Design and construction of a continuous industrial scale cold plasma equipment for fresh produce industry

Abstract

This study presents the design, construction, and evaluation of a novel continuous industrial-scale cold plasma system optimized for the treatment of fresh produce. The system integrates multiple plasma modules with a multipin-to-plate discharge configuration, ensuring efficient generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species at relatively low voltages. The cold plasma modules are combined with a conveyor mechanism, allowing for continuous, uniform exposure of irregularly shaped food items, such as tomatoes, to reactive plasma species. Notably, the system operates using ambient air, and incorporates modularity for easy scalability, making it suitable for both small-scale enterprises and large-scale industrial applications.

Experimental trials on tomatoes demonstrated reductions in microbial load, with the system effectively enhancing product safety while minimizing power consumption. Moreover, the integration of cold storage further extended shelf life, although optimization of plasma treatment parameters remains necessary to preserve bioactive compounds like lycopene and ascorbic acid. This research fills a critical gap in scaling cold plasma technology for industrial use, providing a sustainable and energy-efficient solution for food disinfection. The results highlight the potential of this system to meet industry demands for safe and efficient on-farm and small-scale enterprise disinfection.