MAERSK Container Industry and the University of California are to issue a guide to air exchange technologies in delivery of quality fruit and produce in reefer boxes.

By using a CO2 sensor, AV+ allows the produce to dictate the level of fresh air exchange based on its respiration rather than a fixed-vent opening based on constant fan speed, said a Maersk statement.

Fixed vent openings, said the statement, leaves many variables that can alter the actual air volume being exchanged.

The key is to provide the best possible conditions for fruit or vegetables in the cargo container from point A to B, said Malcolm Dodd, principal consultant at Cold Chain Solutions.

During the transit of fruit, flowers or vegetables within a reefer container, the consumption of oxygen gives off carbon dioxide which is supported by open air exchange vents, AirEx.

"There is much variability in the amount of air that moves through the vents. There are also varied opinions on what is the best AirEx for different types of fresh produce," said Mr Dodd. "It makes sense to manage the air exchange with an engineering solution."

The AirEx vent can be mechanised and the opening controlled according to the respiration rate of the product being carried. The result will be better quality produce after the shipping voyage, Mr Dodd added.

*NEWS SOURCE