METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUBJECTING PRODUCE TO A CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE

摘要

A chamber (1) and a method for subjecting produce such as bananas to a controlled atmosphere is disclosed. The chamber (1) has an end wall (3) and produce is loaded into the chamber in two rows. A lower tier stack (21) of produce rests on the floor of the chamber (1) whilst an upper tier stack (23) is supported above the lower tier stack (21) by frame means (15). An atmosphere circulating space (27) is provided at each side of the chamber (1) between the stacks (21, 23), and the spacing of the rows provides an upper interstitial volume (31) and a lower interstitial volume (29). Sealing means (33) seals the upper and lower interstitial volumes (29 and 31) from each other whilst further sealing means (35) in the form of two blinds seals the upper and lower interstitial volumes from the atmospheric circulating space (27). A controlled atmosphere is caused to flow across the produce from the atmosphere circulating space (27) into the interstitial volumes (29 and 31) or in the reverse direction.