BANANA STORAGE PERFORMANCE IN A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM WITH R404A REFRIGERANT AT DIFFERENT PRESSURES

In this study, the storage performance of banana fruits in a refrigeration system at different pressures (950, 1050 and 1150 kPa) with R404A gas refrigerant was investigated. The trials lasted about 10 days. Weight loss (%), color changes, energy consumption and temperature values were determined. Total soluble solids (SSC), pH and total acidity (TA) of the fruits were also analyzed. The weight loss at the experiments was measured as %1.32 at 950 kPa pressure, %1.08 at 1050 kPa pressure and %1.30 at 1150 kPa pressure. Change in fruit surface areas throughout the storage period was determined with the aid of an image processing software. As compared to fresh fruits, SSC, pH and TA of the fruits were best-preserved at 950 kPa pressure. Therefore, 950 kPa pressure was recommended for R404A refrigerant in cold storage of banana fruits.