A leakage model of postharvest storage facilities

A leakage model to describe gas transport between postharvest storage facilities and their environment was developed. The model assumed the gas flow to be proportional to the pressure difference between the storage facility and the environment. A protocol was developed to perform a standardized leakage test to define a specific value for the leakiness of the storage facility which is independent of storage facility characteristics and allows comparison. The proposed methodology allows not only to estimate the leakage before start of the storage season, but allows to estimate and monitor the leakiness of the facility after loading of the fruit throughout the storage season. The model was experimentally validated in controlled atmosphere conditions in which different kinds of known leaks were induced in an empty gastight storage container. The model was able to predict the measured pressure changes accurately for all induced leakages.

ISBN:9782362150142

Jaar van publicatie:2016

BOF-keylabel:ja

IOF-keylabel:ja

Authors from:Private, Higher Education

Toegankelijkheid:Open