CA cell
CA cells ( c ontrolled a tmosphere) are mainly used in shipping containers and storage rooms for fruits, and are used for maintaining quality in the postharvest.
Strictly speaking, the CA cell not only achieves a modified storage atmosphere (CO₂, N₂, O₂ ratio), but also an optimized storage climate (temperature and relative humidity). With adsorbers and converters, for example, the so-called two-way control can be carried out, which enables CO₂ binding and O₂ reduction. The ideal oxygen concentration is 1–5% and the carbon dioxide content is 1–8%. The rest is nitrogen.
The relative humidity and the temperature are strongly dependent on each other and very different from fruit to fruit. Temperatures around freezing point are common.
Fruits stored in CA cells are severely inhibited in their metabolism and respiration rate. As a result, the storage time can be extended without major losses of vitamins, other desired ingredients and other quality features.
The post-harvest area of climacteric fruit species in particular depends on the controlled atmosphere, as the production of the phytohormone " ethylene " is severely restricted.
See also: CA warehouse