| Optimizing refrigerated transport requires many expertises. Contract research organisation Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group (AFSG) combines a large number of relevant expertises with top quality facilities. A quick, but incomplete, overview: |
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Monitoring transport conditions |
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We have the equipment for high resolution monitoring of all relevant conditions during transit: temperature, relative humidity, O2, CO2, ethylene and mechanical impacts. |
Calculations |
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Computer simulation of mathematical models is a fast and cost effective way to analyse and improve your transport. A large number of standard models is readily available in our model library: Climate predictions, software tools relating the climate distribution in your transport modality to system parameters like refrigeration capacity, ventilation, circulation, insulation, packaging material, etc. (Fig. 1). The FAIM model at this site is a simple example of such models. Quality evolution models for perishables, predicting quality loss of perishables during hypothetical transport conditions. Aladin (Agro-Logistic Analysis and Design INstrument), a unique instrument to design logistical improvements for perishables. Aladin covers complete supply chains and yields insight in loss reduction and quality changes due to all sorts of improvements regarding the logistical chain. |
Experimental facilities |
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In our experimental facilities most aspects of a transport can be simulated, from lab-scale to full-scale. Our largest conditioned test chamber (LxWxH = 21x5x5.5 m) is an officially designated ATP testing station. Furthermore it is at your disposal for all sorts of tests on refrigerated containers or - vehicles (Fig. 2) Our shock table (Fig. 3), positioned inside a refrigerated test chamber, has been used many times already to determine the effects of observed mechanical impacts on product quality and packaging performance in specific climates. Small-scale experiments in our 'CA flow-through system' enable our post-harvest physiologists to determine quality decay of specific commodities in over 80 different climatic conditions (T, RH, O2, CO2, ethylene). |
Relevant expertises and activities |
| Moreover we have direct access to the equipment and expertise of thousands of colleagues within Wageningen UR. This allows us to respond cost effectively to incidental specific customer demands. |
Information |
| Dr. Leo Lukasse Phone: +31-(0)317-480201 E-mail: leo.lukasse@wur.nl |
| Printable version |
 Fig. 1: Mathematical simulation tool we developed for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. |
 Fig. 2: Our environmental chamber for testing vehicles and reefer containers. |
 Fig. 3: Our shock table to assess consequences of mechanical impacts. |
