Growers of smaller fruit and nuts such as stone fruit, berry fruit and chestnuts don’t always need large CA rooms to store produce.
That is where the smaller, more flexible pallet systems come into their own as they are a convenient and cost effective alternative.
As shown in the photo, the unit has a solid base, a removable frame and a flexible cover with gas injection. Measurement tubes may also be connected.
The pallets are generally controlled by an automatic centralised control panel with optional remote viewing and control. Gas supplies can be from cylinders or an on-site generator, depending on the number of pallets.
Systems of up to 100 pallets are installed in many stores. The pallets can be stored in an air store room (not CA) and this feature provides excellent flexibility in accessing stock and shipping smaller quantities.
Due to the relatively small gas volumes in the pallets, automatic control is the only practical option. Each pallet can be controlled at the specific O2 /CO2 levels required for the product.
For more information, see the November 2011 issue of Tree Fruit
