Design Specifications for Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Refrigeration Storage for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables As health-conscious lifestyles gain momentum, fresh produce has become an essential component of modern diets. However, the perishable nature of fruits and vegetables poses significant challenges in maintaining freshness. To address this issue, controlled atmosphere refrigeration systems have emerged as a game-changer. These specialized storage units regulate temperature, humidity, and environmental components to extend the shelf life of produce. By precisely controlling oxygen and carbon dioxide levels while maintaining optimal thermal conditions, they effectively prevent spoilage. When designing CA refrigeration systems for fruit and vegetable preservation, several key specifications must be adhered to:
Temperature control: The preservation temperature of fruits and vegetables is usually between 0℃ and 10℃, so the temperature of the cold storage should be controlled within this range. At the same time, the temperature in the cold storage should be evenly distributed to ensure the overall preservation effect of fruits and vegetables.
Humidity control: The preservation humidity of fruits and vegetables is usually between 80% and 95%, so the humidity of cold storage should be kept within this range. The appropriate humidity can prevent fruits and vegetables from losing water and dehydration, so as to maintain their freshness.
Atmosphere Regulation: The air composition within cold storage facilities significantly impacts fruit and vegetable preservation. Lower oxygen levels combined with elevated carbon dioxide concentrations effectively delay spoilage and deterioration. Therefore, when designing cold storage systems, engineers should prioritize optimizing atmospheric composition to achieve optimal preservation results.
Air circulation: The air circulation in the cold storage is also very important for the preservation of fruits and vegetables. Appropriate air circulation can help maintain the balanced distribution of temperature and humidity, and can also effectively reduce the cross-contamination between fruits and vegetables.
Frost prevention measures: Frost in cold storage will have a negative impact on the preservation effect of fruits and vegetables. In order to avoid this situation, cold storage should be equipped with frost prevention equipment, such as defrosting device or automatic defrosting system.
In summary, controlled atmosphere (CAA) cold storage systems are essential equipment for extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. When designing such facilities, it's crucial to follow established protocols including temperature control, humidity regulation, environmental stabilization, ventilation management, and frost prevention measures. Only by adhering to these standards can cold storage effectively prolong the freshness of produce, ensuring people can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables year-round.
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