Daikin Active CA was launched into the market in 2017. The Daikin CA unit works within a shipping container with self-contained nitrogen generator that produces its own atmosphere using patented VPSA (Vacuum pressure swing adsorption) technology.
The nitrogen purge system blankets the cargo with rich nitrogen and adjusts the concentration of O2 and CO2 inside container to the optimal level quickly. The positive pressure created blocks ambient air to ensure the atmosphere is actively and precisely maintained for the entire journey.
"The VPSA Active CA technology for shipping container application is as the name suggests - active, whilst the other main technology available on the market are passive systems and so relies on cargo respiration etc," explains Goh Ah Huat, General Manager, Global Marketing and Service at Daikin Refrigeration.
"Daikin Active CA helps our customers to realise better yield with enhanced cargo protection compared to all other CA technologies especially third-party systems (all passive types)."
According to Ah Goh, Daikin Active CA has enables successful shipments that have improved the shelf-life of fresh produce, reaching new and distant markets in prime condition.
Among them are: avocados from Peru to India, bananas from Ecuador to the Middle East, blueberries from Peru to Asia, custard apples from Taiwan to Canada/Toronto and sugar snap from Peru to Japan.
"This technology works well for all perishables (fruit and vegetables) but particularly on commodities such as lettuce, cut flowers etc, where humidity conservation is paramount. It can be used for both short and long haul shipments since Daikin CA, unlike passive systems, is equipped with a self-contained nitrogen generator that rapidly reduces O2 and manages CO2 at optimal level quickly.”
