Ozone for Cold Rooms

Food producers are always looking for effective and economical ways to store food and extend the shelf life of their products. Cold rooms are one of the most common methods of preserving fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. However, Cool storage is expensive and energy-intensive. In addition, it is not the most effective method. Refrigeration does not destroy microorganisms. Food is still susceptible to microbial growth, fungi decay, and pests in storage. The use of ozone gas for cold storage is an excellent alternative. It inactivates microorganisms in fresh products, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and other food products. Ozone is a highly effective and economical method to store food and extend its shelf life.

Ozone treatment is the most effective, economical, and practical solution for food storage. An ozone system in cold rooms keeps the air germ-free and prevents mould and fungus growth. Several studies show that ozone is effective against numerous harmful food pathogens and extends the shelf life of food.

Advantages of Ozone in Cold Storage Rooms

Ozone systems in cold storage offer several benefits. Ozone is a powerful disinfectant with antimicrobial properties that can effectively inactivate bacterial spores, moulds, yeasts, protozoa, and viruses. By using ozone, cold room operators can reduce their reliance on chemical disinfectants, minimize waste, and save energy. The ozone system has improved food safety and extended the shelf life of many foods, such as seafood, meats, fruits, and vegetables, during storage and processing. Another key advantage of ozone is that it leaves no residue and does not affect stored food’s taste, smell, or quality. Ozone systems are easy to install in the existing cold storage air handling system. With the Absolute Ozone system, the cost of the equipment can be quickly recovered because ozone helps to minimize food waste and reduce the need for frequent restocking, which can save money and reduce operating costs.

What is Ozone, and How Does it Work?

Ozone is a naturally occurring gas that can be artificially generated for use in various applications, including food safety and preservation in cold storage. It is a highly reactive gas that can eliminate odours, mould, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms that can grow in cold rooms and pose a risk to food safety.

Ozone is generated by recombining oxygen molecules, creating ozone molecules that can then be released into the cold room. Once in the cold room, the ozone gas will react with any organic matter they encounter, such as bacteria, mould, or odours. Ozone molecules contain an extra oxygen atom, which can bond with organic matter and break it down into harmless byproducts, such as carbon dioxide and water.

Ozone can also be used to remove ethylene gas in cold rooms. Ethylene is a natural gas that is produced by fruits and vegetables during the ripening process. Ethylene gas can cause accelerated ripening and spoilage of nearby produce, affecting the taste, texture, and appearance of fruits and vegetables. Ozone is an effective way to remove ethylene gas in cold rooms. It oxidizes ethylene, breaking it down into carbon dioxide and water. By removing ethylene gas, ozone can help slow the ripening process and extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. It can also help maintain the quality and freshness of stored produce.

How to Use Ozone in Cold Rooms

Here are some general steps on how to use ozone systems:

1. Determine the appropriate ozone concentration: The concentration of ozone needed to be effective depends on the size of the cold room and the intended use, it generally ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 parts per million (ppm).
2. Choose the appropriate ozone generator: Many types of ozone generators are available on the market, ranging from small portable units to large, industrial-sized generators. Choose a generator appropriate for the cold room’s size and intended use.
3. Let the ozone work: Allow the ozone to circulate in the cold room for the recommended time. The duration of the treatment will depend on the size of the cold room and the intended use.
4. Ventilate the cold room: After the treatment is complete, ventilate the cold room to remove any residual ozone. Open all doors and windows and use fans to circulate fresh air throughout the space. Ensure that the ozone concentration is safe before re-entering it.

Ozone can improve various products’ storage and shelf life in cold rooms. For example, ozone can sterilize meat and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. It can also reduce losses due to deterioration and improve the meat’s tenderness and shelf life. In the case of fish, ozone can eliminate microorganisms in cold storage rooms, preventing food putrefaction and illness in consumers. It can also deodorize the fish, reduce ammonia emissions, stabilize the pH, and extend its shelf life. Ozone gas can control ethylene production for fruits and vegetables, delaying natural ripening and oxidizing it into an antimicrobial compound. It can also leave fruits and vegetables free of pathogens and chemical residues. In the egg industry, ozone can prevent the appearance of fungi, ensuring the preservation of their initial organoleptic characteristics. Lastly, in cheese conservation and maturation chambers, ozone can avoid the appearance of mould, reduce weight loss, and eliminate odours.

Absolute Ozone® will be happy to help you; we offer a unique 5-year performance warranty and unlimited assistance to ensure that the Ozone Generator is adequate for your storage room and product. Our knowledgeable team will help you with the following:

• Selecting the Right Size Absolute Ozone® Ozone Generator for Your Ozone Bottling Application
• Ensure you have the correct air preparation/feed gas to supply the oxygen concentrator or help choose the correct oxygen supply.
• Supply all necessary accessories, such as online monitoring and control equipment.
• Help with a complete initial design, installation guidance, and process details with maximum profitability.
• Provide full technical support from expert application engineers every step of the way, before installation and throughout the years.

Contact us now, our staff will help you explore all the possibilities ozone can offer your cold storage facility.