High-quality HVAC Systems Are the Heart of Potato Storage Facilities
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are essential to the potato storage and processing industries because they offer accurate temperature control, humidity control, air quality management, and regulatory compliance.
To maintain product quality, increase shelf life, stop spoiling, and guarantee customer safety, these methods are essential. In an industry where quality and safety are critical, storage managers must prioritize investing in high-quality HVAC systems and giving them proper maintenance to enhance operating efficiency, reduce waste, and protect their brand.
The potato industry is mostly dependent on upholding stringent environmental standards during the processing phases to guarantee product quality, safety, and adherence to regulations. HVAC systems are essential for creating and preserving these conditions.
Keeping potatoes fresh and healthy in long-term potato storage is a constant battle. It requires the right conditions (CO2, temperature, humidity) and the right equipment (ventilation).
Keep an Eye on CO2 Levels, Relative Humidity, RH Monitoring, and Temperature!
Carbon dioxide (CO2) Levels: For potatoes to remain in perfect condition, CO2 monitoring is crucial. Brown and unattractive tubers will result from the high CO2 levels inside the storage facility. The vendor will receive a lesser price for the produce when it is brought to market because of its discoloration, which makes it useless for other purposes.
Senescent sweetening, a condition in which sugars leak out of starch granules and into the cytoplasm, is another effect of high CO2 levels. When fried, these potatoes with free sugar molecules will become brown, which is typically considered to be unpleasant to humans. CO2 should be in the range of 1500–2500 PPM (0.15-0.25%), depending on the type of potato.
“To keep the CO2 levels under control when storing potatoes after harvest you will need a ventilation system that brings in enough fresh air. You can either manually measure with a CO2 sensor, or install a monitoring system that takes automatic measurements. An automatic potato storage monitoring system has the advantage of being able to set alarm notifications. Which allows you to take action when needed,” Crodeon experts say.
Relative Humidity (RH): This crop requires a consistent relative humidity (RH) because fluctuations in humidity might stress the potatoes and lead to condensation problems. To guarantee premium potatoes for the market, long-term potato storage should have a relative humidity of between 92 and 97%. It is frequently advised to use a humidifier in a ventilated storage space. However, this percentage varies based on how well your harvest is doing.
You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary e-copy of Issue 1 of Potato Business Digital 2024 magazine, which you can access by clicking here.