Controlled atmosphere gas diffusion element - applicable to storage depot preservation of apples

摘要

The diffuser comprises a spiral-wound, cylindrical element for mass transfer between two gases. The element is wound from a laminar composite comprising a flat, elongated, tubular membrane with a superimposed separating sheet of similar shape and size; one gas is passed through the membrane tube, to follow a spiral path between centre and periphery of the winding, while the second gas is passed axially through the windings of the element. Silicone elastomer can be used as membrane material. The element is very compact for its capacity; the ratio of membrane area to element volume is high, being of the order of 100 to 400 m2/m3.