WO2014154776A1

WO2014154776A1 - Atmosphere modifier

Info

Publication number: WO2014154776A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/056105
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Laurence; Howard Wilson
Original assignee: Noo2 Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-27
Filing date: 2014-03-26
Publication date: 2014-10-02
Also published as: GB201405459D0; EP2984427A1; GB201305564D0; GB2515864A

Abstract

A refrigerated environment atmosphere refiner is provided and comprises oxygen removal means (16a) for removing oxygen from the atmosphere (12a), whereby to help prolong the life of perishable items stored in the environment (11a).

Description

ATMOSPHERE MODIFIER

The present invention relates to the idea of modifying an atmosphere to provide a beneficial effect,

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an atmosphere refiner comprising oxygen removal means for removing oxygen from the atmosphere.

In some aspects and embodiments the present invention relates generally to refrigerated environments and particularly to the improvement of the length of time products can be stored in such environments before they are no longer usable.

For example, foodstuffs often have a "shelf life" or a usable life. At the end of a food's usable life, the food begins to develop characteristics that are unacceptable or undesirable.

These unacceptable or undesirable characteristics can be microbiological, chemical or physical. The usable life of food depends on the degradation mechanism of the specific product. Most can be influenced by several factors: exposure to light, heat, and moisture, transmission of gases, mechanical stresses, and contamination by things such as micro-organisms.

The usable life of food is generally extended by temperature control and refrigeration during storage, display and transport is commonplace. However, even in refrigerated environments degradation still occurs. One of the primary causes of food degradation in refrigerated environments is oxidation. Oxidation reactions happen when chemicals in the food are exposed to oxygen in the refrigerated atmosphere. Oxidation of food is a destructive process, causing loss of nutritional value and changes in chemical composition. Oxidation of fats and oils leads to rancidity and, in fruits such as apples, it can result in the formation of compounds which discolour the fruit. Fats and oils, or foods containing them, are the most likely to have problems with oxidation. Fats are broken down when they react with oxygen. This makes the food containing the fats go off. As the fat decomposes and reacts with oxygen, chemicals called peroxides are produced. These change into the substances characteristic of the smell and soapy flavour of a rancid fat. Some aspects and embodiments of the present invention seek to provide improvements in or relating to refrigerated environments. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a refrigerated environment atmosphere refiner comprising oxygen removal means for removing oxygen from the atmosphere whereby to help prolong the life of perishable items stored in the environment. By oxygen removal is meant reducing the level of oxygen within the atmosphere. In practice oxygen levels may be depleted by 100% or by up to 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10%.

In some embodiments oxygen removal means complete removal of dioxygen molecules. In other embodiments removal means that dioxygen has been incorporated into a compound or otherwise rendered unable to react to spoil items.

In some embodiments some or all of the refining process is conducted within the confines of the environment; therefore at least part of the removal means is provided internally. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments some or all of the refining process is conducted outside the confines of the environment; therefore at least part of the removal means is provided externally. For example, in some embodiments atmosphere is extracted, processed and reintroduced i.e. processed externally of the environment itself.

The removal means may comprise one or more of: a combustion process; an oxidation and/or reduction process; a chemical reaction; an oxygen scavenging process; and an oxygen absorption process.

In some embodiments an energy source is required for the removal process, for example a combustible fuel or a power source such as a battery. In such embodiments a display means for displaying the energy level and/or an alert means for indicating low/no energy may be provided.

In some embodiments the perishable items comprise foodstuffs. In other embodiments the perishable items may comprise, for example, pharmaceuticals or medicines. Aspects and embodiments of the present invention may comprise an oxygen detector/sensor, for example with the ability to determine the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere. In some embodiments the sensor can be used in a feedback loop to turn the removal means on/off when a threshold level is exceeded/attained. The removal means may generate heat. The heat may be used in an additional process, for example the heat may be used to warm refrigerant (with a consequential increase in cooling efficiency). Aspects and embodiments of the present invention may further comprise anti-microbial means. In some embodiments the gaseous atmosphere may be irradiated, for example with a U.V. light. The irradiation may be conducted internally and/or externally of the environment (perhaps depending on whether the atmosphere is deoxygenated internally or externally). !n some embodiments microbicidal or microbiostatic agents may be used, for example antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral or antiparasitic agents.

The present invention also relates to a domestic refrigerator or a compartment thereof having a refiner as described herein.

According to a further aspect there is provided a method of prolonging the life of perishable items stored in a refrigerated environment comprising depleting oxygen from the environment atmosphere. According to a further aspect there is provided a food preservation system comprising means for depleting oxygen from the local atmosphere in which the food is stored.

According to a further aspect there is provided a method of prolonging the life of perishable items stored in a refrigerated environment comprising extracting from the environment, depleting oxygen from atmosphere and reintroducing the deoxygenated atmosphere into the environment.

In some aspects and embodiments the refrigerator may be an absorption refrigerator which requires only a heat source to operate. Such a refrigerator may be used in combination with a heat-generating oxygen removal means formed in accordance with the present invention, with the heat generated being used, at least partly, to power the cooling.

C0₂ generated as part of some oxygen removal processes may remain for quite a while at the bottom of a fridge. In one embodiment part of a refrigerator, for example a salad compartment, could be converted into a box which could collect C0₂. For example a side cylinder of C0₂ could be attached to the C0₂ box to act as a top-up into the box, as CO_z is removed during fridge use. In some embodiments this would be a compartment only at the bottom of the fridge (and not the whole fridge). It could, for example be a salad compartment preservation system, as against a whole fridge food preservation solution. In some embodiments this would also avoid the need for fuel (ethanol etc.) cartridges being put into the fridge to supply a combustion process.

In some aspects and embodiments a hydrogen fuel cell principle is used to deplete oxygen. The present invention also relates to the control of microbes. The invention also relates to a device and/or method for the control of microbial organisms.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method comprising: the unwanted presence of microbes in a defined space, said space comprising both rooms and containers with openings or doors for access, the confinement of that space by the closing or sealing of the access point, to reduce or prevent gas exchange with the external environment and the controlled ignition of a combustible material within the confined space until most of the oxygen within the space has been combusted into C0₂ and H₂0. Microbial control is necessary in many situations and environments in daily life (which may, for example be in an industrial practice, transportation process, storage facility, container, food production, refrigeration unit or medical environment).

If a user was able to see microbes in his environment (which may, for example, be bacteria, a virus or fungus), he might want to kill or reduce the resistance of the microbes to being killed, to prevent illness, food contamination or spoiling e.g. in the storage of food whereby a reduction in the microbial load contamination would prolong the life of foodstuffs. For example, storage surfaces would need to be treated to keep the bacterial counts or loads to a minimum, and the food itself would have to be decontaminated in its outer surface to help increase the conservation period. At present, a user might use a variety of methods for reducing microbial organisms in their environments. For example, uses could, use chemicals such as bleach, remove the air within a container by creating a vacuum, replace the air within a container with another gas such as Nitrogen or sterilise the environment by means of UV light and a photo-catalytic compound, that might themselves be ineffective, hazardous to health, contaminate food stuffs, reduce their lifespan or be prohibitively expensive.

The inventor recognises that there are many instances whereby users might want to reduce their exposure, the exposure to foodstuffs or the exposure of others to microbial loads. There are described herein methods by which a user can use a device executed within a confined space, said space comprising both rooms and containers with openings or doors for access, in order to reduce the microbial load within that space. The device referred to herein could be an independent unit or integrated into an appliance or other device such as a refrigeration unit. The device can kill certain microbial organisms within a confined space and in doing so can reduce the microbial load in the space. In methods described herein, this is achieved by sealing the space so no, or low, air is able to enter or escape for the duration of the microbial load reduction procedure and thereafter until such a time as the space is opened to the external environment and contamination. A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of reducing the microbial load of a sealed container, the method comprising: the unwanted presence of microbes in a defined space, the confinement of that space to reduce or prevent gas exchange with the external environment and the controlled ignition of a combustible material within the confined space until extinguished by the lack of 0₂ to sustain combustion.

For example a refrigeration unit containing an internal combustible fuel source and ignition means. A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of reducing the microbial load of a sealed container, the method comprising: the unwanted presence of microbes in a defined space, said microbes comprising both anaerobic and aerobic organisms. The confinement of that space, to reduce or prevent gas exchange with the external environment, activation of an ultra-violet light and air circulation device in the presence of a photo-catalytic compound for a defined period and the controlled ignition of a combustible material within the confined space until extinguished by the lack of 0₂ to sustain combustion.

A further aspect provides a method for the control of microbes, the method comprising:

closing of a door of a container creating a seal with the external environment; the ignition of a fuel within a combustion device, within the container; burning of the fuel within the combustion device, until the levels of 0₂, within the container can no longer can sustain combustion; and the extinguishing of the flame within the combustion device due to no or low 0₂ levels.

A further aspect provides a method for the control of microbes, the method comprising: closing of a door of a container creating a seal with the external environment; the lighting of a U.V. lamp; the ignition of a fuel within a combustion device, within the container; burning of the fuel within the combustion device, until the levels of 0₂, within the container can no longer can sustain combustion; and the extinguishing of the flame within the combustion device due to no or low 0₂ levels.

The container may contain TiO_z or a similar compound that reacts under a U.V. light to produce compounds that kill microbes (e.g. ozone).

For example a refrigeration unit coated internally with photo-catalytic compound, such as Ti0₂, a UV light that, for example, emits 254 nm wavelengths and containing an internal combustible fuel source and ignition means. In aspects and embodiments of the present invention the atmosphere to be modified/controlled/refined/purified may be in respect of a fridge or refrigerated container, or a compartment or zone thereof. In aspects and embodiments of the present invention the atmosphere to be modified/controlled/refined/purified may be in respect of, for example, a container used for the transportation or storage of food stuffs. This may be refrigerated or non-refrigerated.

In aspects and embodiments of the present invention the atmosphere to be modified/controlled/refined/purified may be in respect of a room used for medical or similar purposes, for example a hospital ward. This may be refrigerated or non-refrigerated.

In aspects and embodiments of the present invention the atmosphere to be modified/controlled/refined/purified may be in respect of a room used for the preparation or packaging of food stuffs. This may be refrigerated or non-refrigerated.

A further aspect of the present invention provides an atmosphere refiner comprising oxygen removal means for removing oxygen from the atmosphere. A further aspect of the present invention provides an atmosphere modifier comprising oxygen removal means for periodically removing oxygen from an atmosphere.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method for the control of microbes in an environment, the method comprising removing oxygen from the atmosphere in the environment.

Some aspects and embodiments of the present invention combine oxygen depletion with one or more further processes for preserving perishable items. For example, anti-microbial means,

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention may include a heat recovery capacity. For example the heat liberated during an oxygen removal process could be used for a useful purpose which could be related to the same process (e.g. to provide cooling in a refrigerator) or an unrelated process (e.g. cooling in a freezer).

A variety of fuel sources may be used where required. For example ethanol, propane or butane may be used (for example provided in replaceable cartridges). Alternatively or additionally a renewable energy source may be used, such as solar.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together. Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a refrigerated environment formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a refrigerated environment formed according to a further embodiment;

Figure 2A is a schematic illustration of a refrigerated environment formed according to a further embodiment;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a refrigerated environment formed according to a further embodiment;

Figure 3A is a schematic illustration of a refrigerated environment formed according to a further embodiment;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an oxygen removal process formed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a refrigerated environment formed according to a further embodiment;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a cooling process formed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a further cooling process formed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an oxygen removal process formed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of an oxygen removal process formed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of an oxygen removal process formed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of an oxygen removal process formed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of an oxygen removal process formed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of an oxygen removal process formed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 14 shows a schematic illustration of a container;

Figure 15 shows a schematic illustration of a room; Figure 16 shows a schematic of an ignition device;

Figure 17 is a flow chart for the process of the reduction of microbial load according to the preferred embodiment; and Figure 18 is a balanced chemical equation for the combustion of ethanol as an example of one process for depleting dioxygen molecules.

Referring first to Figure 1 there is shown a refrigerated environment generally indicated 1. The environment 1 includes an interior compartment 2 which has an atmosphere 3. The compartment 2 is provided with an oxygen depleter 4 which is housed inside the compartment and includes an inlet 5 and an outlet 6. Atmosphere 3 is drawn into the deplete 4 through the inlet and is exhausted through the outlet 6. The depleter 4 comprises a means of removing oxygen from the atmosphere or otherwise rendering it unreactive, so that atmosphere reintroduced via the outlet has a reduced level of reactive dioxygen molecules. The atmosphere 3 thereby has a tendency towards depleted oxygen content so that items stored in the compartment that are susceptible to oxidation are preserved for longer.

Referring now to Figure 2 there is shown an alternative refrigerated environment 10. The environment 10 includes an interior compartment 11 which has an atmosphere 12. The compartment 11 is provided with an oxygen depleter 13 which is housed outside the compartment and includes an inlet 14 and an outlet 15. Atmosphere 12 is drawn into the depleter 13 through the inlet 14 and is exhausted through the outlet 15. The depleter 13 comprises a means of removing oxygen from the atmosphere or otherwise rendering it unreactive, so that atmosphere reintroduced via the outlet 15 has a reduced level of reactive dioxygen molecules. The atmosphere 3 thereby has a tendency towards a lowered oxygen content so that items stored in the compartment that are susceptible to oxidation are preserved for longer.

In this embodiment the depleter 13 includes an oxygen scavenger filter 16 through which atmosphere is passed. The filter 16 helps to remove or decrease the level of oxygen in the atmosphere. The filter may comprise, for example, iron powder and sodium chloride or oxygen scavenging polymers. In some embodiments activated charcoal is included in the filter. In some embodiments oxygen scavenging material is alternatively or additionally incorporated into the walls of the refrigerator compartment.

Figure 2 A shows an alternative embodiment in which the inlet 14a / outlet 15a points are reversed. In this embodiment a hydrogen fuel cell 16a is used as an atmosphere refiner (i.e. an oxygen remover). Additionally a means of causing the atmosphere to be circulated to/from the removal system is provided, in this embodiment being a fan 17a (such as a digital fan). In some embodiments the fan and/or the deplete are turned off when a door to the fridge is opened, then turned on when the door is closed. A sensor 3a is provided to monitor gas concentrations (e.g. oxygen and carbon dioxide) within the environment. Parts of the system may be automatically deactivated/activated depending on the detected levels; for example the system may be deactivated when the sensor detects that oxygen levels have met a required threshold so as not to waste energy. Manual override controls may be provided. A display means 4a is provided to display information, such as gas levels, fuel levels, efficiency details and temperature.

Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown a refrigerator generally indicated 20. In this embodiment the refrigerator includes an interior space 21 in which an atmosphere 22 resides. The refrigerator 20 is provided with an external oxygen remover 23 which takes atmosphere 22 and a combustion process is activated which causes a fuel (e.g. propane, butane or ethanol) to be burnt. The combustion process consumes oxygen so that atmosphere re-entering the compartment has a lower oxygen content. In this embodiment the oxygen depleted atmosphere is passed through a conduit 24 that passed close to a refrigerant coil 25 so that the refrigerant is warmed. In this embodiment the remover 23 is designed to be self-limiting i.e. once the oxygen content is reduced the combustion reaction will no longer be possible, so the reaction will die. This prevents the remover being permanently on. Figure 3 A shows an embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 3, but with reversed inlet / outlet points. In this embodiment the flame from the burner 18 goes up the relevant pipe and the burner/bottom of the pipes is at least 20% above the bottom of the fridge in order to avoid C0₂ supply to the burner (which would extinguish the flame). In this embodiment an auxiliary air flap 19 (which opens and closes as required) to the burner 18 is provided to ensure adequate external oxygen supply for the flame.

In Figure 4 a triple coil embodiment is shown. This embodiment uses heat generated in an oxygen depletion process to improved efficiency of a fridge compressor. By using the heat generated by a combustion reaction of either hydrocarbons or hydrogen as in the fuel cell the refrigerant is warmed and so improving the efficiency of the compressor. Every 1 Degrees C rise in temperature of the compressor improves the efficiency by 5%.

In Figure 5 a hydrogen fuel cell fridge 30 is shown. As illustrated, Hydrogen from the fuel cell 'combusts' the Oxygen within the fridge compartment producing H₂0 and electricity to power the fridge. The heat produced by the fuel cell is used to warm the refrigerant and improve the efficiency of the compressor.

Hydrogen Dual Fuel Cell Data:

1 Atmosphere Pressure, 5 degrees C and 15 Itrs

2.62 moles

Number of moles of Oxygen

0.54 moles

Mass of Oxygen (1 mole = 32g)

17.43g

Reaction with Hydrogen

2H2 + 02 2H20

Therefore need 1.08 moles of H2 to react with all 02

32,638cm3 of H2 1 would take 1 hour to produce 283cm3

25 would take 2 minutes to produce 283cm3

In one embodiment a hydrogen fuel cell with generally the following characteristics is used:

Dimensions: 54mm x 54mm x 17mm

Input Voltage: 1.7V ~ 3V (DC)

Input Current:≥0.7A at 2V

Hydrogen production rate: 5ml/min In Figures 6 and 7 'closed' system ice and salt super cooler embodiments 40, 50 are shown. The cooler method utilising the warmth generated by an oxygen depletion process (e.g. a combustion process) to evaporate a brine / water mix.

In Figure 8 an air battery oxygen removal process 55 is illustrated and may be utilised with aspects and embodiments of the present invention.

In Figure 9 a hydrogen fuel cell process 60 is shown. As illustrated, Hydrogen from the fuel cell 'combusts' the Oxygen within a fridge compartment producing H₂0 and electricity to power the fridge. The heat produced by the fuel cell is used to warm the refrigerant and improve the efficiency of the compressor.

In Figures 10 and 11 a molecular air sieve principle is illustrated. A molecular sieve is a material with very small holes of precise and uniform size. These holes are small enough to block large molecules while allowing small molecules to pass. This allows for oxygen to be trapped by the sieve. Molecular sieve principles may be applied to aspects and embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrated a molecular membrane device 65 suitable for use in aspects and embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment the membrane takes compressed air and separates dioxygen molecules out.

In Figure 13 an oil burner based process is illustrated. The burner 70 burns fresh or waste oil, which: i) produces electricity; ii) produces heat (which may be used to help with cooling); and removes oxygen.

In some embodiments the refrigerator may be an absorption refrigerator (for example an Einstein refrigerator) which requires only a heat source to operate. Such a refrigerator may be used in combination with a heat-generating oxygen removal means formed in accordance with the present invention, with the heat generated being used, at least partly, to power the cooling. Figure 14 shows a microbe 101 which can be present on surfaces 102, object 103 or the user 104. The user 104 is placing the object 103, which could be food, in a container 105, which could be a fridge, made up of a storage area and an access door or panel. The microbe 101 can multiple on the surface of the object 103 and the container 105. The object 103 when placed in the container 105 can come into contact with surfaces 102 or the user 104 and the bacterial load can increase. The door of the container 105 is closed and a seal with the external environment is maintained. The combustion device 106 ignites combustible material which, could be a gas, liquid or solid state fuel and continues to burn until there is no more 0₂ or too low 0₂ in the container to sustain combustion.

Figure 15 shows a microbe 201 which can be present on surfaces 202, within a room 203, on an object within the room 204, which could be a piece of furniture or the user 205. The user 205 seals the room by for instance closing the door 206 and the combustion device 207 ignites the combustible material, which could be a gas, liquid or solid state fuel and continues to burn until there is no more 0₂ or too low 0₂ in the room to sustain a combustion.

Figure 16 illustrates an overview of a combustion device 301 which is made up of a wick 302 an ignition sauce 303 and a fuel 304.

With reference to figure 17 there is now described a method of a preferred embodiment, the steps shown (i.e. S401, S402, S403, S404, S405, S406, S407) implemented within a container, for example, a refrigeration unit. In step S401 the user 104 closes the door of the container 105 creating a seal with the outside environment. The seal minimises any gaseous exchange between the air within the container and the external environment.

In step S402 the combustion device 301 ignites the fuel 304 via an ignition source 303, which for example couid be an electrical spark, which could be triggered by the closing of the container door 105.

The fuel 304 within the ignition device 301 burns until no or low 0₂ is present to sustain combustion within the sealed container 105 and the flame is extinguished as in step S404

The atmosphere within the sealed container 105 is now consists of the by-products of combustion C0₂ and H₂0 and N₂ and is essentially inert and hostile to microbes 101. The user 104 opens the door to the container 105, for example, to place something inside the container and the O₂ is replenished by the external environment.

With reference to figure 17 there is now described a method of a preferred embodiment, the steps shown (i.e. S401, S402, S403, S404, S405, S406, S407) implemented within a room, for example, a hospital ward.

In step S401 the user 205 ensures that any vents, 209 or windows, 208 to the room 203 are sealed and closes the door or creates a seal to the entrance of the room 203 and the outside environment. The seal minimises any gaseous exchange between the air within the room and the external environment.

In step S402 the combustion device 301 ignites the fuel 304 via an ignition source 303, which for example could be an electrical spark, which could be triggered once the door 206 has been closed and sealed.

The fuel 304 within the ignition device 301 burns until no or low 0₂ is present to sustain combustion within the sealed room 203 and the flame is extinguished as in step S404

The atmosphere within the sealed room 203 now consists of N₂ and the by-products of combustion C0₂ and H₂0 and is essentially inert and hostile to microbes 201.

The user 205 opens the door to the room 203 after a period of time and the 0₂ is replenished by the external environment.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerated environment atmosphere refiner comprising oxygen removal means for removing oxygen from the atmosphere whereby to help prolong the life of perishable items stored in the environment.

2. A refiner as claimed in claim 1, in which at least part of the removal means is provided internally.

3. A refiner as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which at least part of the removal means is provided externally.

4. A refiner as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the removal means comprises a combustion process.

5. A refiner as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the removal means comprises an oxidation and/or reduction process.

6. A refiner as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the removal means comprises a chemical reaction.

7. A refiner as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the removal means comprises an oxygen scavenging process.

8. A refiner as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the removal means comprises an oxygen absorption process.

9. A refiner as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the perishable items comprise foodstuffs.

10. A refiner as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the removal means generates heat.

11. A refiner as claimed in claim 10, in which the heat is used in an additional process.

12. A refiner as claimed in claim 10, in which the heat is used to warm refrigerant.

13. A refiner as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising anti-microbial means.

14. A refiner as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the removal means is active continually.

15. A refiner as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, in which the removal means operates discontinuously.

16. A refiner as claimed in claim 15, in which the removal means operates on-demand.

17. A refiner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

18. A domestic refrigerator or a compartment thereof having a refiner as claimed in any preceding claim.

19. A method of prolonging the life of perishable items stored in a refrigerated environment comprising depleting oxygen from the environment atmosphere.

20. A method of prolonging the life of perishable items stored in a refrigerated environment comprising extracting atmosphere from the environment, depleting oxygen from atmosphere and reintroducing the deoxygenated atmosphere into the environment.

21. An atmosphere refiner comprising oxygen removal means for removing oxygen from the atmosphere.

22. An atmosphere modifier comprising oxygen removal means for periodically removing oxygen from an atmosphere.

23. A method for the control of microbes in an environment, the method comprising removing oxygen from the atmosphere in the environment.

24. A method for the control of microbes, the method comprising:

closing of a door of a container creating a seal with the external environment;

the ignition of a fuel within a combustion device, within the container;

burning of the fuel within the combustion device, until the levels of 0₂, within the container can no longer can sustain combustion; and

the extinguishing of the flame within the combustion device due to no or low 0₂ levels.

25. A method for the control of microbes, the method comprising:

closing of a door of a container creating a seal with the external environment; the lighting of a UV lamp;

the ignition of a fuel within a combustion device, within the container;

26. A refiner or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is a fridge or refrigeration unit.

27. A refiner or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is used for the transportation or storage of food stuffs.

28. A refiner or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is a room used for medical or similar purposes.

29. A refiner or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is a room used for the preparation or packaging of food stuffs.

30. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.