Patent ID: 9032867
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: A23B,A23L,F16K,F25D,G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for adjusting the atmosphere within a chamber containing respiring produce, the chamber having inlet means to permit ambient atmosphere to enter the chamber, and outlet means to permit chamber atmosphere to exit the chamber, the method comprising: (a) monitoring the oxygen concentration within the chamber; (b) following detection that the oxygen concentration in the chamber has fallen below a predetermined amount as a result of the consumption of oxygen by the respiring produce, causing or permitting ambient atmosphere to enter the chamber so that the amount of oxygen in the chamber increases to maintain the oxygen concentration above a preset oxygen concentration to prolong the storage life of the respiring produce, the preset oxygen concentration being greater than zero but less than an oxygen concentration in ambient air; and (c) without actively monitoring and actively controlling the carbon dioxide concentration within the chamber, continuously removing the carbon dioxide from the chamber atmosphere substantially at a predetermined carbon dioxide removal rate by using an amount of a carbon dioxide absorbing material in the chamber in communication with the chamber atmosphere, the predetermined carbon dioxide removal rate having been selected such that a non-zero carbon dioxide concentration is maintained within the chamber atmosphere, which does not substantially exceed a predetermined level, in order to maintain the carbon dioxide concentration within a pre-determined desired range to inhibit deterioration of the respiring produce, wherein the amount of carbon dioxide absorbing material in the chamber maintains the carbon dioxide concentration within the predetermined range.