Diffusion channel system for controlled atmosphere storage of spinach

Abstract

Advanced research in Controlled/Modified Atmosphere storage systems has shown that open channels of different lengths and cross sectional areas, connected to an air tight storage chamber, are able to maintain variable stable gas concentrations which could be near optimal concentrations for CA/MA storage of various commodities.This study was geared towards assessing the suitability of the diffusion channels in maintaining a desired gas concentration for CA storage of spinach. Initially, the respiratory behaviour of spinach was studied in gas sealed chambers (replicated four times) stored at four different temperatures, 2$sp circ$C, 8$sp circ$C, 15$sp circ$C and 23$sp circ$C. The respiration rate of spinach was 20 mgCO$sb2$/kg.h, 66 mgCO$sb2$/kg.h, 163 mgCO$sb2$/kg.h and 271 mgCO$sb2$/kg.h for 2$sp circ$C, 8$sp circ$C, 15$sp circ$C and 23$sp circ$C, respectively. A model was developed based on principles of enzymatic kinetics which could reliably predict the respiration rate of spinach at any given storage temperature.Two other sets of experiments were carried in a cold room set at 2$sp circ$C. (Abstract shortened by UMI.