ULO gas treatment distinguishes itself from other gas treatments by maintaining extremely low oxygen concentrations (0.5-1.5%), while CA storage uses higher levels (1-5%). MAP packaging works at the product level with preset gas mixtures, while ULO offers active atmosphere control in large storage spaces. The choice depends on your product, storage volume, and desired shelf life.
What exactly is ULO gas treatment?
ULO gas treatment stands for Ultra Low Oxygen and is an advanced form of controlled atmosphere storage. This technique reduces the oxygen content in storage spaces to between 0.5% and 1.5%, significantly lower than the normal 21% in air.
The system works by adding nitrogen to the storage space, thereby displacing oxygen. Modern nitrogen generators produce this nitrogen on-site by filtering compressed air through Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology. The oxygen molecules bind to a molecular carbon sieve, while pure nitrogen is allowed through.
The specific characteristics that distinguish ULO from other gas treatments are:
- Extremely low oxygen concentrations (below 1.5%)
- Active atmosphere control with continuous monitoring
- Capability for real-time adjustments
- Suitable for long-term storage of large volumes
How does ULO differ from CA (controlled atmosphere) storage?
The main difference between ULO and CA storage lies in the oxygen concentrations and precision of control. CA storage uses oxygen levels between 1% and 5%, while ULO gas treatment further reduces this to 0.5-1.5%.
| Aspect | ULO Gas Treatment | CA Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen concentration | 0.5-1.5% | 1-5% |
| CO2 concentration | 0.5-3% | 1-5% |
| Control precision | Very high | Average |
| Storage period | 12+ months | 6-9 months |
CA storage is often applied for shorter storage periods and is less complex in installation. ULO requires more advanced atmosphere control systems but offers superior results for long-term storage of sensitive products such as apples, pears, and other fruits.
The effectiveness of ULO is higher because the lower oxygen levels further slow down the respiration of products, resulting in longer shelf life and better preservation of texture and flavor.
When do you choose ULO instead of MAP packaging?
The choice between ULO gas treatment and MAP packaging depends on your storage volume and duration. MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) works on individual packages, while ULO treats complete storage spaces.
Choose ULO gas treatment when you:
- Store large volumes of products (tons instead of kilograms)
- Need long-term storage (6 months or longer)
- Want flexibility in treating different batches
- Want to minimize costs per unit product with large volumes
MAP packaging is more suitable for:
- Smaller quantities and retail packaging
- Products that go directly to the consumer
- Situations where large storage spaces are not available
- Products that need specific gas mixture ratios per type
ULO offers more control because you can adjust the gas composition during the storage period. With MAP, the gas mixture is fixed at packaging and cannot be changed. For professional storage of seasonal products, ULO is usually the better choice.
What advantages does ULO offer over traditional storage?
ULO gas treatment offers significant advantages over traditional cooling alone. The most important advantage is the drastically extended shelf life without quality loss of your products.
The specific advantages of ULO over traditional storage are:
- Extended shelf life: 3-5 times longer than cooling alone
- Quality preservation: Texture, flavor, and nutritional value are maintained
- Reduced weight loss: Less dehydration due to slower metabolism
- Natural method: No chemical treatments needed
- Energy efficiency: Lower cooling costs through optimal storage conditions
Traditional storage only slows down spoilage through temperature reduction. ULO gas treatment goes further by also limiting oxygen supply, causing the natural respiration of products to virtually stop. This results in a kind of ‘dormant state’ where aging is minimal.
For businesses, this means less waste, better planning possibilities, and the ability to supply seasonal products year-round. The investment in ULO systems pays for itself through reduced losses and added value of longer-lasting products. Unlike chemical treatments, nitrogen-based atmosphere control provides a natural alternative that also supports biological pest control methods.
Important considerations when choosing the right gas treatment
When selecting the most suitable gas treatment for your application, you must weigh various factors. The product specifications and storage conditions determine which method gives the best results.
Consider these factors in your choice:
- Product type: Some products respond better to specific oxygen levels
- Storage volume: Large volumes make ULO more cost-effective
- Storage duration: Longer periods require more precise control
- Investment budget: ULO has higher initial costs but lower operational costs
- Flexibility: Ability to adjust settings during storage
For optimal results, it is important to work with experienced suppliers who can provide customized solutions. Each product and each situation requires specific settings for oxygen, carbon dioxide, and temperature.
The choice between different gas treatments also depends on your business processes. If you regularly need access to the storage space, the system must be able to quickly restore the desired atmosphere after opening.
We are happy to advise you on the possibilities for your specific situation. With our experience in nitrogen storage and atmosphere control systems, we can help you make the right choice for your storage gas systems. Contact us for expert advice for an analysis of your needs and appropriate advice.