1989 Volume 15 Issue 2 Pages 67-74
The modified air generator which is based on the improved PSA (pressure swing adsorption) nitrogen generator is designed to produce modified air of any concentration of oxygen between 0.1 and 20% from the air. Modified Air System CA (MASCA) storage which is composed of the modified air generator, storage chamber and personal computer was developed for the preservation of fruits and vegetables. A program was developed to control the atmosphere within the certain range which is known as Controlled Atmosphere storage. The optimum oxygen concentration and the amount of the modified air to provide for the fruits and vegetables were calculated with the program written in BASIC. MASCA storage was applied to preserve shiitake-mushroom, strawberry and broccoli. The atmosphere was well maintained through the experiments within the desirable range depending on the samples. MASCA storage prolonged the storage period of these vegetables at least twice as much as conventional refrigeration.
