Packaging

摘要

Atmosphere control members (ACMs) are used in various ways. In one aspect, at least one of the atmospheres in contact with the ACM is cause to flow over the surface of the ACM. In another aspect, the ACM is an internal ACM which does not form part of the exterior surface of a container. In another aspect, the ACM forms part of a reusable module. In another aspect, a plurality of sealed containers, each including an ACM, are stored in an outer container also including an ACM. FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a shipping container (11) comprising an internal ACM (3) having one surface which is exposed to the packaging atmosphere within the shipping container and an opposite surface which is part of a closed chamber (2) to which gases can be supplied in a controlled fashion.

主权项

1. A method of loading a container, said container being a shipping container which has a capacity of at least 40 m3, and which can be loaded onto and transported by a ship or a truck, the method comprising
(A) providing said shipping container, (B) loading a respiring biological material into the container; (C) after step (B), placing in the container a module which
(a) was constructed separately from the container, and(b) comprises (i) a closed chamber comprising an internal atmosphere control member (ACM), (ii) and inlet and (iii) an outlet, the ACM having a surface area greater than 0.65 m2 and comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being in direct contact with a first atmosphere surrounding the respiring biological material, and the second surface not being in direct contact with the first atmosphere, not being part of the exterior surface of the container, and being in direct contact with a second atmosphere within the closed chamber; (D) connecting the inlet of the module to a first conduit which is connected to one more sources of the second atmosphere; (E) connecting the outlet of the module to a second conduit which provides a gas disposal means; and (F) sealing the container.