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Ambient Temperature Oxidation Catalyst for Ethylene Control in Fresh Produce Containers

Award Information
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Branch: N/A
Contract: 2012-00026
Agency Tracking Number: 2012-00026
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 8.13
Solicitation Number: USDA-NIFA-SBIR-003497
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
12345 W 52ND AVE
WHEAT RIDGE, CO 80033-1916
United States
DUNS: 181947730
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Gokhan Alptekin
 Principal Engineer
 (303) 940-2349
 galptekin@tda.com
Business Contact
 John Wright
Title: Chief Technology Officer
Phone: (303) 940-2300
Email: jdwright@tda.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

The respiration of fresh fruits and vegetables (FF & V) converts oxygen from the surrounding atmosphere into carbon dioxide, moisture and ethylene. While ethylene is used under controlled conditions as a ripening agent, the presence of even small amounts of ethylene gas in shipping and storage containers causes most fresh produce to deteriorate faster, potentially spoiling it before it reaches the store or consumer. Current ethylene control technology is based on potassium permanganate filters. While they are effective, they pose logistics problems because they must be frequently replaced. In addition, the used filters are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal procedures. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes an ambient temperature oxidation catalyst that could be integrated into current shipping containers and storage facilities to eliminate ethylene. The catalytic oxidizer does not require any replacement and disposal of the used media. The high activity of the catalyst at low temperatures eliminates the need to heat the air that flows through it and reduces operating costs. In Phase I, we will prepare and evaluate various catalyst formulations under representative conditions to prove the technical feasibility of the concept and carry out an economic analysis to evaluate its commercial viability.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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