The sensory panel examined the final quality of fresh-cut fruit for several quality parameters at day 1, 4, 7 and 10 after being vibrated and stored in bio-based packaging made from Poly (lactide) (PLA) polymer. These findings are significant for quality preservation of cut-cantaloupe during transportation and distribution channels.

Measurement, Analysis and Comparison of Drops Experienced by Packages in Inter-State and Intra-State Next Day Shipments in United States

K. Saha et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:19:29 PST

Several past studies have been conducted for the purpose of measuring and analyzing the dynamics of single package shipping environment for the next day delivery services provided by companies including DHL, FedEx, UPS and USPS. Over the past few decades increased shipping hazard evaluations using data recorders has influenced protective package designs to offer optimized product protection due to a better understanding of the distribution environment. This study analyzes the drops sustained by packages during next day shipments within California (intra-state) using two different carriers—FedEx and OnTrac andwithin United States for shipments to two different regions in east and west (inter-state). This study established that the intra-state drop heights experienced by the packages exceeded the current levels recommended for inter-state distribution by international standards like ISO, ISTA and ASTM.

Effect of Freeze-Thaw Cycling on the Compression Strength of Folding Cartons Made from Different Materials

Koushik Saha et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:19:28 PST

The quality of frozen food is known to deteriorate in storage due to water migration, in-pack desiccation and frost formation. These same factors can affect folding cartons. The rate of frozen food and folding carton deterioration is further dependent on temperature fluctuations during storage, transportation, loading and unloading. This study was conducted to compare the compression strength of folding cartons made from CNK (Coated Natural Kraft), SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate), CRP (Coated recycled paperboard) and PCSBS (Poly coated Solid Bleach Sulfate) after subjecting them to multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Compression tests were performed on empty cartons and cartons filled with frozen peas. A two inch headspace was maintained above the peas to prevent them from contributing to carton compression strength. The moisture content of all four carton materials was also determined for all treatments. CNK cartons showed better capacity to withstand compression compared to folding cartons made from SBS, CRP and PCSBS, following freeze thaw cycling.

Measurement and Analysis of International Air Parcel Shipping Environment for DHL and FedEx between Europe and United States

Manuel-Alfredo Garcia-Romeu-Martinez et al. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:19:25 PST

Various studies have been conducted to determine the dynamics that single packages undergo during distribution between destinations as a function of package size and weight and carrier. Previous studies have normally focused on regional and domestic measurements of these environments in Europe and North America. However, no information is available to determine the international handling and shipping environment of single parcels between the two continents. This study used instrumented packages containing triaxial accelerometers. The measured shocks were analysed to determine the velocity change levels as a function of the events measured in the distribution environment and to develop data for drop heights that can be used for package testing. This study provides a comparison of DHL and FedEx, the two largest international parcel carriers.

A Computer-Based Approach to Material and Process Selection Using Sustainability and Ecological Criteria

Manocher Djassemi — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:03:36 PDT

Decision on selecting a material or process for a particular product is a common task in product engineering and facility planning. Such decision may have a significant impact on entire product life cycle including raw material acquisition, product manufacture, use, disposal, and environment. Traditional factors for decision making are economical, functional and aesthetical properties of the product. However, the issues of sustainability and environmental impact of materials and manufacturing processes have gained a growing attention in recent decade by general population as well as academicians and industrial practitioners. The objective of this study is to explore a software tool for material selection with focus on sustainability and ecological issues. To achieve this objective, first a number of sustainability/ecological attributes of materials will be reviewed. Second, a methodology for evaluating materials sustainability using an emerging software tool known as Cambridge Engineering Selector will be introduced. Finally a case study will be presented to exemplify the sustainability/ecological aspects of material/process selection.

Measurement and Analysis of Truck and Rail Vibration Levels in Thailand

V. Chonhenchob et al. — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:19:36 PDT

Worldwide increase in trade, foreign direct investment, capital flows, migration and the spread of technology has caused an increased focus to be put on designing packages that can protect goods shipped globally. This requires a wide-ranging understanding of the distribution environments on a global basis. Several past studies have mapped the vibration levels for surface transportation along the most popular shipment routes in countries such as Brazil, Canada, China, India and the USA. This study was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the vibration levels observed for truck and rail shipments for major transportation routes in Thailand, one of the leading economies in the Southeast Asia region. Data recorders were used to collect the vibration data which were then analysed in terms of power spectral densities. Vibration levels observed from various segments of transportation are presented in the form of power density spectrums. Composite spectrums that can be used to simulate the measured vibration conditions in Thailand are presented.

Comparison of Package Cushioning Materials to Protect Post-harvest Impact Damage to Apples

Bundit Jarimopas et al. — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:09:11 PST

Damage to fruits and vegetables continues to be a big challenge as global markets become a reality. Worldwide distribution of sensitive produce is faced with various levels of impacts from shipping and handling. Despite a variety of packaging options available today, bruising damage is commonplace for post-harvest apples throughout the supply chain. The major sources of bruising are compression, impact or vibration forces. Understanding where these forces occur can help reduce this type of mechanical damage to apples. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact characteristics of foam net and corrugated board when applied as wrapping for individual apples. Two grades (count numbers 80 and 100) of “Fuji” cultivar apples imported to Thailand from China were studied. A simple ballistic pendulum test device was developed to measure bruise volume to impact energy relationship. A linear relationship for both types of apples was observed. Bruise volume occurrence probability and impact energy relationship fitted by linear regression were created for cushioned and bare apples. Absorbed energy of various cushioning materials was also calculated under compressive forces.

Measurement and Analysis of Truck Transport Environment in Brazil

Giovani Otavio Rissi et al. — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:09:09 PST

Increasing trade in today’s global economy requires packaging to be designed to contain, protect and deliver products without damage during transportation and handling. Vibration forces that occur during transportation are one of the most significant causes of damage during shipping. The objective of this study was to quantify and analyse the vibration that occurs during truck transport in Brazil. The study was done using two types of trucks: small local trucks for local metropolitan distribution areas and larger tractor-trailers for cross-country transportation. Ten metropolitan areas in different regions of Brazil were selected for 1-day trips representing normal delivery. These trips encountered varying road surfaces (asphalt, concrete, stone and dirt). The long distance trips were done on highways that were more than 1200 km long. The vertical vibration levels were higher than the lateral and longitudinal levels as expected. A composite power density spectrum of all trips is provided in this paper to simulate truck transport in Brazil using random vibration test methods.

A Study of the Effect of Pictorial Markings and Warning Labels on Handling of Packages in the DHL Single-Parcel Environment

Jay A. Singh et al. — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:09:07 PST

Over the past two decades, there has been a heavy influx in the number of direct-to-consumer express shipments of packaged products. As a consequence, parcel delivery companies, such as DHL, FedEx and UPS, have strengthened their presence in air transport. This study measured and analysed the effect of moving single packages through air shipments in the USA using one of the newest service providers, DHL. The study also quantified the effect of placing pictorial markings and warning labels on mid-sized and lightweight packages when using Next-Day and 2nd Day services provided by the carrier DHL. Instrumented packages measuring 0.38 m x 0.34 m x 0.34 m and weighing 6.8 kg were shipped from Michigan to California and New York. A total of 48 trips were conducted to collect the data for this study.

Measurement and Analysis of Truck and Rail Shipping Environment in India

Sher Paul Singh et al. — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:09:05 PST

Free trade agreements have been on the rise in all regions of the world in the past decade. This has allowed for global distribution and marketing of products in an international market. Products once produced for domestic markets must now be able to compete in international markets without trade barriers. Increased international commerce and manufacturing have forced many packaging and logistics engineers to broaden their true understanding of the global distribution environment. India is a recent entrant on the global arena for manufacturing and services. While China’s economic developments have dominated global headlines, India’s own growth has been impressive as well, with a gross domestic product rising 5% per annum on average since 1990. India is hence primed to follow China as the next low-cost manufacturing super power. With an increasing interest from multinational corporations in conducting commerce with India, there arises a great need to understand the conditions of the transportation infrastructure there to promote logistical understanding of the distribution environments. This paper provides a brief overview of the road and rail transportation environment in India. It also provides the results of a 2 year study that measured and analyzed truck and rail transport vibration for the major freight distribution routes between New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkatta.