Ensuring optimal air quality in cold storage facilities is crucial for maintaining the freshness and safety of perishable products.
Cold storage facilities are a cornerstone of the food production industry, enabling the storage and distribution of perishable products such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers, medicines, and even electronics. These facilities ensure that products remain fresh, safe, and available year-round, regardless of seasonal constraints.
According to the ISHRAE – Indian Cold Chain Industry Outlook 2024 Report, the Indian cold chain market was valued at USD 19.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 36 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 16%. This growth underscores the critical role cold storage plays in the industry, making the maintenance of these facilities more important than ever.
Maintaining indoor air quality in cold storage facilities presents several challenges. These environments are often plagued by fungi, bacteria, and yeasts that thrive even at low temperatures. Such microorganisms can contaminate the stored products, accelerating their decay and leading to spoilage.
Furthermore, various odors, such as those from seafood, combined with metabolic gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide, can create unpleasant smells and further degrade air quality. Poor ventilation exacerbates these issues, making it vital to implement effective air purification solutions.
Poor air quality in cold storage facilities can have significant effects on product quality and energy costs. Contaminated air can harbor airborne bacteria, viruses, mold, and pathogens, leading to the rapid degradation of perishable products. This results in reduced shelf life and compromised freshness by the time products reach consumers.
Additionally, improper moisture levels can cause products to dehydrate and shrink if relative humidity is too low, or spoil prematurely due to bacterial or mold growth if humidity is too high. High energy costs are another concern; inefficient HVAC systems must work harder to maintain the necessary conditions, resulting in increased energy expenditures and operational costs.
One effective solution to these challenges is the implementation of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) air purification systems. UVGI uses short-wavelength UV-C radiation at 254 nm to kill or inactivate airborne microbes by damaging their DNA and RNA, rendering them incapable of replication.
Industrial air purifiers equipped with UVGI technology can be integrated into HVAC systems to remove dust, debris, smoke, and other airborne contaminants. This not only improves indoor air quality but also enhances heat transfer, reduces energy consumption, and extends the lifespan of HVAC units. Additionally, UVGI systems are cost-effective, eco-friendly, easy to install, and require minimal maintenance.
Case studies have demonstrated the benefits of UV-C treatment in cold storage facilities. For example, UV-C irradiation has been shown to extend the shelf life of guava fruit by boosting antioxidant systems and defense responses. A study published in Food and Bioprocess Technology highlighted that UV-C treatment significantly delayed weight loss, firmness loss, and decay incidence in guava fruits.
Another study found that UV-C treatment improved the quality and storage life of strawberries by enhancing their antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing the incidence of decay. These findings underscore the effectiveness of UV-C treatment in maintaining product quality and extending shelf life, making it a valuable solution for cold storage facilities.