OBJECTIVES

Propolis is used as a raw material in the food, pharmaceutical and other industries (Özer, 2020; Safaei, Azad, 2020; Sahlan et al., 2020; Karabaş et al., 2020). The obtaining of propolis from bee colonies is carried out in two ways: a) by cleaning the elements of the hive (frames, bee entrances, inner covers); b) the use of special tools (nets, grids, collectors) for propolis accumulation considering the known biological instincts of bees (Osipitan et al., 2012; Lima et al., 2015, Okhale et al., 2021). The goal of our work was to develop a new propolis collecting device.

CASE

To achieve the goal, the following tasks were set: a) to carry out research of scientific publications, carry out a patent search, review the catalogues of leading manufacturers of equipment, existing technologies and devices for the collection of propolis; b) to develop an experimental 3d model of the device; c) to produce a prototype of the pre-laboratory test device; d) on the basis of laboratory tests, if necessary, to modify the 3d model with subsequent adjustment of the prototype of the device (re-production).

MATERIALS-METHODS

The work was carried out as part of a dissertation research on «Scientific and technical support of the process and equipment of propolis production» at the Department of Standardization and Certification of Agricultural Products of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine during 2020-2021. The analysis and synthesis of scientific information was performed using the Torraco (2005) method using the Springer scientific metric base and the Google Scholar search tool. The focal object method was used to develop an experimental device (Krupa and Lytvyn, 2016). The device was modelled (Fig.1, 2, 3) using the COMPAS-3D v19.0.16 software by solid modelling method (Requicha, 1980; Requicha and Voelcker, 1982). The framework and other elements of the device are made using additive technologies (3D-printing) and laser cutting of metal with subsequent assembly of parts (Lazebnyi et al., 2020). Subsequently, 75 grids (EVA, Stanz Press) covered with different types of propolis from Ukrainian apiaries in a total of 24 oblasts of Ukraine were obtained for testing the device (Fig. 4).

Fig. 1. Model of new propolis collecting device: exterior view

Fig. 2. Model of new propolis collecting device: view inside

Fig. 3. Model of new propolis collecting device: cross-sectional view

Fig. 4. Grids EVA (Stanz Press) covered with different types of propolis from Ukrainian apiaries

RESULTS

Based on the modelling results, a device for further testing and evaluation of the effectiveness of design solutions was designed (Fig. 1-3) and manufactured (Fig. 5). The structural design of the built-up shafts of the device consists of a pair rotating oppositely to each other and retracting the grid independently, without the need to install additional mechanisms for its supplying. This approach in shaft design provides a simplified design of the device and minimizes elements that should be repaired and maintained in the future. A set of gear trains and motors provide a speed of the grid of 2.5 m/min. To reduce propolis contact time with the shaft elements, rotation thereof with the aid of motors and a set of gear trains is ensured at a speed of 60 m/min and this reduces the adhesion work. The elements of the built-up shaft were designed so that the contact surface with propolis is 19,32% of the area of the elements in the ratio to the grid area in the shaft zone. The contact of one shaft element with the accumulated propolis in the grid is 40 mm². The inlet and outlet openings of the device are designed in such a way that, if necessary, without disassembly thereof, it makes it possible to clean the device shafts from small amounts of propolis (> 1 g cycle). The noise level of the device when it is idling is up to 72 dB. As a result of the replacement of some metal constructions of the device (Figure 1) with plastic ones we have ensured the weight of the device without basket – 8 kg, which ensures its mobility. The device is powered by a domestic network of 220–240/50 V/Hz. The developed device is patented, a patent № 139736 «Propolis Collection Device» and approved at 3 conferences (Dvykaliuk and Adamchuk, 2021).

Fig. 5. New propolis collecting device

DISCUSSION

Abu Fares et al. (2008) proposed and investigated a modification of the hives of the Langstroth system with placement in the side and rear wall of metal sheets with slots of 4 mm with a distance between them of 10 mm. According to the results of the study, propolis productivity was highest in the leaves located in the side of the hive and averaged 91.92 to 96.60 g. In countries with tropical climates, propolis is produced using collectors. Known collectors «Intelligent Collector of Propolis (CPI)», «Pirassununga», «Marco Propolizador», «Cuadro Propolizador» are made in the form of a frame (cover) with holes of different sizes and a way to increase these holes as they fill with propolis (de Ayala et al., 2019). Sadovnykov (1982) proposed a line for obtaining propolis by cleaning canvases. The line consists of the SIP-55 brand machine, the SIP-up machine, the manual toothed roller, the Veterok-3 vacuum cleaner, the TsKL-1 centrifuge, the OKS-030 hydro-press. This equipment is not manufactured or sold on the market, and fabric canvases are not used in modern apiaries in Ukraine. Thus, today there are no devices that provide mechanization and automation of the propolis production process.

A new propolis collecting device has been designed and manufactured. The device can be used in Ukrainian apiaries and other countries where the propolis is obtained from bee colonies using elastic grids. The use of the device makes it possible to produce a pure propolis without mechanical impurities which meets the requirements of the current legislation. For cleaning the grids, it is sufficient for the operator to place the device on a stable surface at a convenient level for laying the grids through an opening at the top of the device. After the reliable placement of the device, the operator connects the device to the domestic network. Cooled propolised grids are inserted one by one into the device. A transparent window made of plastic is built in to evaluate the filled tray. After the tray is filled, the operator switches off the device and disconnects the upper part of the device from the basket with cleaned grids and propolis using a handle. Once the tray is cleaned, the cleaning operation is repeated. In the case of propolis adhesion on shaft structure, the shafts are cleaned with a metal brush in the reverse motion of the shafts.

CONCLUSIONS

The design of the device shafts and the principle of mechanical cleaning of the grids from the propolis, laid at its development, can be used to develop highly automated lines for cleaning the grids. The prospects for further research are the production tests of the device and the assessment of the influence of different types (kinds) of propolis on the degree of cleaning of the grids, whether or not the shaft elements need to be periodically cleaned, wear resistance of the movable elements of the device (set of gear trains, motor), convenience of use of the device in different production conditions and safety precautions rating of the operators when performing work with the device.

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