Real-time “interactive storage” quality control in fresh agro products

Programme 2014 - 2020 INTERREG VB North West Europe

Date of latest update: 2022-05-02

Description

Description (EN):

The agri-food sector is an important industrial sector in the NWE region and has a high economic and social value. However, a significant part of the fruit and vegetables production is lost, due to spoilage/degradation during handling/storage/transportation between farm and distribution. Monitoring of product-produced indicators via an interactive storage system (ISS) in the storage atmosphere is a promising way to gain better control over the quality of the stored produce. There is, however, limited collaboration between innovation stakeholders (research institutes, industry, SMEs, end-users) on a transnational level that limits the development/broad implementation of the interactive storage system for different fresh products and in different regions. Currently, no equipment is available to reliably measure the relevant volatiles with sufficient sensitivity in the storage atmosphere in a simple and cost-effective way. Currently at TRL4, the main outputs of QCAP will be the development of a prototype of the interactive storage system by the collaboration of 3 enterprises with 4 research institutions and an interactive storage system validated in real life, commercial conditions (at TRL6) in Germany (apples/blueberries), UK (potatoes) and Belgium (pears). . Long term effects: Using the ISS, growers/retailers will be able to gain EUR 60-100 million/yearly (estimated) in the NWE region, due to a 3-5% reduction of losses in fresh produce, using this highly innovative system. In addition, QCAP will lead to 32 sustainable and long-term cooperations between organisations from the agri-food and high-tech sector on a transnational level and increased profits of organisations in agri-food and photonics sector due to sales of 10000 systems and technologies (NWE) in new markets. Thus, QCAP will support cooperation between regions and create critical mass to enhance innovation performance of organizations in the NWE region.

Description (DE):

Der Landwirtschafts-Ernährungssektor ist ein wichtiger Industriesektor in NWE und hat einen hohen ökonomischen und sozialen Wert. Jedoch geht ein bedeutender Anteil der Früchte und des Gemüses verloren, aufgrund von des Verderbens und der Degradierung während der Bearbeitung/Lagerung/Transport. Produktspezifische Indikatorenüberwachung, ausgehen von einem interaktives Lagersystem in der Lageratmosphäre, ist ein vielversprechender Weg zur besseren Kontrolle der Qualität der Produkte. Jedoch gibt es nur eine begrenzte Korporation zwischen den innovativen Interessengruppen (Forschungsinstitute, SMEs, Endnutzer) auf transnationaler Ebene, welche die Entwicklung/breitflächigen Implementierung des interaktiven Lagersystems für verschiedene Frischwaren und Regionen begrenzt. Im Moment ist kein Equipment verfügbar, welches die relevanten leicht flüchtigen Stoffe verlässlich, mit ausreichender Sensitivität in der Lageratmosphäre kosteneffizient messen kann. Das Hauptergebniss von QCAP wird die Entwicklung eines Prototypen (momentane am TRL4) des interaktiven Speichersystems sein, sowie die Kollaboration von 3 Unternehmen mit 4 Forschungsinstituten und die Validierung im Einsatz. Kommerzielle Bedingungen (am TRL6) in Deutschland (Äpfel, Blaubeeren), VK (Kartoffeln) und Belgien (Birnen). Langzeiteffekte: Nutzung des ISS, Erzeuger/ Einzelhändlerin der NWE-Region werden 60-100 M€ p.a. (geschätzt) gewinnen, dank einer 3-5 % Reduzierung der Frischwarenverluste. Zusaätzlich wird QCAP zu einem nachhaltigen Anstieg der Kooperation zwischen 32 Organisationen, auf transnationalen Niveau, aus dem Agra-Ernährungs- und dem Hochtechnologie-Sektor führen, sowie einem gestiegenen Profit der Organisationen im Agri-Ernährungs- und Photonik-Sektor (NWE) dank dem Verkauf von 10000 Systemen/Technologien auf neuen Märkten. Daher wird QCAP die Kooperation zwischen Regionen unterstützen und kritische Masse erzeugen, um die Innovation der Organisatoren in der NWE zu verbessern.

Description (FR):

Le secteur agro est un acteur industriel important en ENO et possède une très forte valeur économique et sociale. Cependant, une part significative de la production des fruits et des légumes est perdue, à cause de leur gâchis/dégradation pendant la manipulation/stockage/transport entre la ferme et leur distribution. La surveillance des substances volatiles dégagées par les produits stockées via un innovant et interactif système de stockage permet d’avoir le contrôle sur la qualité des produits stockés. Une collaboration limitée entre les acteurs innovants (recherche, industrie, PME, utilisateurs finaux) à un niveau transnational limite le développement et une large mise en oeuvre de ces systèmes pour différents produits frais dans plusieurs pays. De nos jours, aucun équipement fiable, simple et bon marché n’est disponible pour mesurer les substances volatiles ciblées avec suffisamment de sensibilité dans l’espace de stockage. Actuellement à TRL4, le projet QCPA va développer un prototype du système interactif de stockage grâce à la collaboration de 3 entreprises et 4 instituts de recherche pour une validation en conditions réelles et atteindre ainsi TRL6, et cela en Allemagne (pommes/myrtilles), UK (pommes de terre) et Belgique (poire). Impact sur le long-terme : grâce au système innovant de stockage, les producteurs/revendeurs vont gagner entre 60 et 100 M€ par an en ENO, due à une réduction de 3 à 5% des pertes de produits frais (estimation). De plus, QCAP va pérenniser la coopération sur le long-terme de 32 organisations des secteurs agro et high-tech à un niveau transnational. Grâce à la vente de 10000 systèmes dans des nouveaux marchés en ENO, les profits des organisations des secteurs agro et photonique vont croitre. Ainsi, QCAP participera à la coopération entre les régions et permet d’atteindre une masse critique pour améliorer l’innovation de ces organisations en ENO.

Achievements (EN):

The QCAP partners successfully cooperated in the completion of three sensor prototypes for monitoring fruit and potatoes in storage areas. The monitoring systems have been tested in both laboratory and industrial environments in Jork, Cranfield, and Leuven; demonstrating the high potential of QCAP in monitoring fruit emitted volatile species. QCAP started in 2017 to build a low-cost, portable, and fully integrated gas sensor that can detect eight chemical volatiles simultaneously. These compounds are related to fermentation, ripening, damage and spoilage during storage. An essential requisite for the project was effective teamwork and cooperation among the partners. The sensor consisted of many individual components, gas treatment system, electronics, and the software. Therefore, the development of the complete system was expected to be challenging from the beginning. For the simultaneous detection of multiple gas species, a new laser with broad-spectrum and high intensity was required. The fast detection of multiple gas species at the sub-ppmv level was another challenge. Thus, a new, fast, and low-cost spectrometer capable of measuring gas absorption over a broad spectral range had to be developed. Furthermore, user-friendly integrated software for controlling the system and on-line analysing the data was needed. But perhaps, the most challenging aspect was the constraint time-frame and budget. Due to the complexity of the system, the development of the sensors initially took more time than anticipated. The first sensor prototype was shipped to Leuven in January 2019. Afterwards, prototypes were fabricated and shipped to Jork and Cranfield. So far, the gases released from stored potatoes, apples, pears and blueberries have been measured. The field tests allowed to improve the system hardware and software iteratively. Effectively achieving the project goals, QCAP is currently at its final stage. At the moment, one sensor system is performing measurements on blueberries stored in Jork, while the other will finish studying emitted gases from potatoes in Cranfield. After preparing the final reports and remarks, the project will be followed up by a next project called Max-Fresh to mature the QCAP sensor into a commercial product.

Website: http://www.nweurope.eu/

Expected Outputs (EN):

Presently, laser-based sensors for Interactive Storage Systems (ISS) are not cost-effective for agri-food storage, due to costly sensors (40 k€ for a single gas). No such ISS is on the market, yet. A laser-based sensor has been validated in lab conditions (TRL 4) for multicomponent gas analysis, which has potential for a cost-effective ISS. Currently, there are no collaborations between organisations from the agri-food and high-tech sector on a transnational level to boost this development.

Thematic information

Logistics and freight transport Agriculture and fisheries and forestry

Specific Objective: To enhance innovation performance of enterprises throughout NWE regions

Thematic Objective: (01) strengthening research, technological development and innovation by:

Investment Priority:

(01b) promoting business investment in R&I, developing links and synergies between enterprises, research and development centres and the higher education sector, in particular promoting investment in product and service development, technology transfer, social innovation, eco-innovation, public service applications, demand stimulation, networking, clusters and open innovation through smart specialisation, and supporting technological and applied research, pilot lines, early product validation actions, advanced manufacturing capabilities and first production, in particular in key enabling technologies and diffusion of general purpose technologies

Partners (7)

Lead Partner: Radboud University

Department: Life Science Trace Gas Facility & Trace Gas Research Group

Address: Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, Netherlands

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.ru.nl/tracegasfacility/

Total budget: EUR 1 275 079.39

ERDF budget: EUR 765 047.63

STOREX Belgie BVBA

Name: STOREX Belgie BVBA

Address: Zavelstraat 7a, B-9190 Stekene, Belgium

Legal status: private

Website: http://www.storex.nl/

Total budget: EUR 295 995.96

ERDF budget: EUR 177 597.58

Vlaams Centrum voor Bewaring van Tuinbouwproducten

Name: Vlaams Centrum voor Bewaring van Tuinbouwproducten

Address: Willem de Croylaan 42, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium

Legal status: private

Website: http://www.vcbt.be/

Total budget: EUR 331 652.19

ERDF budget: EUR 198 991.31

Cranfield University

Name: Cranfield University

Department: Postharvest Technology Group

Address: College Road 1, MK43 0AL Cranfield, United Kingdom

Legal status: public

Website: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk

Total budget: EUR 371 370.45

ERDF budget: EUR 222 822.27

Sensor Sense BV

Name: Sensor Sense BV

Address: St. Agnetenweg 103, 6545 AV Nijmegen, Netherlands

Legal status: private

Website: http://www.sensor-sense.nl/

Total budget: EUR 78 834.01

ERDF budget: EUR 47 300.41

Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersachsen, Obstbauversuchsanstalt Jork

Name: Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersachsen, Obstbauversuchsanstalt Jork

Address: Mars-la-Tour-Str. 1-13, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.lwk-niedersachsen.de

Total budget: EUR 253 249.22

ERDF budget: EUR 151 949.53

NKT Photonics A/S

Name: NKT Photonics A/S

Address: Compass Point, Ensign Way 20, SO31 4RA Southampton, United Kingdom

Legal status: private

Website: http://www.nktphotonics.com

Total budget: EUR 537 451.05

ERDF budget: EUR 322 470.63

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

STOREX Belgium BVBA

Real-time “interactive storage” quality control in fresh agro products

Partners and Projects info

Flanders Centre of Postharvest Research

Real-time “interactive storage” quality control in fresh agro products

Partners and Projects info

Radboud University

Real-time “interactive storage” quality control in fresh agro products

Partners and Projects info

Cranfield University

Real-time “interactive storage” quality control in fresh agro products

Partners and Projects info

Sensor Sense BV

Real-time “interactive storage” quality control in fresh agro products

Partners and Projects info

Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersachsen, Obstbauversuchsanstalt Jork

Real-time “interactive storage” quality control in fresh agro products

Partners and Projects info

NKT Photonics A/S

Real-time “interactive storage” quality control in fresh agro products

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Real-time “interactive storage” quality control in fresh agro products

Project acronym: QCAP

Project start date: 2016-09-15

Project end date: 2020-12-14

Project status: closed

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 3 143 632.27

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 886 179.36

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 886 179.36.

Documents

Documents on this project are listed below, and organised by category. Please note field "Data source", attached to each document. Keep.eu users are free to use these documents as long as they mention the data source and keep.eu.

Media releases / articles

QCAP Newsletter Autumn 2020

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Data source: https://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/real-time-interactive-storage-quality-control-in-fresh-agro-products-qcap/

Publication date: 2020-11-25

Document date: 2020-09-30

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

QCAP Newsletter Spring 2020

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Data source: https://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/real-time-interactive-storage-quality-control-in-fresh-agro-products-qcap/

Publication date: 2020-11-25

Document date: 2020-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

QCAP Newsletter Autumn 2019

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Data source: https://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/real-time-interactive-storage-quality-control-in-fresh-agro-products-qcap/

Publication date: 2020-11-25

Document date: 2019-09-30

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

QCAP Newsletter Spring 2019

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Data source: https://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/real-time-interactive-storage-quality-control-in-fresh-agro-products-qcap/

Publication date: 2020-11-25

Document date: 2019-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

QCAP Newsletter Autumn 2018

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Data source: https://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/real-time-interactive-storage-quality-control-in-fresh-agro-products-qcap/

Publication date: 2020-11-25

Document date: 2018-09-30

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

QCAP Newsletter Spring 2018

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Data source: https://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/real-time-interactive-storage-quality-control-in-fresh-agro-products-qcap/

Publication date: 2020-11-25

Document date: 2018-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

QCAP Newsletter Autumn 2017

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Publication date: 2020-11-25

Document date: 2017-09-30

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Flyers

QCAP Flyer (EN)

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Flyer

Data source: https://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/real-time-interactive-storage-quality-control-in-fresh-agro-products-qcap/

Publication date: 2020-11-25

Document date: 2020-12-14

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Videos / films

Video: QCAP EN

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/real-time-interactive-storage-quality-control-in-fresh-agro-products-qcap/

Publication date: 2020-11-25

Document date: 2020-01-08

Languages: en

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2014 - 2020 INTERREG VB North West Europe

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2022-05-02

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

102 / 102 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 142 / 1 142 (100%)

Notes on the data

Information provided by the Programme. Achievements were retrieved by Interact from the Programme website (http://www.nweurope.eu/), or a website directly linked from it, on 2021-12-12 and 2023-01-03.

Languages

Contact Form

Real-time “interactive storage” quality control in fresh agro products

Description

Thematic information

Partners (7)

Partners map

Summary

Documents

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer