The study addresses the reduction of ethylene levels in postharvest
storage applications using a Pd-Zn-Sn/TiO2 catalyst, which is capable of
reacting trace concentrations of ethylene at temperatures as low as 278
K and at relative humidity as high as 90%. The rate law is derived from
data collected using a constant volume batch reactor and a model for a
storage room with associated packed bed reactor is developed. The amount
of catalyst required to maintain an ethylene concentration of 0.1 ppmv
in a room containing 20 tons of fruit having an ethylene metabolism of
0.1 ul/kg hr was calculated as a function of air temperature and water
content. While the catalyst is capable of continuously removing ethylene
from saturated, refrigerated air, the amount of catalyst required can be
reduced significantly by incorporating conventional air conditioning
solutions upstream of the catalyst bed. Such combined systems and their
functions are discussed