Controlled Atmosphere
Why Controlled Atmosphere reefers technology is recommended for sensitive fruits and vegetables
- After harvesting, fruits and vegetables consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide & ethylene gas
- Release of moisture and heat generation provide specific challenges
- Process of respiration results in deterioration of the product
Purpose of temperature and atmosphere control
- Fruits and vegetables are still “alive” after harvesting
- In a standard reefer container such products start to degrade and deteriorate immediately
- Fruits and vegetables require an adjusted environment to preserve their condition
- Atmosphere control slows down the ripening process and increases the shelf life of perishable products
- At Hapag-Lloyd we assist with the following technologies: AFAM+, eAutofresh, Transfresh, Maxtend and PurFresh
The technologies represent the following specific advantages to prolong shelf life
- Slow down of ripening process and reduce risk of decay
- Decrease of dehydration (no weight loss)
- Extension of market range from harvest to consumption
- Maintenance of freshness, color and condition to maintain product quality
- Prevention / minimization of wastage and financial losses
- Ocean transport to become a viable alternative to airfreight
AFAM+ & eAutofresh Reefer
AFAM+ (Advanced Fresh Air Management) and eAutofresh are Controlled Atmosphere systems to regulate the oxygen and carbon dioxide level inside the container via the fresh air vents. This technology takes advantage of natural respiration processes of the fruit or vegetables and therefore does not require gas injections. Hapag-Lloyd operates one of the largest AFAM+ & eAutofresh reefer fleet in the market providing cost advantages for our customers.
- Utilizes a motorized fresh air exchange vent system and features a CO2 sensor module
- Controls oxygen and carbon dioxide level and adjusts atmosphere inside the container by opening/closing the fresh air vents
- Cargo is creating its own atmosphere through respiration
- AFAM+ containers are manufactured by Thermo King
- eAutofresh containers are manufactured by Carrier
- A combined use of AFAM+ / eAutofresh technology and Transfresh gas injection can be arranged
Transfresh & Maxtend Reefer
Transfresh and Maxtend fitted containers describe a special supplement for reefer containers. They create a tailor-made atmosphere via gas injections. An additional controller is monitoring & recording the atmospheric composition inside the reefer. Such “Controlled Atmosphere” containers are ideal for products such as flowers, vegetables and fruits.
- Steered by supplemental micro-processor placed inside the container
- Controller is constantly monitoring oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen concentrations
- Desired atmosphere is created and controlled by injection of suitable gas-mix in combination with vent regulation
- Tectrol technology is manufactured by Transfresh
- Maxtend technology is manufactured by Mitsubishi Australia Limited
Purfresh Transport
Purfresh Transport is a cargo protection system that enhances the atmosphere inside a container using an active form of oxygen - commonly referred to as ozone. Purfresh Transport eliminates molds, yeasts, bacteria and viruses in the air and on surfaces by up to 99%.
In addition, the system reduces ethylene levels inside the container to extend the shelf life of your product. Purfresh Transport delivers a chemical-free approach to prolong shelf life, enhance food safety and maintain the quality of fresh produce during long-range transports.