Gas Diffusion Tube Dimension in Sensor-Controlled Fresh Produce Container System to Maintain the Desired Modified Atmosphere

Modified atmosphere (MA) of reduced $O_2$ and elevated $CO_2$ concentrations has been used for keeping the quality of fresh produce and extending the shelf life. As a way to attain the beneficial MA package around the produce, a gas diffusion tube or perforation can be attached onto the container and controlled on real time in its opening/closing responding to $O_2$ and $CO_2$ concentrations measured by gas sensors. The timely-controlled opening of the gas diffusion tube can work in harmony with the produce respiration and help to create the desired MA. By use of the mathematical modeling, the effect of tube dimension on the controlled container atmosphere was figured out in this study. Spinach and king oyster mushroom were used as typical commodities for designing the model container system (0.35 and 0.9 kg in 13 L, respectively) because of their respiration characteristics and the optimal MA condition ($O_2$ 7~10%/$CO_2$ 5~10% for spinach; $O_2$ 2~5%/$CO_2$ 10~15% for mushroom). With a control logic for the gas composition to stay as close as possible to optimum MA window without invading injurious low $O_2$ and/or high $CO_2$ concentrations, the atmosphere of the sensor-controlled container could stay at its lower $O_2$ boundary or upper $CO_2$ limit under certain tube dimensional conditions. There were found to be the ranges of the tube diameter and length allowing the beneficial MA. The desired range of the tube dimension for spinach consisted of combinations of larger diameter and shorter length in the window of 0.3~2 cm diameter and 0.2~10 cm length. Similarly, that for king oyster mushroom was combinations of larger diameter and shorter length in the window of 0.9~2 cm diameter and 0.2~3 cm in length. Clear picture on generally affordable tube dimension range may be formulated by further study on a wide variety of commodity and pack conditions.