How to Manage High Humidity and Ozone Levels in Fruit and Vegetable Storage Facilities?

A company specializing in the research and production of a series of environmentally friendly catalytic materials, including ozone decomposition catalysts, carbon monoxide catalysts, Hopcalite, manganese dioxide, copper oxide, VOC catalysts, and hydrogen peroxide catalysts, is compiling this information to provide highly adaptable catalytic material solutions for various environmental treatment scenarios, hoping to assist everyone.

Our main customer base includes: industrial waste gas treatment companies, ozone purification equipment manufacturers, motor vehicles, ships, exhaust gas treatment, petrochemical and chemical industry environmental protection companies, coating, printing, VOCs treatment, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment companies, metallurgy, thermal power plant flue gas treatment manufacturers, laboratories, enclosed space air purification equipment manufacturers, environmental engineering general contractors and operation and maintenance companies, etc.

Fruit and vegetable storage facilities extend the shelf life of agricultural products by maintaining a low-temperature, high-humidity environment. However, the ozone sterilization technology widely used to inhibit microbial growth can easily lead to excessive ozone concentrations in the storage facility. Especially in high-humidity environments, ozone is more likely to accumulate, which can not only accelerate the oxidation and spoilage of fruits and vegetables but also threaten personnel health and equipment safety. Effective management has become a focus of the industry.

I. Core Sources of High Humidity and Ozone in Fruit and Vegetable Storage Facilities

Active sterilization: Storage facilities are generally equipped with ozone generators for sterilization and mold prevention. If the equipment is improperly selected or the control malfunctions, excessive ozone is easily generated. Equipment Byproducts: Some equipment used in the warehouse, such as high-voltage electrostatic precipitators and ultraviolet lamps, produce ozone as a byproduct during operation.
Environmental Generation: In high-humidity environments, phenomena such as electrical discharge at equipment connectors and air ionization can also generate trace amounts of ozone.

II. Ozone Treatment Methods Adapted for High-Humidity Scenarios

For high-humidity (RH > 85%) conditions, common methods include:
Activated Carbon Adsorption Method: Low initial cost, but adsorption capacity drops sharply in high humidity, requiring frequent replacement, resulting in high long-term operating costs.
Thermal Decomposition Method: Heating the contaminated air to above 300°C to decompose ozone requires enormous energy consumption and is uneconomical.
Ventilation and Dilution Method: Simple but with limited effect, and it disrupts the stable temperature and humidity environment in the warehouse, affecting preservation effectiveness.
Ozone Decomposition Catalyst Method: Currently the most highly recommended technology. Through catalytic action, it efficiently decomposes ozone into oxygen at room temperature, making it especially suitable for temperature and humidity-sensitive cold storage environments.

III. Correct Use of Ozone Decomposition Catalysts

The core advantages are effectiveness at room temperature, no disruption of temperature and humidity, and no energy consumption. Correct application is key:
Scientific Selection: A high-humidity resistant catalyst must be selected. Ordinary catalysts are easily deactivated by water; catalysts based on manganese dioxide and copper oxide, and treated with special hydrophobic treatment, should be used.
Precise Installation:
Location: The best location is in the air duct at the outlet of the ozone generator or in the warehouse's circulating air duct, achieving "instant production and instant elimination."
Method: Modular design facilitates installation in fan coil units, air conditioning units, or independent purification units, ensuring that all circulating air passes through the catalyst layer.
Matching Air Volume: Calculate the required catalyst filling amount and equipment air volume based on the warehouse volume and air exchange rate. Excessive air resistance will affect the airflow organization in the warehouse.
Integrated Control: Link the catalytic purification equipment with the ozone generator and environmental sensors. When the sensor detects an increase in ozone concentration, the catalytic fan is automatically started or accelerated to achieve intelligent closed-loop control. IV. Key Considerations
Pre-filtration: Install a medium-efficiency air filter before the catalyst module to prevent fruit and vegetable dust, spores, and other pollutants from covering the catalyst surface and blocking the micropores.
Regular monitoring and maintenance: Although the catalyst has a long lifespan (usually 1-3 years), it is recommended to check it every six months under high humidity and dusty conditions. Assess its activity degradation by comparing ozone concentrations before and after the catalyst.
Environmental monitoring is essential: Ozone concentration sensors must be installed at key locations in the storage facility to monitor the treatment effect in real time and ensure safety.
Avoid chemical contamination:  Strictly prohibit the catalyst from coming into contact with organic solvents, strong acids, and strong bases, as these substances will permanently poison the catalyst's active components.
Professional consultation: Before project implementation, it is recommended to seek technical support from a professional environmental protection company or catalyst supplier for on-site diagnosis and solution customization.

For treating high-humidity ozone pollution in fruit and vegetable cold storage facilities, the ozone decomposition catalyst solution has become the preferred choice in the industry due to its high efficiency, energy saving, and stability. Through scientific selection, reasonable installation, intelligent linkage, and careful maintenance, it can not only completely eliminate the risk of excessive ozone levels but also safeguard the high-quality storage of fruits and vegetables, ultimately achieving a win-win situation for both economic benefits and food safety.

Author: Hazel
Date: 2026-02-05