Ethylene Release Canister
This technology was developed for control of ripening of fruits such as pears and bananas that require ethylene for ripening. It can be applied for ripening fruit in containers thereby eliminating the need for specialised rooms for ripening fruit. It can be applied during transport e.g. in shipping containers or trucks. It can be applied to smaller containers such as pallets (with plastic covers or portable ripening chambers) or in supermarket storerooms. It is in the final stages of preparation for full commercial use in ripening banana, and has been demonstrated as effective for use in ripening pears; currently being evaluated for ripening kiwifruit. The release valve component is patented and could potentially be applied to a large range of volatiles and canister sizes.
Objective
Currently looking for alternative applications for ethylene, and potential applications in other industries for other volatiles.
Unique Selling Propositions
- Doesn't use electricity batteries, sensors or sensitive components
- Enables a linear release of a volatile (i.e. constant release rather than at intervals or single release) from a pressurised vessel
- Enables very small volumes to be released (mg/hr)
- Enables consistent release for days or weeks
- Useful for release of a broad range of volatile groups including flammable / explosive gases. Vessel is completely emptied so no lingering flammability risk
Applications
- Potentially many other industries
- Horticulture
Project Status
Proven product looking for alternative applications
IP Strategy
Patent applications in National Phase: filed in NZ, Australia, Europe, US, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Philippines, South Korea, Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala
Patents:
Fluid Release valve using flexible fluid permeable membrane