Controlled Atmosphere Storage Using Respiration-Based Fermentation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling the atmosphere in storage spaces for agricultural and horticultural products are inefficient in detecting the transition from respiration to fermentation, leading to potential product damage and storage defects, especially at low oxygen levels, and rely on unreliable or labor-intensive chemical analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that periodically detect respiration by measuring oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide release, using sensors to calculate the respiratory quotient (RQ), and adjust the atmosphere accordingly to prevent fermentation, with the space being sealed from external influences and maintained at a slight overpressure to ensure accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the oxygen content is reduced to extend storage life, then storage life is improved, but the risk of fermentation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of respiration parameters (oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production) to detect the transition from aerobic respiration to fermentation. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustment of oxygen levels to extend storage life while preventing fermentation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical agents (such as DPA diphenylamine) with a physical control system based on sensor monitoring and automated atmosphere control. This substitution eliminates chemical residues while achieving the same protective function through precise oxygen level management.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory analysis is performed to detect fermentation, then detection accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the storage system to automatically monitor and detect fermentation conditions through integrated sensors that continuously measure oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. This self-monitoring eliminates the need for external laboratory analysis, providing immediate detection while reducing time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of respiration parameters throughout the storage period, rather than periodic laboratory sampling. This continuous measurement provides uninterrupted detection of fermentation onset, enabling timely intervention while eliminating sampling intervals.
3Ease of operation
If fluorescence measurement is used to detect fermentation, then operational simplicity is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluorescence measurement with direct physiological parameter measurement (oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production). These measurements directly reflect the metabolic state of the produce, providing reliable detection of fermentation while maintaining operational simplicity through automated sensing.
4Reliability
If chemical agents are used to prevent storage defects, then protection effectiveness is improved, but product safety and environmental concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical protective agents with a physical control system that monitors respiration parameters and automatically adjusts atmospheric conditions. This substitution eliminates chemical residues while maintaining protection effectiveness through precise control of oxygen levels based on real-time metabolic monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses controlled inert atmospheres with precisely managed oxygen levels to protect produce from storage defects. By maintaining oxygen levels below the threshold for aerobic respiration but above the threshold for fermentation, the system provides chemical-free protection through atmospheric control.
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 allows for reliable control of the atmosphere, enabling further reduction of oxygen levels without inducing fermentation, thereby extending storage life and preventing defects, and reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Implementation Method 1
fresh agricultural and horticultural products exhibit respiration during storage; they take up oxygen from the atmosphere and use it to convert or combust complex molecules such as glucose
Implementation Method 2
the space has a leak-tightness of less than 0.2 cm2 per 100 m3 during detection of the respiration, wherein the space (1) is brought to a higher pressure than the surrounding area
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the atmosphere in a closable space filled with agricultural or horticultural products. The method comprises of directly detecting the respiration of the agricultural or horticultural products and adjusting an oxygen content, a carbon dioxide content and/or a nitrogen content in the space subject to the detected respiration. The respiration is detected here periodically, in each case for a determined time, and the space is sealed off from external influences during detection of the respiration. A very good control is achieved by taking the actual respiration as starting point, and a highly reliable detection forms the basis of this control when the detection is performed periodically for some time in a completely isolated atmosphere. The invention also relates to an installation for performing the method, and to a closable space provided with such an installation.