SafePod & Controller in CA Storage at the SCS Research Lab
Features
- Patented Technology - U.S. Patent No. 8739694, Canadian Patent No. CA2746152
- Experiment with ULO/DCA without the risk
- Create an Independent Environment, even within a Larger CA Room
- Test Using Representative Samples from the CA Room
- Integrated Analyzers & Remote 6000 Controller
- Reduces Operating Costs through Energy Savings
LabPod Edition with On-Board Micro CA Controller
Storage Control Systems, Inc. has developed an entirely new way to test your storage process, the SafePod. This patented system creates a chamber comprised of representative samples of fruit inside a larger CA storage, allowing the operator to test for the lowest possible oxygen level of the stored produce without the potential risk of damaging the entire CA store. The units have high-resolution built-in analyzers and an automatic RQ (respiration quotient) measuring system, all of which tie back to our highly popular and remotely-located 6000 controller. We even offer a variant of the system called LabPod, which adds the ability for the unit to regulate its own O2/CO2 with or without being inside the larger CA room.
The process is simple. When loading a room, pull a few samples of fruit from each bin as you load, filling the totes inside the SafePod. The SafePod is then placed inside a bin or left separate of the bin stacks inside the CA storage. The built-in, remotely operated SCS Electric Slide Valve on the bottom of the SafePod is opened and the fan is turned on. The fruit inside the SafePod automatically pulls down with the rest of the room. When desired, the SafePod valve can be closed, creating an air-tight and completely independent chamber within the larger CA store, free of any outside influences. This leaves the storage operator the opportunity to experiment on samples of the exact fruit in the larger storage without risking the investment of the entire room. This freedom from risk allows the operator to push the ULO limits to find the best balance for the fruit. ULO levels can be achieved easily, then controlled and indicated by any number of methods, including ethanol sensors, chlorophyll fluorescence, respiration quotient or even gas chromatograph. After an indication of stress on the fruit is noticed, simply raise the O2 levels by a tenth of a percent or two until the desired results are achieved and the indications of stress disappear.
Once safe levels are dialed in using the SafePod, the entire storage can then be pulled down to match these safe, predetermined ULO levels. Never before has it been so easy, and more importantly relaxing, to run very low oxygen levels. The valve on the SafePod is then opened, marrying the SafePod and larger CA storage atmosphere. The operator can then repeat the entire process later in the storage period to test for additional stresses and possible lower level as the fruit matures.
Typical SafePod Arrangement in CA Room
During DCA control, oxygen levels are varied periodically to check the active stress level of the fruit inside the SafePod. At no time is the fruit inside the entire room stressed until we have a verification of a primary positive reaction of respiration quotient (RQ) from the sample fruit inside the Safepod. The patented feature of the electric valve moving to isolate or share the room air makes our technology unique and far safer than other available systems. RQ testing must be done during a period of time when no other actions such as scrubbing, flushing, or venting are occurring inside the fruit store. The best solution to this is the isolation of the atmosphere inside the SafePod container. An alternate function, built into the SafePod software, is a SafePod Control Setpoint. If DCA is not critical for the stores fruit, with research being a primary focus, then a lower oxygen setpoint can be achieved and controlled inside the Safepod. Low oxygen stress levels can be tested and controlled for a period of time. Normal observation and evaluation of the fruit can be performed after the storage period, and an optional Senzytec2 kit can be used to verify fruit quality. This kit tests for low oxygen damage in the fruit itself. Ask about the Senzytec2, now available in North America through SCS.
