RESEARCH

Refrigerated transport and our most relevant expertise and facilities

  • Assessing the optimal transport climate
  • Mathematical modelling
  • Mechanical impacts
  • Monitoring climate conditions
  • Monitoring mechanical impacts
  • Pallet scale experiments
  • Transport equipment tests

General introduction
The quality evolution of agricultural products during transport depends strongly on climate conditions and mechanical impacts. We are experienced in measuring, mathematical modelling and experimental simulation of transport conditions. The combination of our integral multidisciplinary approach with our top-quality facilities enables us to answer your specific research questions effectively.

Monitoring transport conditions
We have the equipment for high-resolution monitoring of all relevant conditions during transit: temperature, relative humidity, O2, CO2, ethylene and mechanical impacts. Previous measurement campaigns showed large deviations from desired values. We are ready to assist you in getting a complete inventory of your transport conditions by repeating these measurements for your specific transport, regardless whether this concerns transport by sea, air, road or rail.

Mathematical simulation
A fast and cost-effective way to analyse and improve the quality of your transport is to simulate mathematical climate models (fig. 1), relating the transport climate to system parameters like refrigeration capacity, ventilation, circulation, insulation, packaging material, etc. By combining climate models with product quality evolution models, the quality loss  of the perishable products during a hypothetical transport can also be predicted. A large number of standard models is readily available in our model library. By fine-tuning these standard models to your specific situation, our model engineers can produce fast results.
Fig. 1. Mathematical simulation tool
developed by ATO for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 		Fig. 2. Part of our CA flow-trough system

Experimental simulation
In our experimental facilities, most aspects of a transport can be simulated, from lab-scale to full-scale.

Experiments: flow-through system
Numerous experiments have been done in our 'CA flow-through system' (fig. 2), in which small batches of product can be stored simultaneously in over 80 different climatic conditions (T, RH, O2, CO2, ethylene). These small-scale experiments enable our post-harvest physiologists and microbiologists to determine the optimal transport conditions for your commodity in a cost-effective way.

Experiments: mechanical impacts
Our vibration table (fig. 3), positioned inside a refrigerated test chamber, has been used many times already to determine the effects of observed mechanical impacts on product quality and packaging performance in specific climates.
 

Fig. 3. Our vibration table Fig. 4. Test facility for reefer containers and trucks

Experiments: refrigerated test chambers
Over 20 of our refrigerated test chambers are RH-controlled as well. They are intensively used for pallet- scale experiments.
Our largest test chamber (fig. 4) (21 x 5 x 5.5 m) is at your disposal for all sorts of tests on refrigerated containers or -vehicles.

Certification of reefer containers for flower bulb transportation
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