Dvykaliuk R. Scientific and technical support of the process and equipment for propolis production

The dissertation explores the prerequisites for the development of technical support for the production of propolis by means of analysis and systematization of scientific and technical information on technology, processes, equipment and relationships between the volumes of raw material collection, its natural sources and the biological features of honey bees. A theoretical and analytical study has been conducted on the possibility of using propolis as a component of food products, considering international safety and quality standards. It has been demonstrated that a crucial prerequisite for developing the equipment was the study of the instincts of honeybees concerning the manipulation of propolis and its accumulation in the hive. Experimentally, the low propolis productivity of collectors in the climatic conditions of Ukraine has been proven. It has been established that the most rational approach is to use flexible EVA nets, which have a significant deformation resource at low temperatures and are made from materials approved for contact with food products. By employing 3D design and solid modeling methods, a device for cleaning flexible EVA nets has been designed. The optimal parameters of the elements of the device are determined: reduction drive, frame and body, structural features of the set shafts. In order to intensify the process of cleaning the cleaning propolis collection tools during its production, the design parameters of the equipment have been improved. The process of cleaning propolis collection tools has been scientifically and technically substantiated based on the optimization of operational and structural parameters of the equipment. A new procedural approach in the technology of propolis production has been proposed. The constructed shafts facilitate simultaneous retraction and mechanical deformation of the net according to the required parameters. It has been demonstrated that the process of cleaning propolis collection tools is statistically significant (p≤0.05) affected by the weight of the grids before and after propolis cleaning, the time spent on cleaning the nets, and the wax content in the propolis. Cooling the nets at +5° C for 60 min is the optimal mode for net cleaning. Using methods of physical-mathematical modeling, a criterial equation for the process of cleaning propolis collection tools has been developed. The productivity of the improved technology ranges from 2.91 to 4.44 kg (per 100 bee colonies). It has been determined that the operation mode of the device depends on the operating conditions, including external temperature, cooling time, changing time, and the type of propolis. A study was conducted on the composition, properties and quality of propolis obtained using new equipment. It is proved that the product meets the current requirements of national regulatory documents. It has been proven that the investment in the developed equipment can be recovered within three years of use. Based on the improvement of the propolis collection process, new equipment has been scientifically justified and developed for its extraction. This new equipment aims to increase the production volumes of propolis and expand its use as a raw material in the food industry.