Cold Storage Humidification
Cold storage humidification to preserve product quality and freshness
Horticultural produce are highly perishable in nature and require storage in closely controlled spaces often at low temperature and high humidity levels in order to preserve their freshness, along with their chemical, biochemical and physiological properties. Cold storage humidification is critical to the cold chain management industry as the moisture content of air immediately drops upon entering a cold store.
As air circulates inside the cold store, the air’s temperature drops and its relative humidity is reduced. The dry air draws moisture from its surrounding including the shelved products, resulting to product weight loss, poor quality and appearance and reduced shelf-live.
Raising the humidity level in equilibrium with the produce
The evaporative cooling concept has been extensively used for centuries to increase the shelf life of horticultural products in tropical and subtropical countries. In modern times, evaporative cooling though evaporative coolers and misting systems for cold storage is known to be an efficient and economical means for reducing the temperature while increasing the relative humidity of these closed and controlled spaces.
In a commercial scale, freezing temperatures are maintained through refrigeration, while moisture is introduced by cold storage humidification usually through misting or evaporative cooling pads. Depending on the products stored, e.g. fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, humidity levels are usually kept at temperatures near freezing and relative humidity between 75% to 95%.
Benefits of Cold Storage Humidification
- Controls humidity levels as required for the product
- Maintains product freshness and quality
- Prevents weight loss and moisture loss
- Improves shelf lives
- Reduces product waste
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Low operation and maintenance cost
