Development of CFD based modelling tools and retro-fit solutions to provide improved CIPC control in potato storage to meet the new low residual limits & application levels

Potato store efficiency and losses depend crucially on air flows to distribute treatments and to equilibrate temperature and moisture in the breathing crop, without excessive energy consumption and yield loss through dehydration. At least 60% of current stores are failing in this regard, leading to potential exceedances in CIPC - a crucial sprouting suppressant that might be withdrawn as a result - and also to energy and deydration losses. Our new system will develop scientifically based design tools, using detailed maps of air flow, heat/mass transfer and CIPC deposition within boxes and tuber surfacess, to help modify stores' air handling to meet legislative limits and improve resource efficiency. This industrially led project combines leading companies in potato store design and build, store energy and chemical control and potato handling & packing, with scientific support from the Potato Council's Sutton Bridge research facility and Cranfield Uni Aeronautics group. We aim to provide the tools and retrofit options to save the industry over £50M in losses from CIPC failures and improved energy and moisture management.