초록 ▼

A system for controlling the atmosphere in the container comprising a membrane separation apparatus to separate nitrogen and a second separation apparatus, adapted to separate carbon dioxide and water vapor from a gas mixture in the container. The separated nitrogen is returned to the container, as

A system for controlling the atmosphere in the container comprising a membrane separation apparatus to separate nitrogen and a second separation apparatus, adapted to separate carbon dioxide and water vapor from a gas mixture in the container. The separated nitrogen is returned to the container, as is at least a portion of the carbon dioxide and water vapor, so as to produce and/or maintain a pre-determined atmosphere composition within the container thereby to prevent spoilage of perishable products within the container.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] The method for modifying the composition of an atmosphere comprising nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor and ethylene contained in a chamber, the method comprising:a) pressurizing a portion of said atmosphere to produce a pressurized atmosphere;b) passing said pressurized

[ I claim:] [1.] The method for modifying the composition of an atmosphere comprising nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor and ethylene contained in a chamber, the method comprising:a) pressurizing a portion of said atmosphere to produce a pressurized atmosphere;b) passing said pressurized atmosphere through an apparatus adapted to separate nitrogen from the pressurized atmosphere by means of semi-permeable membranes through which components of air diffuse at different speeds to produce separated nitrogen and a nitrogen-depleted pressurized atmosphere;c) returning said separated nitrogen to the chamber;d) passing said nitrogen-depleted pressurized atmosphere to an apparatus adapted to separate the carbon dioxide and the water vapor from the oxygen and ethylene;e) returning at least a portion of said carbon dioxide and said water vapor to the chamber, andf) venting said oxygen and ethylene to environment.