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CALM (Controlled Atmosphere Long Life Module)- Storage System for Chestnuts and Other NutsPostharvest Fresh has developed a system that enables nuts, such as chestnuts, to be stored in in high quality condition for up to one year, rather than the few months currently possible. |
CALM TechnologyThe basic principle of the CALM technology is storage under high carbon dioxide with sufficient oxygen levels maintained. Each CALM unit can be used to store 1-4 bins (400 to 1600 kg or 0.45 to 1.8 tons) of chestnuts. After harvest, excess moisture is removed and bins are sealed on a pallet base within a plastic sleeve. The CALM unit is then attached to the bag via an air-tight interface with an oxygen sensor and tubing going through the interface to provide adequate fresh air to the chestnuts and to maintain the ideal storage atmosphere (see photos). CALM is powered by l2V DC power, so that only safe low power cables occur within the cool rooms. Besides Sydney Postharvest Laboratory, the technology is also owned by Horticulture Australia (on behalf of Australian chestnut growers). It is recommended that the technology be used as part of a complete handling and storage protocol (Postharvest Handling and Storage Protocol for Chestnuts). |
Current CALM module (V7) |
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Mould controlChestnuts store well with very little mould development under the high carbon dioxide and low oxygen atmosphere controlled by CALM . The CALM system is as effective as the best fungicide control, but without the use of any chemicals. Storage of nuts for up to 12 months (in excellent condition) is now achievable, compared to about 3 months, previously found to be the commercial storage limit.Further InformationGrower's Experience With CALM Unit Ray and Carolyn Young, Allen Creek Farm, Washington, USA"the nuts were in excellent condition when we removed them from the unit on Nov. 25. We sent out well over 200 orders from that tote and received not one single complaint about bad nuts. This has never been the case before. ... Our goal was to pay for the unit with the savings achieved in having good nuts to ship in late November-December. It not only did that but paid for our trip [to Australia] as well. ... We are sold on the CALM unit." Postharvest Handling and Storage Protocol for Chestnuts Article about development of CALM technology and results.![]() |
CALM system (Version 6) |
Item |
Description |
Picture |
Price A$ (ex GST) |
Purchase |
0 |
CALM Basic System (CALM Unit including pump and oxygen sensor, pallet bag interface, pallet bag, internal tubing and connectors, DC power supply, pallet base sealing components minus wood, replacement pump) |
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975
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1* |
CALM Unit (including pump and oxygen sensor) | ![]() |
725 |
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2* |
Pallet bag interface |
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45
|
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3* |
Pallet bag (4.5m x 2.5m plastic tube) |
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35
|
|
4* |
Internal tubing and connectors | ![]() |
25 |
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5*# |
DC power supply (can run up to 5 units) | ![]() |
30
|
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6* (or 7)
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Pallet base sealing components minus wood | ![]() |
65
|
|
7 |
Pallet base (wood base 1200x1200x12mm and sealing system) | ![]() |
100
|
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8# |
Extension Cable for running 5 units from one power supply | ![]() |
65
|
|
9 |
Replacement oxygen sensor | ![]() |
130 |
|
10* |
Replacement pump |
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50
|
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11 |
Extension power cable - 10 m (30 ft) | ![]() |
30 |
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12 |
Packet of 10 Large Cable Ties |
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10
|
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13 |
Side by Side Bin Connector (connects 2 stacks of 2 bins each) to run from one CALM unit |
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110 |
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Postage and packaging one Basic CALM System (to Australia) (for other countries please enquire)
|
50
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Postage and packaging one Basic CALM System to USA (for other countries please enquire)
|
160
|
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or Postage and packaging Basic CALM System (to Australia)and complete pallet base (Item 7) (to Australia) (for other countries please enquire)
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130 |
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Postharvest Fresh Revised June 2009 (S.Morris)
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