Potato & Onion Ventilation and Refrigeration Systems

STORAGE TYPES 

BULK STORAGE

This system is preferred when it is desired to store high amounts of the same type of product.

When storing potatoes or onions in bulk, depending on the product and conditions, the product can be stored up to 3.5 to 4.5 meters in height. This system is a very effective system as it allows air to pass directly through the product. In this system, the temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels of the whole storage are kept under constant control with appropriate equipment.

ADVANTAGES

• Effective drying and cooling
• Equal temperature and humidity balance between products
• A cost-effective method of storage

DISADVANTAGES

• It is not possible to distinguish between different parties or different product varieties.
• Special machines are required to fill the storage

BOX STORAGE

Products are stored in large bins. The products can be stacked up to about 6 boxes high. Box storage provides great convenience when storing products.

It helps to store all different products, varieties, and sizes in the desired quantity and quality.

The standard European size for boxes is 1200 mm x 1600 mm x 1230 mm.

BOX STORAGE TYPES

1. SUCTION WALL AND FORCED VENTILATION

This storage type is suitable for both onions and potatoes.

In this system, the boxes are so that a gap is created between the two lines of boxes. The top of the gap is covered with canvas so that way air is directed to the boxes. Thus, a homogeneous airflow passes through the products for ventilating.

This application needs specially designed boxes with slots. Also, be careful that the boxes are full. Otherwise, the airflow will pass over the product before suction occurs.

ADVANTAGES

• It allows for precise temperature control in the storage
• The boxes can be stacked up to 4m high.
• The box prevents the damage of the products.
• In case of any disease, the problem will not be spread to the whole warehouse, it will be limited to just one box.
• It can be adapted to all kinds of capacities.
• It makes transportation and logistics operations easier.

DISADVANTAGES 

• It requires an investment for the boxes.
• The tarpaulin that forms the suction area between the boxes can create an obstacle when removing the product from storage.

2. BOX STORAGE WITH USING PAC UNIT

• Enough free space should be left above the boxes.
• Airflow must not be obstructed and the boxes must be aligned
• Storage walls should be smooth.
• A distance should be left between the boxes.
• A maximum of 10 boxes can be put in a row and a maximum of 6 boxes could be stacked.

ADVANTAGES

1. It ensures total control of the temperature of the storage
2. If the product is good quality, products can be stored long-term.
3. Maintenance cost is low.
4. It is a flexible system that allows storing different products.
5. It can also be used for packaged products storing.

3. BOX STORAGE WITH AIRBAG SYSTEMS

It is suitable for drying and storing potatoes or onions in large quantities.

There is a gap between the boxes to blow air through the side walls of the boxes with the inflatable airbags. With this system, it is possible to store long rows. The air inlet and outlet hatches are placed opposite to the walls of the storage.