Ethylene Air Purification Stages for Produce Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively eliminate ethylene gas and contaminants like bacteria, pathogens, and molds from storage environments, leading to accelerated spoilage and deterioration of perishable products.
Innovation Solution
The Bio Turbo technology employs a four-stage air cleaning process involving air filtration, cell disruption, ethylene removal using ozone, and ozone conversion to oxygen, ensuring a continuous circulation of clean air in storage areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional storage methods are used, then storage simplicity is maintained, but ethylene gas and contaminants accumulate causing accelerated spoilage
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple functional stages: air intake, filtration chamber, ozone generation chamber, reaction chamber, and air release. Each stage addresses specific contaminants separately, with filters removing particles and the ozone chamber targeting ethylene gas, allowing comprehensive protection without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-treating air before it reaches the produce. Air is filtered and treated with ozone in advance to remove ethylene and contaminants, preventing spoilage before it occurs rather than reacting to deterioration after it begins
2Reliability
If ozone is used to remove ethylene gas, then ethylene elimination efficiency is improved, but residual ozone may create safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful residual ozone into beneficial oxygen. By introducing a catalyst or allowing natural decomposition, the harmful ozone is transformed into harmless oxygen, eliminating the safety concern while maintaining the ethylene removal benefit
Solution Approach 2:
A catalyst or decomposition chamber acts as an intermediary between the ozone generation and produce storage. This intermediary component ensures complete ozone decomposition before air contacts the produce, mediating between the need for strong ethylene removal and the requirement for safety
3Reliability
If continuous air circulation is implemented, then produce freshness is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous air circulation to constantly remove ethylene and maintain freshness. Air is continuously drawn through the filtration and ozone treatment system, ensuring uninterrupted protection against spoilage while managing energy through efficient system design
4Reliability
If multiple filtration stages are used, then contaminant removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into distinct chambers: particle filtration chamber and ozone generation chamber. Each chamber handles specific contaminants, making the complex multi-stage process manageable through clear spatial separation and modular design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces ethylene levels and eliminates contaminants, extending the shelf life of produce by maintaining a healthy air environment with 99.99% ethylene removal efficiency and safe ozone levels.
Implementation Method 1
The reaction between ethylene gas and ozone breaks the molecule of ethylene
Implementation Method 2
The Bio Turbo technology converts ozone molecule O3 into oxygen O2 by using catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides with a method of purifying air with significant content of ethylene gas. Bacteria, pathogens, molds, fungus and ethylene gas are removed by using ozone and air filtration technology. This process is useful for storages and production facilities where ethylene might be harmful for perishable products.