GB2628430A

GB2628430A - Container and method for storing produce

Info

Publication number: GB2628430A
Application number: GB2304387.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nesbitt Andrew
Original assignee: Cross Refrigeration N I Ltd
Current assignee: Cross Refrigeration N I Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-24
Filing date: 2023-03-24
Publication date: 2024-09-25
Also published as: WO2024200385A1; GB202304387D0

Abstract

A container for storing and ripening produce, the container comprising a plurality of walls 2 defining a boundary of the container, at least one access means (5, fig 3) through which an item can enter and/or exit the container and at least one air flow control arrangement 11 for controlling the flow of air throughout the container to provide homogenous air temperature and air flow rate throughout the container even though spaces may exist between stacked produce. The container having no other air flow control means such as baffles, curtains, airbags or plenums for engaging the produce so that the produce is capable of being freestanding within the container. The air flow control arrangement 11 preferably comprises at least one duct having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures 16 extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct from one end of the duct to the other end parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct.

Description

CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR STORING PRODUCE

The present invention relates to a container for storing produce such as fruit while it is being ripened, and a method for storing such produce.

Every year huge amounts of unsold and out-of-date produce must be disposed of, inflicting a heavy toll on the environment. To reduce this problem and to maximise the shelf-life of produce it is common to harvest certain agricultural crops such as avocados before they are fully ripe, delaying their ripening until they are to be sold. While this delaying of ripening can help to maximise shelf-life, it is essential that the ripening process is carried out in such a way as to ensure that the crops are uniformly-ripened and in a near-perfect state on the shelf. Where crops ripen too early or unevenly they will be seen as undesirable by consumers and will end up being disposed of anyway.

Many producers and distributors allow crops to ripen in cold stores. This is not ideal because cold stores typically lack adequate atmosphere control equipment that would ensure Is even ripening. It is preferable to allow crops to ripen in dedicated containers such as ripening rooms having controlled atmospheres. These controlled atmospheres typically include a ripening agent such as ethylene gas emitted from the ripening fruit which is circulated to promote ripening.

Figure A shows a typical prior art arrangement for storing produce comprising a container A in which crates of produce B are located. The container A includes an arrangement C for generating a flow of gas (see dashed lines) within the container A. To ensure that the produce B ripens evenly it would be ideal to ensure a uniform atmosphere/gas flow throughout the container A. However, in practice this is very difficult to achieve. It is typical for certain regions of the container A to experience less air movement, allowing temperature, humidity and/or concentrations of certain gasses to reach especially high or low levels. This means that produce in certain locations within the container A will ripen well before produce in other locations. While it is possible to increase air movement by e.g. creating a more powerful gas flow, this solution is not energy efficient, is likely to have a negative impact on the environment and would increase the costs passed on to the consumer.

Typically in a single, double or triple floor ripening room, the pallets are pushed against the sides of the walls defining the ripening room. A combination of curtains, baffles and/or airbags create an airtight plenum between the air delivery equipment mounted on the roof of the chamber and the pallets of fruit housed against the walls. There is also a requirement to control the air flow within the container A using these curtains, baffles and/or airbags creating air flow plenums to ensure that the pressurised air flow is controlled to flow evenly through the fruit produce stored on the pallets in the ripening room during the ripening process, so as to encourage uniform fruit ripening. As the air flow is pressurised in existing systems, the air will always take the path of least resistance and so where gaps or spaces are left between the fruit pallets, this creates an easier pathway for the flow of air and so some of the cool air will flow though the gaps created by the empty space or gaps. In order to overcome this problem, dummy pallets or fillers must be made and used whenever there is not enough fruit to fill the spaces along the length or height of the fruit ripening rooms. This adds to the installation and maintenance costs and requires additional dummy equipment to be utilised in the ripening rooms. There is also the cost of the ducting in the ceiling to ensure airtight ducts for delivery of the air from the air thermal management system via the fans and on to the air plenums between the fruit pallets and the walls of the fruit ripening room. The are also the associated installation costs associated with the ceiling ducting, the curtains, baffles, airbags and/or the dummy pallets.

It is an object of the invention to obviate or mitigate the problems outlined above. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a means by which produce can be stored and/or ripened efficiently.

It is a further object of the invention to reduce the amount of produce that is wasted.

It is a further object of the invention to reduce the amount of energy required to ripen I5 produce.

It is a further object of the invention to ensure uniform ripening of stored produce during storage and/or transport thereof.

It is a further object of the invention to provide improved control of the ripening process of produce.

It is a further object of the invention to allow produce to be stored/stacked in the container with gaps and spaces therebetween and to obtain uniform ripening without the use of fillers or dummy crates/pallets.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a container for storing produce, the container comprising: a plurality of walls defining a boundary of the container; at least one access means through which an item can enter and/or exit the container; and at least one air flow control means for controlling the flow of air throughout the container to provide homogenous air temperature and air flow rate throughout the container even though spaces may exist between stacked produce, the container having no other air flow control means such as baffles or curtains or airbags or plenums for engaging the produce so that the produce is capable of being freestanding within the container.

Advantageously, the use of the air flow control means capable of providing homogenous air temperature and air flow rate throughout the container removes the requirement for all of the previous baffles and/or curtains and/or airbags and/or plenums for engaging the produce thereby reducing the assembly and installation and maintenance costs of the overall storage container for the produce.

Preferably, the air flow control means comprises at least one duct.

Ideally, the at least one duct having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct from one end of the duct to the other end parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the dud Ideally, the longitudinally spaced apart apertures are spaced apart equi-distance from one 5 another.

Preferably, the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures are equi-sized apertures.

Ideally, a plurality of spaced apart rows of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the dud from one end of the duct to the other end parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct are provided.

Ideally, the plurality of spaced apart rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct are spaced apart from one another at an angle around at least part of the circumference of the duct.

Preferably, the plurality of spaced apart rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct are spaced apart from one another I5 at an equal angle around at least part of the circumference of the duct.

Ideally, one central row of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct from one end of the duct to the other parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct have apertures with the greatest opening size.

Preferably, each row of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct from one end of the duct to the other parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct which are angularly spaced away from the central row around the circumference in opposing directions have apertures with a reducing diameter as the rows extend angularly around the circumference of the duct away from the central row.

Ideally, the size of the apertures, their spacing both longitudinally and angularly are 25 predetermined to produce the desired airflow and temperature envelope within a predetermined container volume.

Ideally, the ducts are a tubular duct having a circular or generally circular cross-section. Preferably, the apertures have a circular or generally circular shape.

Ideally, the ducts extend from one end of the container to the other end of the container. 30 Advantageously, this arrangement of the ducts along the entire span of the container provides the most efficiency from the point of view of ensuring homogenous air flow and temperature of the air within the container both vertically and horizontally.

Ideally, the airflow control means is adapted to occupy a space above the produce, thereby ensuring that there is the full floor space for the container for receiving produce.

Preferably, the air flow control means comprise at least two ducts extending along the length of the container above the produce.

Ideally, the ducts are disposed or suspended above the stacked produce with the produce spaced apart from the walls of the container.

Preferably, the ducts are orientated so that the central row directs air away from the upper surface of the produce so that the air flowing out of the central row is capable of passing down between the upper surface of the produce and the wall spaced apart from which the produce is stacked. Advantageously, as the airflow passes down between the stacked produce and the walls 5 the most efficient air flux is set up at the point of entry of the air from the duct into the container. Ideally, a plurality of ducts are joined along the length of a row of duct extending from one end of the container to another.

Ideally, the ducts comprise sections in a range of 0.8 to 1.2 meters in length.

Preferably, the ducts comprise 1 metre length sections.

Ideally, the ducts are joined by mechanical fasteners such as rivets.

Ideally, the duct diameters are in a range of 0.25 m to 0.45 m.

Preferably, the duct diameters are in a range of 0.28 m to 0.4 m.

Ideally, only a single air flow control means is disposed below the ceiling of the container for single double or triple or multi storey containers.

Preferably, air flow generation means is provided in fluid communication with the dud.

Ideally, the air flow generation means comprises a fan most preferably a reversible fan. Ideally, a single fan is disposed along the length of the duct between the ends of the duct. Preferably, a single fan is disposed centrally along the length of the duct between the ends of the duct.

In another embodiment, a fan is disposed at each end of the duct. Advantageously, this allows greater volumetric airflow per duct length.

Ideally, the fan is coupled to the duct via a converging/diverging nozzle.

Preferably, the fan housing has a diameter in a range of 0.5 to 0.6 m.

Ideally, the fan has a housing outside diameter of 0.55m.

Preferably, the fan is housed in a cylindrical tubular housing having an inlet aperture.

Ideally, the fan comprises a damping means.

Preferably, the fan is capable of generating volumetric air flow in the range of 100,000 to 500,000 m3/h.

Ideally, the fan is capable of generating volumetric air flow in the range of 200,000 to 30 300,000 m3/h.

In one specific embodiment, the fan is generating volumetric air flow of 250,000 m3/h. Ideally, the fan has an input power of between 2 and 4 Kw, most preferably 3Kw. Preferably, the fan operates at between 300 and 480 volts.

Ideally, the fan operates at 50-60 Hz.

Preferably, the fan has a maximum current draw of 4.8A.

Ideally, in one embodiment, two rows of ducts are provided in the container, one of which is disposed along one lateral side of the container and the other of which is disposed along the other lateral side of the container.

Preferably, in a second embodiment, four rows of ducts are provided in the container, one row of which is provided along each lateral side of the container and the other two rows being disposed beside one another and centrally of the container.

Ideally, only one or two rows of ducts are operational at any one time.

Preferably, the two lateral rows of duds are operational at any one time.

Ideally, the two central rows of ducts are operational at any one time. Advantageously, having four rows of duds allows for redundancy in the system in the event of a breakdown of one or more ducts, but also provides the option of running the four ducts simultaneously or alternately or in any arrangement on a timed schedule.

Ideally, the rows of ducts are disposed parallel to one another.

Preferably, the container comprises at least one support means for supporting and locating the one or more air flow control means.

Preferably, the container comprises at least one support means for supporting and locating the one or more ducts.

Preferably, the container comprises two support structures for supporting and locating the one or more ducts along the length off a row of ducts.

Preferably, the or each support structure is locatable between a ceiling of the container and one or more duds.

Preferably, at least one support structure is locatable adjacent to a side wall of the zo container.

Preferably the or each support structure has a fixed position within the container. Preferably the or each support structure is located a fixed distance from a wall of the container.

Preferably, a gap is defined between a support structure and a wall of the container.

Preferably, air is permitted to flow in a space between the support structure and a side wall and/or a ceiling of the container.

Preferably, the support structure comprises one or more support members.

Preferably, the or each support member is an elongate support member.

Preferably, the or each support member is made from a metal such as aluminium or steel.

Preferably, the or each support means extends between the duct and the ceiling of the container. Advantageously, the support means allows the ducts to be held within the container at multiple locations along the length thereof.

Preferably, the or each support means extends in a vertical direction, in use.

Ideally, the or each support member comprises a metal cable or wire support member.

Ideally, the or each support member comprises an inverted V shaped metal cable or wire support member.

Ideally, the container is a storage container.

Preferably, the container is a stationary container.

Optionally, the container is a mobile container.

Optionally, the container is a transportable container such as a shipping container or a trailer Optionally, the container forms part of a vehicle such as a lorry, truck or heavy goods vehicle.

Preferably, the container is a ripening room.

Preferably, the container is a gas-tight chamber.

Ideally, the container is for ripening produce.

Preferably, the container is for ripening fruit such as avacodas, bananas, mangoes, papayas, pears, apricots, guavas, melons, tomatoes and/or green chilies.

Preferably, the container is for reddening fruits such as tomatoes.

Preferably, the container is adapted for storing one or more items.

Preferably, the container is adapted for storing one or more items of produce.

Preferably, the container is for storing crates of produce Preferably, the container is for storing stacked crates of produce.

Preferably, the container is for storing produce locatable on pallets.

Preferably, the container is suitable for receiving crates or pallets.

Preferably, the container comprises one or more levels for storing items. Advantageously, the container having a plurality of levels increases the capacity of the container for a fixed footprint.

Preferably, the container comprises two or three levels for storing items.

Preferably, the container is a multi-storey container for storing multiple levels of produce.

Preferably, the container is a two-storey or three-storey container.

Preferably, the container comprises a floor.

Preferably, the container comprises a ceiling.

Preferably, the container comprises one or more side walls Preferably, the container comprises one or more end walls.

Preferably, the wall is a side wall and/or an end wall of the container.

Preferably, the side walls and/or an end walls of the container extend between the floor and ceiling of the container.

Optionally, the container is a single-storey container.

Ideally, the container has a controlled atmosphere.

Ideally, the container is operably connected to a source of ripening agent, such as a gas canister.

Ideally, the container is operably connected to a source of ethylene gas.

Preferably, in use, ethylene gas is located within the container.

Preferably, in use, air is located within the container.

Preferably, the container comprises a secondary gas flow generation means.

Optionally, the container comprises one gas flow generation means per level.

Preferably, the gas flow generation means is adapted to generate a flow of a ripening agent within the container.

Preferably, the gas flow generation means is adapted to generate a flow of ethylene gas 5 within the container.

Preferably, the gas flow generation means comprises one or more fans.

Preferably, the gas flow generation means comprises one or more ceiling-mounted fans. Preferably, the container comprises one or more gas flow guide means for guiding a flow of gas towards and/or away from the gas flow generation means.

Preferably, the container is in fluid communication with a heat exchanger.

Ideally, the container is in fluid communication with a refrigeration system.

Preferably, the container comprises one or more evaporators. Advantageously, the evaporators allow the atmosphere within the container to be suitably conditioned for the ripening of produce.

Preferably, the or each evaporator is adapted to cool the flow of gas within the container.

Preferably, the or each evaporator is adapted to cool gas within the gas flow generation means.

Preferably, the gas flow generation means is operable to create a plurality of gas flows within the container.

Preferably, the air flow control means is operable to create a flow of gas past items located within the container.

Preferably, the air flow control means is operable to create a flow of gas past produce located within the container.

Preferably, the air flow control means is operable to create a flow of ripening agent and 25 air past produce located within the container.

Preferably, the air flow control means means is operable to create a flow of ethylene gas and air past produce located within the container.

Preferably, the air flow control means means is operable to create a flow of gas along a wall of the container past produce located within the container.

Preferably, the air flow control means means is operable to create a flow of gas between a wall of the container and items located within the container.

Ideally, the air flow control means is capable of producing a ratio of air volume output flow from the duct to air volume return flow back to the duct of up to a ratio of 30/1.

Preferably, the container comprises guide means. Advantageously, the inclusion of guide 35 means allows the container to be used with an automated loading system for produce. Preferably, the guide means comprises one or more tracks.

Preferably, the guide means comprises one or more pairs of tracks.

Preferably, the guide means comprises one or more pairs of C-shaped channels.

Preferably, the container comprises guide means for guiding one or more item positioning means.

Preferably, the item positioning means is an electrically-operated item positioning means. Preferably, the item positioning means is a robotic item positioning means.

Optionally, the item positioning means is a manual item positioning means.

Optionally, the item positioning means is a forklift or pallet truck.

Preferably, the container comprises at least one walkway.

Preferably, the or each walkway is located between two guide means. Preferably, the container comprises an upper walkway and a lower walkway.

Preferably, the or each walkway allows the flow of gas to pass therethrough.

Ideally, the access means comprises a passage or opening in a wall of the container. Preferably, the at least one access means is located in a side wall and/or an end wall of the container.

Preferably, the wall has an access means through which items can enter the container.

Ideally, at least one wall of the container comprises an access means.

Ideally, an end wall of the container comprises an access means.

Preferably, the container is a sealable container.

Ideally, the access means is a sealable access means. Ideally, the access means comprises a door or a shutter.

Optionally, the access means comprises a roller shutter.

Preferably, the access means comprises a sealed door or shutter. Preferably, the access means comprises a seal means.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for ripening an item of produce in a container, the container comprising a plurality of walls defining a boundary of the container, the method comprising: locating an item within the container; and providing an air flow control means within the container, the method comprising creating a homogenous air flow and a homogeneous air temperature throughout the entire volume of the container using the air flow control means without the use of air bags, curtains, baffles or plenums in the container.

Preferably, the method comprising placing a plurality of stacked produce with or without gaps there between.

Ideally, the method comprising providing the air flow control means with at least one duct having a plurality of rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct from one end of the duct to the other end parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct, providing an air flow through the perforated duct via an air flow generation means and running the air flow control means until the temperature and air flow through the container is homogenized both vertically and horizontally.

Ideally, the method comprising positioning the airflow control means in a space above the produce, thereby ensuring that there is the full floor space for the container for receiving produce. Preferably, the method comprising orientating the ducts so that the central row of apertures directs air away from the upper surface of the produce so that the air flowing out of the 5 central row is capable of passing down between the upper surface of the produce and the wall spaced apart from which the produce is stacked. Advantageously, as the airflow passes down between the stacked produce and the walls the most efficient air flux is set up at the point of entry of the air from the duct into the container.

Preferably, the method comprising rotating the central row of apertures about the central axis of the duct towards the wall and away from the vertical in a range of between 10 and 20 degrees. Most preferably, in one specific embodiment, the method comprising rotating the central row of apertures about the central axis of the duct towards the wall and away from the vertical at 15 or 17 degrees.

Ideally, the method comprising disposing only a single air flow control means below the 15 ceiling of the container for single, double or triple or multi storey containers.

Preferably, the method comprising providing the air flow generation means in fluid communication with the duct.

Ideally, the method comprising providing a fan as the air flow generation, most preferably a reversible fan.

Preferably, the method comprising providing the container with at least one support means for supporting and locating the one or more ducts.

Ideally, the method comprising providing a heat exchanger for controlling the temperature of the air in the container.

Ideally, the method comprising storing an item of produce in a storage container.

Preferably, the method comprising storing an item of produce in a stationary container.

Optionally, the method comprising storing an item of produce in a mobile container. Optionally, the method comprising storing an item of produce in a transportable container such as a shipping container or a trailer.

Optionally, the method comprising storing an item of produce in a container which forms 30 part of a vehicle such as a lorry, truck or heavy goods vehicle.

Preferably, the method comprising storing an item of produce in a ripening room.

Ideally, the method is a method of storing and ripening produce.

Preferably, the method comprising storing and ripening fruit such as avocados, bananas, mangoes, papayas, pears, apricots, guavas, melons, tomatoes and/or green chilies.

Preferably, the method comprising storing and reddening fruits such as tomatoes.

Ideally, the step of locating an item within the container comprises locating one or more items of produce within the container.

Ideally, the step of locating an item within the container comprises locating crates of produce within the container.

Ideally, the step of locating an item within the container comprises locating one or more pallets within the container.

Ideally, the step of locating an item within the container comprises transporting the item to the container.

Preferably, the step of locating an item within the container comprises moving the item through an access means through which an item can enter and/or exit the container.

Preferably, the step of locating an item within the container comprises moving the item 10 into and/or within the container.

Preferably, the step of locating an item within the container comprises moving the item into and/or within the container using a guide means.

Preferably, the step of locating an item within the container comprises moving the item into and/or within the container along one or more tracks.

Preferably, the step of locating an item within the container comprises positioning the item into and/or within the container using an item positioning means.

Preferably, the step of locating an item within the container comprises positioning the item into and/or within the container using an electrically-operated item positioning means.

Preferably, the step of locating an item within the container comprises positioning the item 20 into and/or within the container using a robotic item positioning means. Advantageously, use of a robotic positioning means allows the container to be loaded automatically.

Optionally, the step of locating an item within the container comprises positioning the item into and/or within the container using a manual item positioning means.

Preferably, the method is for storing items of produce in a sealed container.

Preferably, the method comprises sealing the container. Advantageously sealing the container allows a user to ensure that the atmosphere within the container is suitable for ripening. Preferably, the method comprises sealing the access means.

Ideally, the method comprises controlling the atmosphere within the container.

Preferably, the method comprises operably connecting the container to a source of 30 ripening agent, such as a gas canister.

Preferably, the method comprises operably connecting the container to a source of ethylene gas.

Preferably, the method comprises injecting ripening agent into the container.

Preferably, the method comprises injecting ethylene gas into the container.

Preferably, the method comprises creating a flow of gas within the container.

Preferably, the method comprises creating a flow of gas within the container after the container has been sealed.

Preferably, the method comprises activating a gas flow generation means to create a flow of gas within the container.

Preferably, the method comprises activating a gas flow generation means to create a flow of ripening agent within the co ntainer.

Preferably, the method comprises activating a gas flow generation means to create a flow of ethylene gas within the cont ainer.

Preferably, the method comprises activating a gas flow generation means to create a flow of gas through the stored prod uce.

Preferably, the method comprises generating a plurality of gas flows within the container.

Preferably, the method comprises generating a flow of gas which passes items within the container.

Preferably, the method comprises generating a flow of gas which passes produce within the container.

Preferably, the method comprises generating a flow of ethylene gas and air past the I5 produce located within the container.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a control system adapted to carry out a method for storing an item of produce in a container, the method comprising: locating an item within the container; and locating an air flow control means within the container, the control system being adapted to homogenize the air temperature and air flow throughout the container without the use of air baffles, curtains, airbags and/or plenums.

It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which shows by way of example only embodiments of an apparatus and a method in accordance with the invention.

Figure A is a schematic view of a prior art ripening room; Figure 1 is a top plan view of a container for storing produce and a first embodiment of an air flow control arrangement of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the container of Figure 1 for storing produce and a first embodiment of an air flow control arrangement of the present invention; Figure 3 is a top plan view of a container for storing produce according to an aspect of the invention showing the temperature control system; Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the container of Figure 1 for storing produce and a first embodiment of an air flow control arrangement of the present invention; Figure 5 is a top plan view of a container for storing produce and a second embodiment of an air flow control arrangement of the present invention; Figure 6 is a front elevation view of Figure 5 of a container for storing produce and a second embodiment of an air flow control arrangement of the present invention; Figure 7 is a side elevation view of Figure 5 of a partly filled container for storing produce 10 and a second embodiment of an air flow control arrangement of the present invention; In the drawings generally, there is shown a cross-section through a container 1 for storing items of produce. The container 1 comprises: two side walls 2 extending between the floor 3 and the ceiling 4 of the container 1 and a rear wall 8; an access means 5 (shown in e.g. figure 3) I5 located in an end wall 2a of the container 1 through which items can enter and/or exit the container 1; and an air flow control arrangement 11 for controlling the flow of air throughout the container 1 to provide homogenous air temperature and air flow rate throughout the container 1 even though spaces may exist between the stacked produce on crates 6 see Figure 7. The container 1 having no other air flow control elements such as baffles or curtains or airbags or plenums for engaging the produce on crates 6 so that the produce is capable of being freestanding within the container.

Advantageously, the use of the air flow control arrangement capable of providing homogenous air temperature and air flow rate throughout the container removes the requirement for all of the previous baffles and/or curtains and/or airbags and/or plenums for engaging the produce thereby reducing the assembly and installation and maintenance costs of the overall storage container 1 for the produce.

The container 1 is a stationary storage container 1, in particular a ripening room for ripening produce. In alternative embodiments the container may be a mobile container, e.g. a transportable container such as a shipping container or a trailer, or a container that forms part of a vehicle such as a lorry, truck or heavy goods vehicle. The container 1 may be airtight and can be used to ripen fruit such as avacados, bananas, mangoes, papayas, pears, apricots, guavas, melons, tomatoes and/or green chilies, and/or for reddening fruits such as tomatoes. Such produce is locatable in the crates 6.

The container 1 illustrated in the drawings is a three-storey container having three levels on which e.g. crates of produce 6 can be located. The crates 6 are stacked on pallets 6a in the container 1 see Figure 6. The pallets 6a are located on C-shaped channel sections 7 see Figure 2, which are in turn located and fixed to supporting cross-members. Two pairs of inward-facing C-shaped channel sections 7 are provided per level. Walkways 9a and 9b and 9c are located between each pair of C-shaped channels. The walkways 9a, 9b, 9c allow an operative to walk through the container 1 between the stacked crates 6 of produce. Ladders 28 connect the walkways 9 which allow operatives to access the walkways 9a, 9b, 9c on different storeys of the container to inspect the produce for example. While figures 2-8 disclose a three-storey configuration of container 1 it will be appreciated that a container having an alternative number of levels may be used. For example, a single-storey or three-storey or a multi-storey container may be used.

In use, the crates 6 are loaded onto pallets 6a and the pallets 6a are loaded into the container 1. The pallets 6a can be loaded into the container 1 using an automated system of robots for example which can travel along and within the C-shaped guide rails 7 or manually by 10 typical forklift or other loading vehicles.

The container comprises a secondary gas flow generation arrangement 9 in the form of a plurality of ceiling-mounted fans 9. The fans 9 are 150-190 W fans and are adapted to modify the temperature of the atmosphere 7 within the container 1. The gas flow generation arrangement 9 is located adjacent to the ceiling 4 of the container 1. The container 1 of the present invention I5 does not require a gas flow guide arrangement to guide the flow of gas within the container 1 as this is achieved via the primary air flow control arrangement.

In use, the container 1 has a controlled atmosphere 12 comprising a ripening agent, such as ethylene gas, and air. In the example of figure 1 the container 1 is shown operably connected to a source of ethylene gas i.e. a gas canister. The gas canister is connected to the interior of the container 1 by a conduit and a valve, not shown. As will be appreciated in optional embodiments the canister may be located inside the container 1.

In the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the container 1 for storing produce has a primary air flow control arrangement 11 having a duct assembly 11. The duct assembly in Figures 1, 2 and 4 has four rows of ducts 12, 13, 14 and 15 provided in the container 1. One row 12, 13 of which is provided along each lateral side of the container 1 and the other two rows 14, 15 being disposed beside one another and centrally of the container 1. The rows of ducts 12 to 15 are disposed parallel to one another. Each duct 12 to 15 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures 16 extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct 12 to 15 from one end of the duct to the other end parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct. The longitudinally spaced apart apertures 16 are spaced apart equi-distance from one another and the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures are equi-sized apertures.

In the ducts 12 to 15 illustrated in the drawings and especially Figures 1 and 5, seven spaced apart rows of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures 16 extend along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct 12 to 15 from one end of the duct to the other end parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct are provided. The seven spaced apart rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures 16 extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct 12 to 15 are spaced apart from one another at an angle around at least part of the circumference of the duct 12 to 15. The seven spaced apart rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures 16 extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct are spaced apart from one another at an equal angle around at least part of the circumference of the duct 12 to 15. One central row 17 of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures 17 extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct 12 to 15 from one end of the duct to the other parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct have apertures with the greatest opening size. Each row of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures 16, 17 extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct 12 to 15 from one end of the duct to the other parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct which are angularly spaced away from the central row 17 around the circumference in opposing directions have apertures with a reducing diameter as the rows extend angularly around the circumference of the duct 12 to 15 away from the central row 17. The size of the apertures 16, 17, their spacing both longitudinally and angularly are predetermined to produce the desired airflow and temperature envelope within a predetermined container volume. The air being expelled from the apertures creates an induction effect where the flow of air away from the duct creates a vacuum between the apertures 16, 17 causing a return I5 flow of a larger volume of air around the duct. This allows the air coming from the apertures and the surrounding air to mix thoroughly eliminating thermal stratification problems in a short period of time. The ducts 12 to 15 are a tubular duct having a circular or generally circular cross-section. The apertures 16, 17 have a circular or generally circular shape. The ducts 12 to 15 extend from one end of the container 1 to the other end of the container 1, leaving no or minimum gaps between the ends of the duct and the walls of the container 1. Advantageously, this arrangement of the ducts 12 to 15 along the entire span of the container 1 provides the most efficiency from the point of view of ensuring homogenous air flow and temperature of the air within the container both vertically and horizontally.

The airflow control arrangement 11 is adapted to occupy a space above the produce, thereby ensuring that there is the full floor space for the container 1 for receiving produce. The ducts 12 to 15 are disposed or suspended above the stacked produce 6 with the produce spaced apart from the walls 2 of the container 1. The ducts 12, 13 are orientated so that the central row of apertures 17 directs air away from the upper surface of the stacked produce 6 so that the air flowing out of the central row of apertures 17 is capable of passing down between the upper surface of the stacked produce 6 and the wall 2 spaced apart from which the produce is stacked. Advantageously, as the airflow passes down between the stacked produce 6 and the walls 2 the most efficient air flux is set up at the point of entry of the air from the duct 12, 13 into the container. Four ducts sections numbered 1 are joined together to form the row of ducts 12, 13 extending from one end of the container 1 to the other end. The ducts 14, 15 are mounted centrally on the ceiling 4 between the rows of stacked produce 6 so that the central row of apertures 17 see Figure 1 and 2 directs air between the stacked produce 6. The air flowing out of the central row of apertures 17 is capable of passing down between the spaced apart rows of stacked produce 6. The ducts 14, 15 are orientated so that the air flow passes out of the central row of apertures 17 in a vertical direction downwardly towards the floor 3. Advantageously, as the airflow passes down between the stacked produce 6 the most efficient air flux is set up at the point of entry of the air from the duct 14, 15 into the container 1. Four ducts sections numbered 2 are joined together to form the row of ducts 14, 15 extending from one end of the container 1 to the other end. The ducts sections can be a range of 0.8 to 1.2 meters in length. The ducts illustrated in the drawings are 1 metre length sections. The ducts sections 1 are joined by mechanical fasteners such as rivets are any other suitable mechanical fastener which can be easily fixed for assembly on site. An overlapping collar can be used to fit two sections of duct together with the mechanical fasteners to ensure an airtight connection. The collar can be an interference fit with the duct sections. The duct section diameters are in a range of 0.25 m to 0.45 m and most preferably the duct section diameters are in a range of 0.28 m to 0.4 m. In the embodiment of the drawings illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the diameter of the specific duct sections illustrated is 0.28m. Only a single air flow control arrangement 11 is required to be disposed below the ceiling 4 of the container 1 for single, double, triple or multi storey containers 1.

An air flow generation unit 21 is provided in fluid communication with the ducts 12 to 15.

The air flow generation unit 21 is a fan most preferably a reversible fan 21. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, a single fan 21 is disposed along the length of the duct 12 to 15 centrally between the ends of the duct 12 to 15. The fan 21 is coupled to the duct 12 to 15 via a converging/diverging nozzle 22 at both sides of the fan 21. The fan housing has a diameter in a range of 0.5 to 0.6 m. The fan 21 has a housing outside diameter of 0.55m. The fan 21 is housed in a cylindrical tubular housing having an inlet aperture 23. The fan 21 and/or duct sections has a damper which can be manual or automatic. The fan 21 is capable of generating volumetric air flow in the range of 100,000 to 500,000 m3/h. The fan is capable of generating volumetric air flow in the range of 200,000 to 300,000 m3/h. In the specific embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the fan 21 is generating volumetric air flow of 250,000 m3/h. The fan 21 has an input power of between 2 and 4 Kw, most preferably 3Kw. The fan 21 operates at between 300 and 480 volts and operates at 50-60 Hz. The fan 21 has a current draw of 4.8A.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the air flow control arrangement 11 has only two rows of ducts 18, 19 extending along the length of the container 1 above the produce at lateral sides of the container 1. In this embodiment, a fan 21 is disposed at each end of the rows of ducts 18, 19. Advantageously, this allows greater volumetric airflow per duct length. The rows of duds 18, 19 are orientated so that the central row of apertures 17 directs air away from the upper surface of the stacked produce 6 so that the air flowing out of the central row of apertures 17 is capable of passing down between the upper surface of the stacked produce 6 and the wall 2 spaced apart from which the produce is stacked. Advantageously, as the airflow passes down between the stacked produce 6 and the walls 2 the most efficient air flux is set up at the point of entry of the air from the duct 12, 13 into the container. Six duct sections numbered 3 are joined together to form the row of ducts 18, 19 extending from one end of the container 1 to the other end. The tubular duct sections of this embodiment have a diameter of 0.4m and so the converging diverging nozzle must be sized appropriately to deal with the increased diameter. All of the other aspects of the components used in the second embodiment are similar to the first embodiment. The walkways 9a to 9c for supporting operatives and/or the floors 25 of each storey of the container 1 for supporting the crates/pallets 6/6a of produce have an open framework/grid floor 25 so that air can flow through the open framework/grid floor relatively freely to ensure optimal uninterrupted air flow through the container 1.

The container 1 has a support arrangement 31 for supporting and locating the one or more air flow control assemblies 11 see Figures 5 and 1. The container 1 has the support arrangement 31 for supporting and locating the ducts 12 to 15 and 18 and 19. The container 1 has two or more support structures 31 for supporting and locating the one or more rows of ducts 12 to 15 and 18 and 19 spaced along the length of the container between a row of ducts 12 to 15 and 18 and 19 and the ceiling 4. The support structures 31 are located between the ceiling 4 of the container 1 and one or more duct sections. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 at least two of the support I5 structures are located adjacent to each side wall 2 of the container 1 a fixed distance from the wall 2 of the container 2 to ensure a gap for uninterrupted airflow so that air is permitted to flow in a space between the support structure and the side walls 2 and/or the ceiling 4 of the container 1. The support structure 31 comprises one or more support members, the support members being an elongate support member. The support structure/member 31 is made from a metal such as aluminium or steel. The support structure/member 31 extends in a vertical direction, in use. In the embodiments of the drawings, the or each support structure/member 31 comprises a metal cable or wire support member ideally being an inverted V shaped metal cable or wire support member advantageously avoiding the pendulum effect and allowing rotation of the ducts about their own axis. The embodiment of container 1 of Figures 1 to 4 has a length of 6.006 m and a width of 4.686 m and an overall height of 9.875m with a 4m door opening where the air flow control arrangement 11 is suspended 9m above the floor 3. The embodiment of container 1 of Figures 5 to 8 has a length of 8.2 m and a width of 5.4 m and an overall height of 9.2 m where the air flow control arrangement 11 is suspended 8.6 m above the floor 3. These dimensions are provided as working examples only of the two embodiments illustrated in the drawings and are in no way intended to limit the range of sizes for the container 1 nor indeed is it intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

The container 1 comprises a secondary gas flow generation arrangement 9. The primary air flow control arrangement 11 works in tandem with the secondary gas flow arrangement 9. The secondary gas flow arrangement 9 comprises ceiling mounted fans 41 in fluid communication with a gas flow thermal management system 42 comprising a refrigeration system 43. The secondary gas flow generation arrangement 9 is also adapted to generate a flow of a ripening agent within the container 1. The secondary gas flow generation arrangement 9 is adapted to generate a flow of ethylene gas within the container 1. The container 1 is in fluid communication with a heat exchanger 42. The container 1 is in fluid communication with a refrigeration system 43 having two evaporators. Advantageously, the evaporators allow the atmosphere within the container 1 to be suitably conditioned for the ripening of produce. Each evaporator 43 is adapted to cool the flow of gas within the container 1 and is adapted to cool gas within the secondary gas flow generation arrangement 9. The air flow control arrangement 11 is disposed proximal the secondary gas flow generation arrangement 9 so that the secondary gas flow generation arrangement 9 can provide thermally managed air into the atmosphere where the air flow control arrangement 11 is located. Advantageously, the air which has its temperature thermally adjusted by the secondary gas flow generation arrangement 9 can be provided around the air flow control arrangement 11 so that this thermally adjusted air is mixed through the rest of the atmosphere in the container 1. Advantageously, the secondary gas flow generation arrangement 9 has means for delivering the thermally managed air into the area around the air flow control arrangement 11 namely air delivery ducts. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the air flow control arrangement 11 is s disposed between the secondary gas flow generation arrangement 9 and the walls 2, ideally at least partially recessed therebetween.

The air flow control arrangement 11 is operable to create a flow of gas past produce located within the container 1. The air flow control arrangement 11 is operable to create a flow of ripening agent ideally ethylene gas and air past produce located within the container 1. The air flow control arrangement 11 is capable of producing a ratio of air volume output flow from the duct to air volume return flow back to the duct of up to a ration of 1/20. As the volume of air that is pushed out through the spaced apart rows of apertures 16, 17 creates a vacuum known as the induction effect, the flow of air that is drawn back around the circumference of the holes 16, 17 creating the air flow mixing in the container which results in the optimal ripening of the produce in the container even when gaps 42 exist between the stacked crates 6a and pallets 6.

A pallet positioning arrangement is an electrically-operated item positioning arrangement, the item positioning arrangement is a robotic item positioning means. Alternatively, the item positioning arrangement is a manual item positioning arrangement. The item positioning arrangement is a forklift or pallet truck. The container 1has at least one walkway. The access 5 has a passage or opening in a wall of the container 1. An end wall of the container 1 comprises an access 5. The container 1 is a sealable container. The access 5 is a sealable access. The access 5 is a door or a roller shutter.

The container 1 comprises an access arrangement 5 in the form of an opening in the container 1. Items can be located in the container via this opening. The opening can be sealed by closing a door, shutter or roller shutter 41 over the opening. The container 1 is a sealable container i.e. it is possible to seal a controlled atmosphere 12 within the container 1. The improved air seal provided by the present system provides more even ripening and reduces the load on any evaporator fans.

As will be understood by the skilled person, the example embodiments presented above can be modified in a number of ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the method 100 may be applied to storing any items in any suitable container such as a mobile container e.g. a transportable container such as a shipping container or a trailer. The method 100 can also be applied to storing an item of produce in a container which forms part of a vehicle such as a lorry, truck or heavy goods vehicle.

In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed lo as an implied statement that each intermediate value of the parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of the alternatives, is itself preferred to the less preferred value and also to each value lying between the less preferred value and the intermediate value.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or I5 a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container for storing produce, the container comprising: a plurality of walls defining a boundary of the container; at least one access means through which an item can enter and/or exit the container; and at least one air flow control means for controlling the flow of air throughout the container to provide homogenous air temperature and air flow rate throughout the container even though spaces may exist between stacked produce, the container having no other air flow control means such as baffles or curtains or airbags or plenums for engaging the produce so that the produce is capable of being freestanding within the container.
2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air flow control means comprises at least one duct.
3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one duct having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the I5 surface of the duct from one end of the duct to the other end parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct.
4. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein the longitudinally spaced apart apertures are spaced apart equi-distance from one another.
5. A container as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures are equi-sized apertures.
6. A container as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a plurality of spaced apart rows of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct from one end of the duct to the other end parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct are provided.
7. A container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of spaced apart rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct are spaced apart from one another at an angle around at least part of the circumference of the duct.
8. A container as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the plurality of spaced apart rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct are spaced apart from one another at an equal angle around at least part of the circumference of the duct.
9. A container as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein one central row of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct from one end of the duct to the other parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct have apertures with the greatest opening size.
10. A container as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each row of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct from one end of the duct to the other parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the duct which are angularly spaced away from the central row around the circumference in opposing directions have apertures with a reducing diameter as the rows extend angularly around the circumference of the duct away from the central row.
11. A container as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the size of the apertures, their spacing both longitudinally and angularly are predetermined to produce the desired airflow and temperature envelope within a predetermined container volume.
12. A container as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the ducts are a tubular duct having a circular or generally circular cross-section.
13. A container as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the duds extend from one end of the container to the other end of the container, this arrangement of the ducts along the entire span of the container providing the most efficiency for ensuring homogenous air flow and temperature of the air within the container both vertically and horizontally.
14. A container as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the air flow control means I5 comprise at least two ducts extending along the length of the container above the produce, the ducts are disposed or suspended above the stacked produce with the produce spaced apart from the walls of the container.
15. A container as claimed in claim 14 when dependent on claim 9, wherein the ducts are orientated so that the central row directs air away from the upper surface of the produce so that the air flowing out of the central row is capable of passing down between the upper surface of the produce and the wall spaced apart from which the produce is stacked so that as the airflow passes down between the stacked produce and the walls the most efficient air flux is set up at the point of entry of the air from the duct into the container.
16. A container as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein a plurality of ducts are joined along the length of a row of duct extending from one end of the container to another.
17. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein only a single air flow control means is disposed below the ceiling of the container for single double or triple or multi storey containers.
18. A container as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein the air flow generation means is provided in fluid communication with the duct, the air flow generation means comprises a fan most preferably a reversible fan.
19. A container as claimed in any claim 18, wherein the fan is capable of generating volumetric air flow in the range of 100,000 to 500,000 m3/h.
20. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a ripening room for ripening fruit such as avacodas, bananas, mangoes, papayas, pears, apricots, guavas, melons, tomatoes and/or green chilies.
21. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is operably connected to a source of ripening agent, such as a gas canister.
22. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is in fluid communication with a heat exchanger and/or the container is in fluid communication with a refrigeration system.
23. A method for ripening an item of produce in a container, the container comprising a plurality of walls defining a boundary of the container, the method comprising: locating an item within the container; and providing an air flow control means within the container, the method comprising creating a homogenous air flow and a homogeneous air temperature throughout the entire volume of the container using the air flow control means without the use of air bags, curtains, baffles or plenums in the container.
24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the method comprising providing the air flow control means with at least one duct having a plurality of rows of longitudinally spaced apart apertures extending along a rectilinear axis along the surface of the duct from one end of the duct to the other end parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the dud, providing an air flow through the perforated duct via an air flow generation means and running the is air flow control means until the temperature and air flow through the container is homogenized both vertically and horizontally.
25. A control system adapted to carry out a method for storing an item of produce in a container, the method comprising: locating an item within the container; and locating an air flow control means within the container, the control system being adapted to homogenize the air temperature and air flow throughout the container without the use of air baffles, curtains, airbags and/or plenums.