(149h) The Design and Modeling of a Controlled Atmosphere Food Storage System Based On Membrane Technology

Fruits and vegetables continue to respire after harvesting. In addition to refrigeration, controlled atmosphere storage technology can prolong the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables by creating a specific atmosphere. In this study, an innovative storage system based on green membrane technology is evaluated for food preservation. This is a novel study of hollow fiber membrane modules in a controlled atmosphere storage (CAS) system to maintain an environment that prolongs the lifespan of fruits and vegetables during transportation and storage. Compared to conventional CAS systems that utilize nitrogen flushing, the proposed membrane controlled atmosphere storage (MCAS) system provides a nitrogen-enriched air stream to control the concentration of both oxygen and carbon dioxide in the storage container. Detailed mathematical models to describe mixed gas permeation in a hollow fiber membrane module and guide system design are presented. The performance of MCAS systems under on-off and continuous operation modes is evaluated and a case study of the newly developed MCAS system in food transportation presented.