Development of a large capacity evaporative cool storage chamber for citrus and other perishables with special reference to mandarin fruit (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
M.S. Ladaniya
Proceedings of 26th International Horticultural Congress. Volume of Abstract . Toronto, Canada, 11-17 August, 2002. Abstract S09-O-25. pp. 234.
2002
บทคัดย่อ
The chamber with 8.5 m3 storage volume (225 cm length x 180 cm width x 210 cm height, inside dimension) has been constructed using bricks, sand, bamboo, wood wool panels and jute cloth (gunny bags).The drip system for continuous trickling of water and overhead water tankof plastic material with 200 litre capacity is installeld.Small exhaust fan with regulator (maximum 100 ft3 /minute airflow, 22.5 cm fan size, 900rpm) is provided opposite to entrance door of the chamber for air movement.On two sided, double layer brick wass with cavity (5 cm) are made with masonary work in mud (as done in rural areas for construction of houses).Thewalls are supported from inside and outside by iron net and bamboos which are fixed in four columns erected at corner using bricks, cement and sand.The floor is made by arranging bricks in single layer.On front side, asbestos door is provided with wooden frame.The wood wool and jute (gunny bag) panels (90 cm length x 45 cm width) of 4 cm thickness are fitted in wooden frame on front and backside.The top ceiling is made of wooden frame and asbestos sheets.The hut shaped roof cover made of bamboos,locally available grass panel, gunny bags and plastic sheet is placed over asbestos ceiling with supportof four columns and tied with wires to the bamboo structure.The average maximum temperatures of the cool chamber are considerably low (10-15 0C) as compared with outside.The relative humidity is also above 90% throughout the year.Mandarins, sweet oranges and acid limes can be stored up to 21,42and 30 days, respectively in acceptable condition in this chamber.This chamber can accommodate 65 plastic crate (55 cm x 35 cm x 30 cm) with 1.5 tone citrus fruit.Energy requirements for storage of fruit in this chamber vis-à-vis mechanical storage are discussed.This chamber can be a boon for storage of perishables (including citrus) for short period at remote farm areas in tropical and sub-tropi-cal regions.