USE OF MEMBRANE AIR SEPARATOR TECHNOLOGY FOR TRANSPORT OF FRESH PRODUCE

SPOILAGE IN TRANSIT OF SOME FRESH FOODS, PARTICULARLY PRODUCE AND MEAT CAN BE REDUCED WHEN THEY ARE HELD UNDER CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE. MANY TECHNICAL PAPERS REPORT THAT ADJUSTING THE LEVELS OF OXYGEN, NITROGEN, CARBON DIOXIDE AND OTHER GASES IS BENEFICIAL TO MAINTAINING THE QUALITY OF FRESH FOODS ON LONG DISTANCE SHIPMENTS. SEVERAL COMMERCIAL ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO SUPPLY THESE CONDITIONS IN TRANSPORT VEHICLES IN THE PAST 20 YEARS. THEYWERE ONLY PARTLY SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THE SYSTEMS DID NOT UTILIZE SELF REPLENTISHING ON-BOARD EQUIPMENT. AND, IN MOST CASES NOT ALL THE CRITICAL GASES WERE CONTROLLED. THISRESEARCH IS DIRECTED TOWARD DEVELOPING DESIGN CRITERIA AND EVALUATING EQUIPMENT WHICH CAN BE USED COMMERCIALLY TO CONTROL ALL ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN FRESH FOODS UNDER IDEAL CONDITIONS DURING LONG DISTANCE TRANSPORT. MEETING ALL RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS OF FRESH FOODS DURING TRANSPORT WILL HELP MAINTAIN PRODUCT QUALITY, REDUCE LOSSES, EXPAND MARKETING PERIODS, AND INCREASE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES.