Modified and controlled atmosphere system and method
AssigneeFresh Food Solutions LLC
InventorLaurence Don. BELL
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for creating and maintaining modified and controlled atmospheres (MA/CA) in a rigid sealable container having at least one refrigeration unit with an integrated oxygen reduction means. The refrigeration unit provides the necessary ambient atmosphere movement for the oxygen reduction means, such as a hydrogen fuel cell. The systems and methods are useful in the, storage, transport, distribution, processing and packaging of fresh perishables with a focus on altering the natural gaseous environment around the perishables such that fresh shelf-life is extended. The systems may operate in a power generation/power production mode, such that the fuel cells maintain the MA/CA environment while providing both primary and back-up power.
Claims25
A method for generating and maintaining a modified and controlled atmosphere (MA/CA) environment in a mechanically refrigerated system, comprising:
- providing a rigid sealable container having at least one refrigeration unit with at least one sealable gas port;
- integrating or adapting an oxygen reduction means into the mechanically refrigerated system;
- generating a recirculating forced atmosphere stream by operation of said mechanical refrigeration unit, the recirculating forced atmosphere stream passing through the mechanical refrigeration unit;
- and
- operating the oxygen reduction means in an oxygen reduction mode using the recirculating forced atmosphere stream to reduce the oxygen level to, and maintain the oxygen level at, 10,000 ppm or less inside the rigid, refrigerated container in 72 hours or less.
A modified and controlled atmosphere (MA/CA) system, comprising;
- a rigid sealable container defining a container interior;
- a mechanical refrigeration unit with at least one sealable gas port;
- the mechanical refrigeration unit capable of generating a recirculating forced atmosphere stream from the container interior, through the mechanical refrigeration unit, and into the container interior;
- an oxygen reduction means adapted to the mechanical refrigeration system and positioned along the forced atmosphere stream;
- and
- the oxygen reduction means capable of maintaining the oxygen level within the container interior at a level of 10,000 ppm or less.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.