Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage is a cutting-edge technology that combines the control of low temperatures with specific gas composition adjustments to preserve perishable goods. This process involves key equipment such as nitrogen generators, ethylene removal systems, carbon dioxide extraction units, humidifiers, gas analyzers, and pressure balance bags. The controlled refrigeration system includes essential components like refrigeration units, circulating pumps, cold air fans, heat transfer fluids, and temperature control systems.

The nitrogen generator plays a crucial role in displacing oxygen from the storage environment, lowering the oxygen concentration to 5%. This helps to reduce the respiration rate of fruits and vegetables, effectively slowing down their aging process and preventing the spread of diseases and bacteria, including the production of ethylene. The removal of excess carbon dioxide is vital to prevent CO₂ toxicity, which can occur when its concentration is too high. Controlled atmosphere storage systems often monitor and adjust CO₂ levels to maintain safe conditions.

Ethylene is a plant hormone released during the respiration of certain fruits, which accelerates aging. To mitigate this effect, ethylene removal systems are incorporated into the CA storage environment.

The design of CA storage requires high sealing standards to ensure efficient operation. Pre-fabricated CA storage rooms, with their fast installation and excellent sealing properties, have become increasingly popular. After installation, air pressure tests are conducted to ensure the storage room's integrity, with minimum pressure thresholds maintained for optimal performance.

In terms of refrigeration systems, direct and indirect cooling options are available, with indirect cooling using heat transfer fluids emerging as the preferred choice for product preservation. These systems maintain stable temperature and humidity conditions, creating an ideal environment for storing perishable items.

Despite their advantages, the application of CA storage systems in high-temperature refrigeration is still relatively low in China, with only around 5% to 7% of the market currently using these technologies. As market demand grows and more products require specific storage conditions, there will be a significant increase in the use of high-performance CA storage systems. The future market potential for indirect cooling CA storage systems using heat transfer fluids is immense.

Glacier Coolant specializes in high-end heat transfer fluids for controlled atmosphere storage systems, offering cutting-edge solutions to meet the growing demands of industries seeking efficient and reliable refrigeration technology.