Title
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Effect of box materials on the distribution of 1-MCP gas during cold storage : a CFD study
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Author
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Abstract
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1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is a synthetic plant growth regulator used commercially to delay ripening of fruits. The substance is applied in gas form (as a fumigant) in the storage room. In long term postharvest cold storage, fruit are placed in boxes (usually plastic or wooden bins) and stacked in a specific pattern. The top of the boxes are frequently covered with a thin plastic sheet for the purpose of reducing fruit moisture loss. Wooden boxes, card linings and other plant based porous materials used in bins have 1-MCP adsorption capacity. Plastic covers affect the airflow and with that the 1-MCP transport. In this paper, the influence of box materials and plastic cover on the distribution of 1-MCP in cold storage was studied using validated CFD models. Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes equations with the SST k-omega turbulence model were used to calculate the airflow. Diffusion, convection and adsorption of 1MCP were modeled to obtain 3D spatial and temporal distributions of 1-MCP inside a storage container, boxes and fruit. Time dependent profiles of calculated 1-MCP concentrations in the air in the container agreed well with measurement data. The plastic cover imposed no effect on the adsorption of 1-MCP. Wooden boxes notably adsorbed 1-MCP from the treatment atmosphere and may reduce the efficacy and uniformity of the treatment. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Journal of food engineering. - Barking
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Publication
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Barking
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2013
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ISSN
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0260-8774
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DOI
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10.1016/J.JFOODENG.2013.05.019
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Volume/pages
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119
:1
(2013)
, p. 150-158
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ISI
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000321481900019
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
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