Multiscale modelling of gas and moisture transport during refrigerated storage of fruit

Abstract

Abstract:The success of controlled atmosphere storage of fruit critically depends on the gas composition of the storage atmosphere. Gas transport models can be used advantageously to evaluate the effect of gas composition on product quality and to optimise and control the storage process. In this paper we will discuss gas and moisture transport models of increasing complexity. We will focus on recent advances in multiscale transport models. Such models are basically a hierarchy of models which describe the transport phenomena at different spatial scales in such a way that the submodels are interconnected. We will pay particular attention to methods to measure product topology and material properties at the micro-and nanoscale.