Description
Container storage of vegetables
The ventilation system transports and distributes the ventilation air through the onions and potatoes as uniformy as possible. A correctly dimensioned and designed system limits:
- time numbers of fan hours;
- weight loss;
- pressure spots;
- temperature differences in the batch;
- the risk of condensation;
- inregular distribution of the sprout inhibitors.
Ventilation systems are used for box storages are:
- Suction ventilation
- Letter box
- Air mix unit/compact cooler
- Airbag systems
Suction ventilation
Suitable for drying / storing larger quantities of potatoes or onions. A space of 40-50 cm between the two rows of boxes (covered by a sheet) is used to suck the air through the side walls of the boxes. Long rows are possible. Inlet and outlet hatches at same side of the building with complex suction chamber. Use of heater is difficult with this system.
Letter box
Suitable for drying / storage of smaller quantities of potatoes or onions. Rows can be ventilated independently. Row length limited to 10-12 boxes. An accurate positioning of the boxes is important in order to limit loss of air. Closed boxes are needed for proper ventilation of onions.
Air mix unit/compact cooler
Suitable for drying / storing larger quantities of potatoes. Modular units which can work with outside air ventilation and refrigeration. Air is circulated between the rows of boxes / bags. Long rows are possible. Open boxes of various sizes can be used.
Airbag systems
Suitable for drying / storing larger quantities of potatoes or onions. A space of 40-50 cm between the two rows of boxes (covered by an inflatable airbag) is used to blow the air through the side walls of the boxes. Long rows are possible. Inlet and outlet hatches at opposite sides of the building. Heaters can be used easily with this system.