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TürkThe modules are 100 cm x 120 cm on the ground, and 83 cm high.
The bins, without lid, are standard dimensions: 100 x 120 cm, and their height is 80 cm. Do not hesitate to consult the technical data sheets available on the product pages for more details.
Yes the modules are stackable on several heights without any risk for the quality of the storage. The crushing of the seal is controlled by the very structure of the lid. The module at the bottom of a stack can support a load of up to 2.4 tons. The modules can thus be stacked up to 9 or 10 heights depending on the products stored inside.
The operation of the modules is based on the self-regulation of the breathing of the stored products. Our recommendations for the membrane surface to be left open for gas exchanges are, for each product, adapted to the respiratory intensity reduced by the temperature. If the product is not sufficiently cooled, its respiratory intensity will exceed the exchange capacity of the membranes, and the oxygen level will drop to 0%.
Useful membrane surfaces are established at the optimal storage temperature for each product. This temperature is indicated on the data sheets.
This is why it is essential, before clipping on the controlled atmosphere lids, to fill the bin with the indicated quantity, to respect the storage temperature recommendations, to make sure that the product has reached this recommended temperature, and finally to keep the right number of membranes open (and close the others with the red caps).
When stored in CA modules, the products have their respiratory intensity doubly diminished: first by the cold, then by the reduced oxygen level. When the modules are opened in order to market the products, they undergo a respiratory shock, with the immediate rise in oxygen level from less than 5% to 20.9%. Similarly, they undergo the same type of shock when their temperature is brought back from 2°C to more than 15 or 20°C (and even more in summer). If these two respiratory shocks occur simultaneously (which happens if the modules are opened and immediately taken out of the cold room), there is a risk that the respiratory metabolism of the stored products accelerates too abruptly, and their quality will be maintained for a shorter time after storage.
Rehabilitation at the end of storage consists of opening the module and leaving it open in the cold room for 12 to 48 hours depending on the product (the longer the storage period, the longer the rehabilitation will have to be extended), so that the respiratory metabolism starts up again in two stages: first by readapting to an oxygen level of 20.9%, then by readapting to room temperature.
As the respiratory intensity varies from one product to another, the quantities that can be stored per bin vary according to the product in question: the more the product breathes, the less can be put in each module. On the contrary the less the product breathes, the more can be put in each module. We are happy to share detailed information by product when setting up projects.
The products are stored in bulk or in crates depending on their degree of fragility. Typically, apples, pears or chestnuts are stored in bulk, while cherries or blueberries are stored in crates. Each data sheet gives our recommendations on this point. Overpacking (tray type) is possible as long as it does not hinder the products' breathing.
Yes, it is therefore essential to keep only healthy, disease-free products in the modules. It is also important not to store products collected in the rain. For many products, it is preferable that they are dry at the time of module placement for optimal storage. Finally, as the respiratory intensity of each product varies according to its stage of maturity, it is also important to store products harvested at a suitable stage for storage in modules.
It is not advisable to open a module during the period of storage in controlled atmosphere, as the oxygen level is then immediately brought back to 20.9% and the metabolism of the products accelerates. Opening and closing the lids therefore leads to variations in respiration which are not conducive to optimal storage. This reduces the possible duration of optimal quality maintenance.
Janny MT offers two models of gas analyzers: the Tiempo Tests. They are specially designed to perform simple and reliable measurements of O2 and CO2 inside the modules without disturbing the storage process. See our product pages for more information about Tiempo Tests. The measurement takes only a few tens of seconds.
It is advisable to take one to several gas measurements during the phase of setting up the controlled atmosphere in the modules, i.e. in the days following the closing of the covers. Once the O2 and CO2 levels have stabilized, measurements can be spaced.
No, we do not recommend it. We work on living products for which it is important to follow the evolution. The quality of the storage impacts the growers' incomes, it is not advisable to take risks here.
Flat or vertical.
Flat, stacked one on top of the other on a pallet, preferably with the inside face up. Do not exceed 45 stacked lids to avoid too much pressure on the lids at the bottom of the stack.
Vertically in racks for example.
When empty, the bins can be stored together so that 3 bins take up the space of only 2 stacked bins.
A first bin is placed vertically on one of its small sides inside a second bin. A third, placed upside down, covers this first bin. This first bin is then enclosed in the other two, saving one out of three spaces during empty storage or transport.
In all cases it is advisable to store them in clean and sheltered places, like any material intended to receive food products.