Koldware Industries (Pvt) Ltd., is the sole distributor of Controlled Atmosphere Cold Store of Van Amerogen, Netherland.

Vegetables and fruit respire; they take in oxygen (O2) and give off carbon dioxide (CO2). The storage of fruit and vegetables in a gas-tight environment allows the oxygen level in the air to be lowered and the level of CO2 to increase. Long-term storage of vegetables and fruit actually involves inhibiting the ripening and ageing processes, thus retaining flavour and quality. Ripening is, in fact, postponed. This occurs as a result of modifying the gas conditions in the cool cell so that the respiration of fruit and vegetables is reduced.

Controlled Atmosphere (CA) is a storage technique whereby the level of oxygen is reduced and CO2 is increased. Quality and the freshness of fruit andvegetables are retained under Controlled Atmosphere conditions without the use of any chemicals. Under CA conditions, many products can be stored for 2 to 4 times longer than usual.

• CO2-scrubbers CO2-scrubbers are used to manage the CO2 levels in the cool cell. Air from the storage area is removed by the scrubber, and the CO2 purified air is then fed back in. Read more about our CO2 scrubbers
• O2 scrubbers With a CA scrubber (also known as a nitrogen generator or separator), the fruit can be quickly brought under CA conditions once the space has been filled or after a connecting door, for example, has been opened Read more about our O2 scrubbers
• Ethylene converters Fruit varieties that are sensitive to ethylene (under CA conditions), such as kiwis, require an ethylene converter. The ethylene converter from Van Amerongen removes ethylene from the cool cells using catalytic combustion; ethylene can thus be maintained at any required level. Read more about our ethylene converters
• Control system A control system measures and registers O2 and CO2 and operates the CO2 and O2 scrubbers. In addition, the same control system can regulate cooling (switching on/off, defrosting, machine room regulation), carry out ethylene measurements and operate the ethylene converter. Read more about our control systems
• Humidification Fruit that is stored in a CA/ULO cell always loses moisture. This moisture loss reduces if the RH levels (relative humidity) are kept above 90%. Cooling takes water out of the atmosphere, thus limiting the storage period and quality. A humidification system means that relative humidity can be kept up to scratch. read more about our humidification systems
• Gas-tight cool cells A gas-tight cool cell is made up of gas-tight insulation panels. A gas-tight environment is created using mould-resistant kit and fleece seals. A CA cool cell is closed with a gas-tight door and a window is fitted into the door, the corridor or the roof of the cool cell. This enables samples to be taken and the fruit to be viewed.
• Accessories Finally, the CA cool cell is also fitted with a couple of accessories that are vital for VA storage;
  a flexible buffer (also called a ‘lung’) absorbs pressure differences in the cool cell without oxygen streaming into the cell.
  under and over pressure valves ensure that larger pressure differences (which cannot be accommodated by the air buffer) are evened out so that the cool cell is not damaged.

There are strict, international standards for CA / ULO cool cells that stipulate maximum leakage (expressed in m2 per 100m3 leakagesurface area).

We can provide you with information about these standards. CA storage is not possible in the absence of these standards. Cold stores are tested by the installer for leaks before they are put into operation. In the event of any doubts, Van Amerongen can assist you with an extra test.

The floor and the door are important points when making sure the cell is leak-proof!