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WO1995005753A1 - Regulation de l'atmosphere dans des chambres de stockage de produits - Google Patents

Regulation de l'atmosphere dans des chambres de stockage de produits Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1995005753A1
WO1995005753A1 PCT/GB1994/001825 GB9401825W WO9505753A1 WO 1995005753 A1 WO1995005753 A1 WO 1995005753A1 GB 9401825 W GB9401825 W GB 9401825W WO 9505753 A1 WO9505753 A1 WO 9505753A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
atmosphere
room
bed
oxygen
adsorption bed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB1994/001825
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David James Bishop
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dow Chemical Co
Original Assignee
Dow Chemical Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dow Chemical Co filed Critical Dow Chemical Co
Priority to AU74645/94A priority Critical patent/AU7464594A/en
Publication of WO1995005753A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995005753A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
    • A23B7/00—Preservation of fruit or vegetables; Chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
    • A23B7/14—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by group A23B7/08 or A23B7/10
    • A23B7/144—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by group A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
    • A23B7/148—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by group A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
    • A23B2/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general
    • A23B2/70—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals
    • A23B2/704—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
    • A23B2/708—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
    • A23B2/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general
    • A23B2/70—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals
    • A23B2/704—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
    • A23B2/708—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
    • A23B2/712—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O in which an absorbent is placed or used

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a required atmosphere within fruit, vegetable and produce storage rooms or other chambers or environments for storing such goods. For convenience, these are referred to herein as produce storage rooms.
  • Fruit, vegetables and other produce such as nuts and grains can be stored to advantage in atmospheres other than ambient air (which has the composition 21 per cent 0 2 , .03 per cent C0_, 79 per cent N_) .
  • This method is to prolong storage life from a few weeks to over twelve months, depending upon the produce, variety and cultivar. This method is almost invariably used in conjunction with refrigeration to maintain a temperature most suited to the produce.
  • Delicious apples can be stored at 0 degrees C and in an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of 1.5 per cent and carbon dioxide at 3 per cent for up to ten months.
  • Bananas can be stored at 3 per cent oxygen, 5 per cent carbon dioxide, at a temperature of 14 degrees C for a period of three months.
  • the produce After harvest, the produce is placed in a refrigerated storage room which is carefully sealed to prevent or minimise leakage of air either in or out. Under these conditions, the produce will continue to respire, consuming oxygen and producing carbon dioxide.
  • Carbon dioxide is conventionally removed by one of three alternative methods. Hydrated lime (Ca(OH)_) can be used to absorb the carbon dioxide by an irreversible chemical action, after which the lime is discarded. The cost and inconvenience of this system makes this unattractive to many users.
  • Hydrated lime Ca(OH)_
  • Nitrogen or nitrogen containing a small amount of oxygen can be used to flush out the carbon dioxide produced, by purging on a continuous or intermittent basis.
  • the flow rate of the nitrogen is dependent upon the required carbon dioxide content and the respiration rate of the produce. In general, the energy required to produce sufficient nitrogen rapidly increases as CO- levels reduce and the respiration rate increases.
  • the third known method of CO- removal is a mechanically activated carbon adsorber.
  • the storeroom atmosphere is passed through a bed containing activated carbon, which adsorbs the carbon dioxide, returning the remainder of the atmosphere to the storage room.
  • the bed is disconnected from the storeroom and flushed with air, the CO- being desorbed into the air stream.
  • the carbon adsorber is energy-efficient in removing CO- but a problem arises in preventing the flushing air from entering back into the storage room, causing an increase in oxygen above the required value.
  • the present invention aims to provide method and apparatus which combines all the functions required to control a produce storeroom atmosphere, operating together preferably under electronic control in order to obtain maximum energy efficiency of the operation.
  • a method of controlling the atmosphere of at least one produce storage room including the repetitive steps of: a) controlling the carbon dioxide content of the room atmosphere by cycling the atmosphere through a carbon adsorption bed; b) regenerating the bed by passage of fresh air; and c) purging the bed of oxygen by passage of nitrogen from a nitrogen source, wherein when necessary the oxygen content of the room atmosphere is at least in part controlled by omission or variation of the period of step c).
  • apparatus for controlling the atmosphere of at least one produce storage room comprising a carbon adsorption bed, a nitrogen source and valved pipework connecting the adsorption bed and the nitrogen source with each other and with the room, wherein common valves are utilised to control repetitive operations of the adsorption bed and the nitrogen source in order to control both the oxygen content and the carbon dioxide content of the room atmosphere.
  • apparaus for controlling the atmosphere of at least one produce storage room comprising a carbon adsorption bed and a nitrogen source and valved pipework connecting the adsorption bed and the nitrogen source with each other and with the room, wherein the nitrogen source constitutes a sole means for removing oxygen from the adsorption bed.
  • the nitrogen source constitutes a sole means for removing oxygen from the adsorption bed.
  • a source of nitrogen it will be understood that in practice the source may provide a nitrogen-rich gas with very low oxygen content.
  • the apparatus comprises an adsorption bed for carbon dioxide removal, a nitrogen source which is used for initial establishment of conditions and for purging the carbon bed from excess air.
  • the oxygen needed to support respiration is provided by omitting the nitrogen purge of the carbon bed, when required.
  • the system in accordance with the invention considerably reduces the energy consumption of purge only systems, overcomes the problems of air removal from the carbon bed, and improves efficiency by providing oxygen by reducing purge rather than adding air.
  • One embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the accompanying drawing.
  • Two fruit stores 1 and 2 are shown. These are typically sealed refrigerated rooms with capacities varying from 10 to 1,000 tonnes of produce. Although two are shown, the invention can be practised for a single room or for a multiple number, in practice probably not exceeding ten.
  • a carbon adsorption bed 3 forming part of the system will vary in size depending upon the size and number of the storage rooms.
  • This bed 3 typically contains steam- activated extruded carbon pellets, Norit R2030 (Trade Mark) being a carbon commonly used in this field.
  • the carbon bed is connected to each room with piping or tubing through on/off valves, shown in the drawing and respectively designated A to H.
  • the circulation of the room atmosphere through the bed 3 is driven by a fan 6.
  • Nitrogen with a small amount of oxygen is conveniently produced by a source 4 which comprises a semi-permeable membrane contained in a housing.
  • a source 4 which comprises a semi-permeable membrane contained in a housing.
  • the membrane is supplied with compressed air at typically eleven bar pressure from an air compressor 5.
  • the oxygen concentration of the gas stream output from the source 4 depends upon the output flow rate, which is adjustable by a control valve 7.
  • the output flow of the nitrogen is switchable on or off by a solenoid valve E.
  • the compressor 5 is automatically switched on demand by a pressure switch (not shown).
  • Valves B, F, H and E are opened to allow nitrogen with oxygen in low concentration to flow from the membrane 4 into the room, through valves E and B, purging out the atmospheric oxygen through valves F and H to exhaust. This step is continued until the room oxygen is considered to be reduced to the level required, at which time all the relevant valves are shut.
  • a scrubbing cycle commences by opening valves B, D and F and starting the operation of fan 6.
  • the atmosphere from the storage room 1 is then drawn through valve F into the carbon bed 3 and returned to the room through valves D and B. This operation continues until the carbon in the bed is saturated with carbon dioxide.
  • step (d) When it has been determined that the oxygen in the room has fallen to a lower value than required, then the bed purge process described in step (d) is omitted and scrubbing step (e) is allowed to continue to permit some oxygen entry into the room. Alternatively, a reduced purge time for step (d) will control the amount of oxygen returning to the room.
  • the method for room 2 is analogous.
  • Operating steps a) to i) are preferably automated and performed under electronic control.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Storage Of Fruits Or Vegetables (AREA)
  • Separation Of Gases By Adsorption (AREA)

Abstract

Système de régulation de l'atmosphère dans une chambre (1) de stockage de produits, dans lequel une source d'azote (4) est utilisée pour purger initialement la chambre. On utilise un lit (3) d'adsorption de carbone pour adsorber le dioxyde de carbone contenu dans l'atmosphère de la chambre en la faisant circuler à travers le lit, ce qui permet de réguler la teneur en dioxyde de carbone de l'atmosphère. Après la régénération du lit afin d'effectuer la désorption du dioxyde de carbone, on purge le lit de l'oxygène qu'il contient au moyen de l'azote provenant de la source, cette étape de purge étant gérée de façon à réguler la teneur en oxygène de l'atmosphère de la chambre.
PCT/GB1994/001825 1993-08-21 1994-08-19 Regulation de l'atmosphere dans des chambres de stockage de produits Ceased WO1995005753A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU74645/94A AU7464594A (en) 1993-08-21 1994-08-19 Control of the atmosphere in produce storage rooms

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB939317523A GB9317523D0 (en) 1993-08-21 1993-08-21 Control of the atmosphere in produce storage rooms
GB9317523.0 1993-08-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995005753A1 true WO1995005753A1 (fr) 1995-03-02

Family

ID=10740905

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1994/001825 Ceased WO1995005753A1 (fr) 1993-08-21 1994-08-19 Regulation de l'atmosphere dans des chambres de stockage de produits

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU7464594A (fr)
GB (1) GB9317523D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1995005753A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996001573A1 (fr) * 1994-07-08 1996-01-25 Carbotech-Anlagenbau Gmbh Procede de creation d'une atmosphere controlee dans un conteneur
WO2000023350A1 (fr) * 1998-10-19 2000-04-27 Mitsubishi Australia Ltd Dispositif de mise a l'air libre commandee d'une chambre
ITGE20080066A1 (it) * 2008-07-30 2010-01-31 Fruit Control Equipments S R L Impianto e metodo per il controllo dell'atmosfera in celle per la conservazione di prodotti ortofrutticoli.
WO2013012623A1 (fr) * 2011-07-18 2013-01-24 Carrier Corporation Régulation de l'atmosphère au sein d'un environnement fermé
US11846463B2 (en) 2019-04-12 2023-12-19 Carrier Corporation Method of controlling atmosphere in a refrigerated container

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2922145A1 (de) * 1978-09-13 1980-03-20 Intercell Ag Verfahren und vorrichtung zur veraenderung der sauerstoff- und stickstoffanteile des luftgemisches in einem geschlossenen raum
FR2523472A3 (fr) * 1982-03-16 1983-09-23 Babcock Samifi Spa Appareil d'absorption de gaz carbonique, notamment a l'usage d'enceintes maintenues sous atmosphere controlee, et procede pour reduire la quantite d'oxygene penetrant dans l'enceinte a chaque cycle
EP0136042A2 (fr) * 1983-09-01 1985-04-03 Transfresh Corporation Procédé de transport de comestibles et conteneur adapté pour la réalisation de ce procédé
GB2181364A (en) * 1985-10-08 1987-04-23 Nat Res Dev Control of atmosphere in fruit stores
EP0363553A1 (fr) * 1988-09-30 1990-04-18 Isolcell Italia S.P.A. Procédé et appareil de production d'une atmosphère contrôlée, en particulier dans des conteneurs et des cales pour le stockage de fleurs, fruits et légumes
EP0565827A1 (fr) * 1992-03-16 1993-10-20 Isolcell Italia S.P.A. Compartiment frigorifique et procédé pour maintenir une atmosphère contrôlée

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2922145A1 (de) * 1978-09-13 1980-03-20 Intercell Ag Verfahren und vorrichtung zur veraenderung der sauerstoff- und stickstoffanteile des luftgemisches in einem geschlossenen raum
FR2523472A3 (fr) * 1982-03-16 1983-09-23 Babcock Samifi Spa Appareil d'absorption de gaz carbonique, notamment a l'usage d'enceintes maintenues sous atmosphere controlee, et procede pour reduire la quantite d'oxygene penetrant dans l'enceinte a chaque cycle
EP0136042A2 (fr) * 1983-09-01 1985-04-03 Transfresh Corporation Procédé de transport de comestibles et conteneur adapté pour la réalisation de ce procédé
GB2181364A (en) * 1985-10-08 1987-04-23 Nat Res Dev Control of atmosphere in fruit stores
EP0363553A1 (fr) * 1988-09-30 1990-04-18 Isolcell Italia S.P.A. Procédé et appareil de production d'une atmosphère contrôlée, en particulier dans des conteneurs et des cales pour le stockage de fleurs, fruits et légumes
EP0565827A1 (fr) * 1992-03-16 1993-10-20 Isolcell Italia S.P.A. Compartiment frigorifique et procédé pour maintenir une atmosphère contrôlée

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
L BAKKER ET AL.: "DE TECHNIEK VAN DE CA-BEWARING VAN TUINBOUWPRODUKTEN", VOEDINGSMIDDELEN TECHNOLOGIE, vol. 18, no. 8, April 1985 (1985-04-01), ZEIST NL, pages 69 - 75 *

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996001573A1 (fr) * 1994-07-08 1996-01-25 Carbotech-Anlagenbau Gmbh Procede de creation d'une atmosphere controlee dans un conteneur
WO2000023350A1 (fr) * 1998-10-19 2000-04-27 Mitsubishi Australia Ltd Dispositif de mise a l'air libre commandee d'une chambre
US8677893B2 (en) 1998-10-19 2014-03-25 Mitsubishi Australia Ltd. Apparatus for controlled venting of a chamber
US9032867B2 (en) 1998-10-19 2015-05-19 Mitsubishi Australia Ltd. Method for controlled venting of a chamber
ITGE20080066A1 (it) * 2008-07-30 2010-01-31 Fruit Control Equipments S R L Impianto e metodo per il controllo dell'atmosfera in celle per la conservazione di prodotti ortofrutticoli.
WO2013012623A1 (fr) * 2011-07-18 2013-01-24 Carrier Corporation Régulation de l'atmosphère au sein d'un environnement fermé
US9339045B2 (en) 2011-07-18 2016-05-17 Carrier Corporation Control of atmosphere within a closed environment
CN103687494B (zh) * 2011-07-18 2016-05-25 开利公司 密闭环境内大气的控制
US11846463B2 (en) 2019-04-12 2023-12-19 Carrier Corporation Method of controlling atmosphere in a refrigerated container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU7464594A (en) 1995-03-21
GB9317523D0 (en) 1993-10-06

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