Exotics importer BUD Holland has various cooling cells. A solution for getting rid of fungus and ethylene in the cooling cells and to limit the spread of it is being sought after. The research should show whether the frequency of the cleaning of the cells can be lowered with the right equipment.
To reach this goal, BUD has chosen the Bio Turbo system by Miatech. This system removes ethylene gas and kills airborne bacteria. Miatech uses a four phase system: the removal of coarse (dust) particles, the removal of pathogens during which 99.5% cell membrane is torn, the removal of ethylene and bacteria by way of ozone and finally the conversion of O3 (ozone) to O2 (oxygen).
To reach this goal, BUD has chosen the Bio Turbo system by Miatech. This system removes ethylene gas and kills airborne bacteria. Miatech uses a four phase system: the removal of coarse (dust) particles, the removal of pathogens during which 99.5% cell membrane is torn, the removal of ethylene and bacteria by way of ozone and finally the conversion of O3 (ozone) to O2 (oxygen).
"The reason that Miatech Bio Turbo was chosen rather than other systems based on ozone, is that no ozone is released directly into the air," explains Bart Verduin of Praxas. "This is made possible as the air only leaves the machine after passing through an ozone filter. The break down of ethylene, fungus and bacteria takes place in the system itself. The treated air that leaves the machine doesn't contain any ozone. The purified air that leaves the Bio Turbo does not pose a risk to the environment or staff."
Because BUD Holland has multiple cells, it was chosen for the Miatech Bio Turbo 1000 Flex. It is possible to place two machines in one cell. The system is right between the evaporators, placed cross-wise at around 6 metres high in the racks. The whole cell is fitted with four evaporators. Among other things, limes and grapefruit are stored in the cell, for up to one month.
Quality manager Vincent Putters of BUD Holland is very satisfied with the first findings. "The smell of the citrus is decreasing, as is the fungal growth and the spread of fungus. As a test I put a tub of both mouldy and non mouldy limes in the cell and so far the fresh limes haven't started to mould."
"Earlier, BUD Holland replaced the cooling agent Freon with Ammonia, which meant the whole installation and piping had to be replaced. Miatech is the next step, in which products are getting a longer shelf life and better quality. The goal of reducing the ethylene and spread of fungus is met with it."
