Source: OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
DEVELOPMENT OF REAL-TIME MANAGEMENT AND SENSING SYSTEMS FOR STORING OKLAHOMA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0214815
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2013
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2014
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
STILLWATER,OK 74078
Performing Department
Biosystems & Ag Engineering
Non Technical Summary
Oklahoma producers store approximately 36,280,000 bushels of grain each year. The majority is stored in commercial or cooperative storage facilities (approximately 35,000,000 bushels). Most of this grain is wheat. The major source of quality loss is insect infestation. As much as 15% loss of grain can be due to insect infestation. Assuming a market price of $4/bu, this loss may pose almost $22 million dollars. Therefore, producers and managers must keep close control of insect invasion to maintain marketable quality of their product. OPI Systems of Calgary, Canada, markets a product called Insector®. There are three weaknesses in this system: it cannot accurately identify the insect, it cannot count internal feeding insects within the grain bulk and the system becomes overwhelmed with beneficial insect counts. These weaknesses open the door for vast improvements in the area of insect detection design. Other Oklahoma-produced commodities include lignocellulosic biomaterial. Biomaterial for biofuels production has characteristics necessary for optimum conversion efficiency. In order for ethanol producers to maintain their marketplace, real-time sensing and handling methods must be developed and adopted. The purpose of this project is to focus applied research efforts on the development of sensors to estimate insect populations, moisture content, biomass characteristics, and temperature and management techniques and handling methods to enhance the profitability of postharvest handling of grain, seeds, herbs, and lignocellulosic material.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
25%
Applied
50%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
4041540202040%
5021540202010%
5012235202010%
5031848202010%
5112030202010%
5122030202010%
6031629202010%
Knowledge Area
511 - New and Improved Non-Food Products and Processes; 603 - Market Economics; 501 - New and Improved Food Processing Technologies; 404 - Instrumentation and Control Systems; 503 - Quality Maintenance in Storing and Marketing Food Products; 512 - Quality Maintenance in Storing and Marketing Non-Food Products; 502 - New and Improved Food Products;

Subject Of Investigation
1540 - Hard red winter wheat; 1629 - Perennial grasses, other; 2235 - Herbs and spices; 2030 - Sweet sorghum; 1848 - Canola;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;
Goals / Objectives
This research focuses on the development of sensing and management systems to detect, identify and preserve quality characteristics in stored products. The specific objectives of this proposal are: (1) To investigate the use of capacitance-based sensors to estimate insect activity in stored grain. (2) To determine the feasibility of using sensors (capacitance and reflectance-based) to improve the quality and handling of lignocellulosic biofuel feedstock from the harvest stage through introduction at the bioconversion unit. (3) Develop modeling techniques for the harvesting, handling, and storage of lignocellulosic material, primarily switchgrass. (4) Develop method of vacuum packaging bulk commodities to enhance densification of bulky materials for transportation and long-term storage.
Project Methods
Insect detection: Two capacitance sensors will be built in the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering lab: one will be a ring-type sensor and the other will be a parallel-plate capacitor sensor. The electrode designs will be tested using the Agilent 8612ET network analyzer until the optimum frequency can be determined. Preliminary testing will be conducted in the frequency range of 300 kHz - 1200 MHz. After initial testing, the electrodes will be assembled with a waveform generator, amplifiers and a demodulator. After satisfactory results in the lab using hand-introduced insects, a field test version of the sensor packaged with a battery supply and a protective shell to maintain reliability of the sensor and to prevent any explosion or fire hazard cause by the electronics will be tested. The sensor will be compared to an OPI Insector sensor. Seven stored-product insects common to Oklahoma grain storage will be introduced. Modifications will be made to refine sensor response and the field testing will be repeated. At least two publications are expected. Biofuel quality and handling sensors: The existing method of handling lignocellulosic biomaterial in Oklahoma will be examined. Opportunities for improvement and refinement with the implementation of capacitance and reflectance-based sensors will be determined. It is predicted that a capacitance sensor to detect moisture content will be combined with a reflectance-based sensor that can estimate chemical content and biomass availability will be developed. Biomaterial identification and tracking to the producer will be assessed using methods like RFID. An approach to handling raw biomaterial from Oklahoma fields to a biorefinery will be proposed implementing these quality sensors and identification protocols. In addition, computer modeling of supply chain logistics of the feedstock will determine at what points quality estimation may be beneficial. This work will be conducted in conjunction with the Oklahoma State University Dept. of Ag. Economics and the Dept. of Industrial Engineering. Work under this grant will be used to leverage funding from the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center and other transportation and logistics funding sources such as the Oklahoma Transportation Center and the Dept. of Transportation. At least four journal publications will be generated by this research along with two thesis or dissertation publications by graduate students conducting research in the biomass area. Harvest, handling, transportation and storage of bulk materials: The problem of handling bulk materials such as grass, grain, oilseeds, and leafy dried herbs is becoming more of challenge considering the economics of storage space and road and rail transportation. To address these issues, research efforts will focus on the development of a size reduction and vacuum packaging system. Initial investigations will be conducted on chopped dry switchgrass and extended to oilseeds and post-extracted herbs. Three doctoral level students will be dedicated to this research. Ten journal articles and three dissertations should be result from this research within the next five years.

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience is Oklahoma producers and grain elevator managers and personnel. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The following opportunities for professional development were provided: Missouri Fumigation Workshops. (4 presentations). January 12-13, 2014. Columbia, Missouri. History of X624 standard development, Grain Bin Entrapment Safety Meeting, December 11, 2013, St. Louis, MO. Storing Canola in Oklahoma Summer Conditions, Ag Expo, Oklahoma City, OK, December 4, 2013 Fumigation CEU Workshop (2 presentations), Ag Expo, Oklahoma City, OK, December 3, 2013. Safety Workshop (5 topics), 2013. TriState GEAPS, Sunray, TX. September 10-11, 2013. Developing Soybean Grading Standards in Brazil. 2013. Aprosoja and Brazilian Dept. of Agriculture. Brasilia, BR. September 3, 2013. (presentation and expert panel) Grain Quality Management and Aeration Techniques. 2013 (2 presentations).Ontario Agribusiness Coop, Kitchener, Ontario. August 20, 2013. Grain Quality Management, 2013. GEAPS Leadership Training, London, Ontario, August 21, 2013. Grain Quality and Aeration. 2013. Rescue and Safety Training for Sunray Coop, Sunray, TX. (4 presentations). March 21-22, 2013. Grain Quality and Aeration Management, (2 presentations) 2013. Grain Entrapment Prevention Conference, Lincoln, Nebraska, March 11-13, 2013. Grain Quality and Safety (2 presentations), 2013. Ontario AgriBusiness Association, Toronto, Ontario. February 20, 2013. Aeration Management and Grain Quality, (4 presentations and 2 demonstrations) Texas High Plains GEAPS Workshop, Amarillo, TX, January 29-30, 2013. Missouri Fumigation Workshops. (4 presentations). January 14-15, 2013. Rolla, Missouri. Storing Canola in Warm Climates, 2012. Ag Expo, Oklahoma City, OK. Dec. 5, 2012. Grading Standards. Postharvest Loss Symposium. 2012. Embrapa, Brazil. October 22-24, 2012. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been reported through journal articles, professional papers and extension presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. A prototype of an electromagnetic insect detector was developed 2. Capacitance based sensing was used to collect data and accuracy was confirmed for switchgrass bales 3. A baseline supply chain model was developed with one student completing a PhD in this research. 4. Baseline testing of packaging materials provided industrial data for vacuum packaging of bulk cellulosic material.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: 1. Khanchi, A., C. Jones and B. Sharma. 2013. Characteristics and compositional variation in round and square switchgrass bales under different storage conditions. Biomass and Bioenergy Status: Available online 30 October 2013 2. Jones, C. and G. Dilawari. 2013. Non-destructive estimation of free fatty acid content and peroxide value using NIR spectroscopy in canola seed. Journal of Infrared Spectroscopy Status: accepted for publication 3. Khanchi, A., C. Jones, B. Sharma, R. Huhnke, P. Weckler, and N. Maness. 2013. An empirical model to predict infield thin layer drying rate of cut switchgrass. Biomass and Bionergy available online 30 September 2013 4. Sharma, B., C. Jones, and R. Ingall. 2013. Scenario optimization modeling approach for design and management of biomass-to-biorefinery supply chain system. Bioscience Technology 24. 5. Dilawari, G. and C. Jones. 2013. Quantification of dockage in canola using flatbed scanner. Transactions of the ASABE 56(5):1-7. 6. Sharma, B., C. Jones, and R. Ingall. 2013. Biomass supply chain design and analysis: basis, overview, modeling, challenges, and future. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews 24: 608-627.


Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Capacitance sensing: One journal publication and 3 professional presentations and articles were produced describing the research and application of capacitance based sensing in ag products. Electromagnetic Sensing System for cellulosic material: Preliminary testing of the sensor to detect biomass and moisture content in packages of cellulosic feedstock has been initiated and partially completed. Supplemental funding has been sought and received. This project spans the next two years. Work on this project has been slow because of low material production due to drought conditions. Two journal articles were produced. Electromagnetic Sensing of Fresh Product Quality: Extensive testing was completed to correlate electromagnetic response to pineapple moisture content and to determine cuticular leaf wax. Two journal publications resulted. Electromagnetic Sensing of Pecan Tree Yield: Two journal articles and one dissertation was produced from this research (Jim Hardin) Electromagnetic Sensing of Corn Plant Detection and Density: One dissertation was completed (Grace Okiror) and one journal article is pending. Traceability and product quality: One dissertation (Bhavna Sharma) was produced and one journal articles is pending Drying of windrows of switchgrass: One dissertation (Amit Khanchi) and one professional paper/presentation were completed and one journal article is pending. PARTICIPANTS: Geetika Dilawari, doctoral student (GRA - processing), Jim Hardin, doctoral student (Research Engineer), Bhavna Sharma, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels), Amit Khanchi, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels), Jasreen Sekhon, doctoral student (GRA - processing), Grace Okiror, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels and processing Project Leader: Dr. Carol Jones, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Cooperators: Drs. Ray Huhnke and Paul Weckler of the OSU Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, Dr. George Opit, Stored Product Entomologist from the OSU Entomology Department , Drs. Frank Arthur, Dirk Maier, and Tom Phillips of Kansas State University and the USDA Grain Lab in Manhattan, KS. Drs. Bill Raun and Yanqi Wu, OSU Plant and Soil Science Department Dra. Niels Maness and Mike Smith, OSU Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department Drs. Ricki Ingalls and Manjunath Kamath, OSU Industrial Engineering Department and Logistics Center Drs. Rodney Holcomb, Frances Epplin, and Phil Kenkel, OSU Ag. Economics Department Dr. Le Ma, OSU Plant Pathology TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences have been grain storage managers, ag producers, other university researchers, and food processing employees. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
160 individuals total were in attendance at presentations, workshops, or field days covering the research from this project. Traceability, safety and quality management in grain storage will continue to be extended and research in the safe storage of canola will be conduct involving producers and two canola oil production companies in Oklahoma in 2013.

Publications

  • Hardin, J.A., P.R. Weckler, and C.L. Jones. 2013. Microwave backscatter response of pecan tree canopy samples for estimation of pecan yield in situ using terrestrial radar. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 90: 54-62. Pasangulapati, V, A. Kumar, C. Jones, and R. Huhnke. 2012. Characterization of switchgrass, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin for thermochemical conversions. Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy. Hardin, J. A., C. L. Jones, P. R. Weckler, N. O. Maness, J. W. Dillwith, and R. D. Madden. 2012. Rapid in situ Quantification of Leaf Cuticular Wax Using FTIR-ATR. Transactions of the ASABE In review. Hardin, J. A., M. W. Smith, P. R. Weckler, and B. S. Cheary. 2012. In situ measurement of pecan leaf nitrogen concentration using a chlorophyll meter and Vis-NIR multispectral camera. HortScience 47(7): 955 to 960. Jones, C. and G. Dilawari. 2012. Quality estimation of canola using machine vision and VIS-NIR spectroscopy. Proc. 9th International Conference on Controlled Atmosphere and Fumigation of Stored Products. Antalya, Turkey, 15 to 19 October, 2012. CAF268. Okiror, G., and C. Jones. 2012. Effect of temperature on the dielectric properties of low acyl gellan gel. Journal of Food Engineering. Pasangulapati, V., K. D. Ramachandriya, A. Kumar, M. R. Wilkins, C. L. Jones, and R. L. Huhnke. 2012. Effects of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin on thermochemical conversion characteristics of the selected biomass. Bioresource Technology. (Accepted, Mar 9, 2012). Lawrence, J., D. Maier, J. Hardin, and C. Jones. 2012. Development and validation of a headspace model for a stored grain silo filled to its eave. Journal of Stored Product Research 49: 176-183. Jones, C.L. and G. Okiror. 2012. Estimation of Corn Stalk Diameters Using Microwave Scattering Parameters. ASABE 121337283. Presented at the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. Hardin, J., P. Weckler and C. Jones. 2012. Estimation of pecan yield using backscattered terrestrial microwave sensing. ASABE 121337363. Presented at the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.


Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Capacitance sensing: Three journal publications were produced describing the research and application of capacitance based sensing in ag products. Electromagnetic Sensing System for cellulosic material: Preliminary testing of the sensor to detect biomass and moisture content in packages of cellulosic feedstock has been initiated and partially completed. Supplemental funding has been sought and received. This project spans the next three years. Electromagnetic Sensing of Fresh Product Quality: Extensive testing was completed to correlate electromagnetic response to apple sweetness and maturity. One journal publication resulted. Traceability and product quality: One dissertation was produced by Bhavna Sharma and will be published in 2012. Reflectance based sensing: One dissertation was produced and published by Geetika Dilawari Quality of biofeedstock: One thesis was published by Anthony Megel PARTICIPANTS: Geetika Dilawari, doctoral student (GRA - processing), Jim Hardin, doctoral student (Research Engineer), Vince Schielack, doctoral student (Research Engineer), Bhavna Sharma, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels), Amit Khanchi, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels), Jasreen Sekhon, doctoral student (GRA - processing), Grace Okiror, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels and processing) Jared Kinder, undergraduate TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences have been grain storage managers, ag producers, other university researchers, and food processing employees. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
195 individuals total were in attendance at presentations, workshops, or field days covering the research from this project. Extension of quality management and traceability issues in grain has begun and will continue to reach producers and elevator managers in 2012.

Publications

  • Okiror, G and C. Jones. 2011. Relationship between dielectric properties and soluble solidcontent of whole apples during ripening. Submitted for publication to Journal of Food Engineering.
  • Okiror, G and C. Jones. 2011. Effect of temperature on the dielectric properties of low acylgellan gel, Submitted for publication to Journal of Food Engineering
  • Okiror, G and C. Jones. 2011. Estimation of moisture content in pineapple slices using microwave s-parameters, Submitted for publication to the Journal of Food Processing and Preservation
  • Jones, C. and G. Okiror. 2011. Improved models for predicting moisture content in dried pineapples using dielectric properties. Proc. 9th International Conference on Electromagnetic Wave Interaction with Water and Moist Substances, ISEMA, Kansas City, MO, USA. 31May-3June: 272-278.
  • Okiror, G. and C. Jones. 2011. Effect of temperature on the dielectric properties of low acyl gellan gel. Proc. 9th International Conference on Electromagnetic Wave Interaction with Water and Moist Substances, ISEMA, Kansas City, MO, USA. 31May-3June: 92-99.
  • Opit, G., C. Jones, F. Arthur, T. Phillips, E. Bonjour, and R. Beeby. 2011. Efficacy of Heat Treatment for Disinfestation of Concrete Grain Silos. Journal of Economic Entomology.104(4): 1415-1422.
  • Sharma, B., C. Jones, and A. Khanchi. 2011. Physical properties of switchgrass (variety: Kanlow) as related to before and after frost harvesting. Biological Engineering Transactions June
  • Dilawari, G. and C. Jones. 2011. Non-destructive estimation of free fatty acid content and peroxide value using NIR spectroscopy in canola seed. Submitted to Journal of NIR Sensing.


Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Capacitance sensing to detect insects in stored grain: A journal publication was produced describing the refinement of these two sensors reported in last year's CRIS report. The work was also presented at the multistate consortium for grain storage and quality NC213. Electromagnetic Sensing System for cellulosic material: Preliminary testing of the sensor to detect biomass and moisture content in packages of cellulosic feedstock has been initiated and partially completed. Supplemental funding has been sought and received. This project spans the next three years. Electromagnetic Sensing of Fresh Product Quality: Extensive testing was completed to correlate electromagnetic response to apple sweetness and maturity. Results will be analyzed and reported in a doctoral dissertation within the next year. PARTICIPANTS: Geetika Dilawari, doctoral student (GRA - processing), Jim Hardin, doctoral student (Research Engineer), Bhavna Sharma, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels), Amit Khanchi, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels), Jasreen Sekhon, doctoral student (GRA - processing), Grace Okiror, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels and processing) Fujian Ding, Post doc (sensor design for capacitance based sensing Jared Kinder, undergraduate ( biofuels) Jake Biros, undergraduate (sensors and biofuels) Steven Imgarten, undergraduate (sensors) Dr. Niels Maness, Hort and Landscape Architecture Dr. George Opit, Entomology and Plant Pathology Dr. Paul Weckler, BAE Dr. Marvin Stone, BAE Emeritus Edmond Bonjour, Entomology Randy Beeby, Entomology Jim Criswell, Entomology TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences have been grain storage managers, ag producers, other university researchers, and food processing employees. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
213 individuals total were in attendance at presentations, workshops, or field days covering the research from this project. The extension of the work done under insect identification, counting and detecting objective has impacted producers and managers in the stored product workshops by making them more aware of the identification concerns and the advantages for identification of insects.

Publications

  • Aminatou, B., S. Gautam, G. Opit, J. Talley, and C. Jones. 2010. Population growth and development of the Psocid Liposcelis pearmani Lienhard (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) at constant temperatures and relative humidity. Proc. 58th ESA, San Diego, CA. 12/12-16.
  • Bonjour, E., G. Opit, C. Jones, J. Hardin, and R. Beeby. 2010. Efficacy of ozone fumigation against the major grain pests in stored wheat. Journal of Economic Entomology, accepted for publication.
  • Jones, C., and F. Ding. 2010. Identification of Stored-grain Insects using Microwave/RF Electric Fields. Proc. 10th IWCSPP, Lisbon, Portugal, 6/27 - 7/2.


Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Two dielectric capacitance sensors were designed and tested to detect, count, and identify stored product insects in grain bins. Success of the sensors is indicated by the 72% accuracy rate of the sensors to identify and count insects presented to them in the laboratory. The results from these two sensors were presented at conferences and workshops both in the US and Internationally. Initial design and testing of an antennae system has been conducted for a capacitance based sensing system to detect moisture content and quality of lignocellulosic biofeedstock. This information has not been distributed outside of our research group yet. It is too early in the project for sharing information. A vacuum packing system of storing dry chopped forage sorghum is being tested. The research setup has been demonstrated at three different extension events. This research is very preliminary and not built for field use. Extension of this science has been for awareness of new methods being investigated. PARTICIPANTS: Geetika Dilawari, doctoral student (Research Engineer), Jim Hardin, doctoral student (GRA - processing), Josh Grundmann, masters student (GRA - processing), Bhavna Sharma, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels), Amit Khanchi, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels), Jasreen Sekhon, doctoral student (GRA - processing), Grace Okiror, doctoral student (GRA - biofuels and processing) Fujian Ding, Post doc (sensor design for capacitance based sensing) Jesi Lay, undergraduate (processing) Jared Kinder, undergraduate ( biofuels) Jake Biros, undergraduate (sensors and biofuels) Steven Imgarten, undergraduate (sensors) TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences have been grain storage managers, ag producers, other university researchers, and food processing employees. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
320 individuals total were in attendance at presentations, workshops, or field days covering the research from this project. The extension of the work done under insect identification, counting and detecting objective has impacted producers and managers in the stored product workshops by making them more aware of the identification concerns and the advantages for identification of insects. In post workshop assessments, 90% of attendees stated they would improve efforts to identify insects present in storage facilities before fumigation applications as compared to 72% before presentations covering this subject.

Publications

  • Hardin, J., G. Opit, E. Bonjour, and C. Jones. 2009. Efficacy of ozone against the psocids Liposcelis entomophila, L. bostrychophila, and L. decolor (Psocptera: Liposcelididae). Proc. ESA Intl. Conf., Indianapolis, IN.
  • Hardin, J., and C. Jones. 2009. Ozone fumigation of stored grain; closed-loop recirculation and rate of ozone consumption. Journal of Stored Products Research. Submitted for publication.
  • Jones, C., F. Ding and P. Weckler. 2009. RF/Microwave technology application for identification of stored product insects. Sensing and Instrumentation for Food Quality and Safety, DOI 10 1007/s11694-009-9089-x.
  • Ding, F., C. Jones, and P. Weckler. 2009. Identification and detection of stored grain insects with RF and microwave technology. Transactions of the ASABE. 52(6): 1-10.A