Thermo King extends shipping distance of fresh goods
Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control solutions for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, meets the needs of shippers and customers alike and is the first to introduce Magnum Plus Optima, an active oxygen removal system within its controlled atmosphere solution.
This active technology for marine transportation enables exporters to provide their customers with more sensitive types of fruit and vegetables ensuring they arrive at their final destination in the best quality, taste and appearance.
By prolonging the post-harvest life of fresh products, cargo owners can extend shipping distances and reach unexplored markets. The new Magnum Plus Optima system helps maintain the firmness and crispness of the transported fruits, vegetables and flowers, reducing shrinkage and decay of the cargo. Additionally it also permits growers to harvest produce closer to its natural maturity time and peak flavour.
“Many global shipping lines utilise passive controlled atmosphere technology today, which only maintains the atmosphere within a reefer container after it has been established by the respiratory activity of the fresh produce,” said Michel van Roozendaal, vice president, global marine, rail and bus for Thermo King “What’s remarkable about this new active Magnum Plus Optima system from Thermo King is that it doesn’t depend on the respiration of the fresh produce and allows for more precise control over the reefer environment, effectively slowing down the ageing and ripening processes of fruits, vegetables and flowers during transit. This extension of post-harvest life allows growers to reach new customers with products that previously could not be shipped by sea at an affordable cost.”
Fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers are living organisms that consume oxygen (O2) and produce carbon dioxide (CO2) during natural respiration, a process that continues after harvest and causes ageing and ripening. The quick removal of oxygen is crucial to slow down the decay process and extend their post-harvest life.
“When compared to passive systems that rely solely on the respiration of produce to eventually generate an initial atmosphere, active controlled atmosphere systems have the added benefit of promptly establishing and regulating the desired environment in the reefer container, thus more effectively extending the shelf life of the produce,” says Dr. Patrick Brecht, president, PEB Commodities, Inc. a consultation service provider for growers, shippers and transportation companies.
The new controlled atmosphere solution from Thermo King provides increased reliability thanks to the proven membrane technology and extensive protection of critical components. Due to the injection valve enabling 99 percent nitrogen (N2) gas purity and the closed loop with air recirculation, the Thermo King solution allows for fast pull-down, low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels for increased performance. Full integration with reefer controls contributes to optimal efficiency and smart operation.
Thermo King controlled atmosphere solution will be on display at the Intermodal Europe in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Join Thermo King product managers, industry experts and leadership team at Stand B10 on November 11th-13th.
Please visit www.thermoking.com for more information visit.