Patent ID: 6460352
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: A23B,A23L

Abstract:
A method of modifying the composition of an atmosphere within a container for perishable and/or respiring produce therein, comprising the steps of:a) withdrawing and pressurising a portion of said atmosphere from the container; b) adsorbing water vapour from said atmosphere by passing the atmosphere in a first direction through a layer of an adsorbent which adsorbs the water vapour from said atmosphere; c) adsorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by passing the atmosphere in the first direction through a layer of an adsorbent which adsorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; d) adsorbing ethylene from the atmosphere by passing the atmosphere in the first direction through a layer of an adsorbent which adsorbs ethylene from the atmosphere; e) returning the atmosphere to the container; and f) regenerating the adsorbent layers by passing ambient air through the adsorbent layers in a direction countercurrent to the first direction and thereafter venting said air to ambient atmosphere, wherein water vapour is adsorbed from said ambient air by passing said air through a layer of an adsorbent which adsorbs the water vapour from said air before it passes through said ethylene and said carbon dioxide adsorbent layers.