Storage & Ripening of Agricultural Products

Precise Climate Control Leads to Better Results in the Storage and Ripening of Agricultural Products

Controlling the temperature, humidity, and CO₂ in agricultural storage is crucial for preserving the quality, shelf life, and value of the products. Proper storage of fruits, vegetables, and grains requires proper humidity levels and introduction of chemicals.  Sensors exposed to these conditions risk condensation and other stresses, which reduce reliability over time. E+E Elektronik manufactures robust and long-term stable sensor solutions to accurately measure the most important climate parameters. These sensors maintain reliability even in demanding conditions such as potato storage with extremely high relative humidity and fruit storage during which ripening releases organic chemicals. These sensors integrate easily into existing control systems and deliver accurate real-time data for better product quality.

  • Innovative and robust sensor protection for high humidity (85–98 %) and chemical exposure
  • Multi-parameter measurements (temperature, humidity, CO₂, differential pressure) help control ripening environments
  • Continuous real-time monitoring eliminates manual spot checks
  • Long-term operational reliability reduces downtime and makes maintenance easy
+ 40 years of expertise in agricultural technology.
4 advanced protection concepts for for maximum sensor durability.

Advantages of E+E Sensors in Storage and Ripening

CO₂ measurement deviations are critical in controlled ripening and long-term storage. E+E sensors automatically compensate for these deviations without the need for regular manual calibration.
How it works:

  • E+E’s CO₂ sensors operate using trusted dual-wavelength NDIR technology.
  • The CO₂ concentration is measured simultaneously using two wavelengths:
    ⟶ The 4.2 μm wavelength is absorbed by CO₂
    ⟶ The 3.9 μm wavelength is not absorbed and serves as a reference

A reduced intensity of the 3.9 μm reference wavelength indicates possible contamination or sensor aging. The built-in intelligence automatically and accurately corrects based on this reference point. This makes the sensor exceptionally stable and resistant to the tough environment caused by high humidity, dust, and chemicals released during ripening. Overall, this results in less maintenance, reduced labor costs, and fewer product losses due to incorrect climate control.

Modular sensor units for agriculture – easy maintenance and flexible replacement due to smart housing design.

E+E sensors measure temperature (±0.2 °C), humidity (±2 % RH), CO₂ (±50 ppm) and differential pressure (±1 Pa) with high precision.  Unlike manual spot measurements, these sensors provide continuous data streams for precise climate control. Any climate fluctuations are detected early and corrected immediately, thereby reducing losses, providing consistent products, and extending shelf life.

Sensors from E+E Elektronik can be easily integrated into existing control and ventilation systems – via Modbus, analogue or digital output. Operators can configure the outputs to match the needed inputs and, thanks to this standardization, tie these directly into their existing infrastructure without reprogramming. Stainless steel sensors are also available and specially designed to withstand harsh chemical wash downs.

Easily integrable sensor for agriculture systems – plug-and-play solution with preconfigured connectors.

Fruit and vegetable storage and ripening rooms place high demands on equipment. Dust, chemical exposure, high humidity, and other extreme environmental conditions can severely affect sensor performance. To counter this, E+E sensors are equipped with:

  • Heated humidity sensors – The integrated sensor heating (High Humidity Guard) prevents condensation and ensures consistent measurement accuracy, even under high humidity and condensation risk. This extends service life and reduces maintenance effort.
  • IP65/IP67-rated housings and interchangeable filters– These prevent the ingress of dust and water, ensuring maximum operational reliability – even under harsh conditions such as high-pressure cleaning or H₂O₂ sterilisation.
  • E+E sensor coating – A specially developed hygroscopic protective layer covers the active sensing element, shielding it from dust, corrosion and moisture exposure, while maintaining long-term stable measurements.
  • Innovative sensor encapsulation – A purpose-designed protective capsule shields the electronics from fine dust, dirt particles and chemical contaminants. This ensures reliable sensor operation even in highly contaminated environments.

These features ensure the sensors deliver reliable data without drift or failure even in continuous humidity, chemical exposure, and aggressive cleaning.

Durable sensor for agriculture applications – comparison of dirty and clean sensor, showcasing long-term reliability.

Products for Storage & Ripening of Agricultural Products

EE872

Modular Probe for CO₂, Humidity, Temperature and Ambient Pressure

  • 0–100 % RH
  • –40…60 °C (–40…140 °F)
  • 700–1 100 mbar (10.15–15.95 psi)
  • CO₂: 0–2 000 / 5 000 / 10 000 ppm
  • CO₂ accuracy: ±50 ppm ±3 %
  • Analogue output: 0–10 V or 4–20 mA
  • Modbus RTU (RS485)

EE431

Duct and Immersion Temperature Sensor

  • Duct sensor: –40…110 °C (–40…230 °F)
  • Immersion sensor: –40…130 °C (–40…266 °F)
  • Electronics: –40…70 °C (–40…158 °F)
  • Accuracy: ±0.25 °C (±0.45 °F)
  • Analogue output: 0–10 V or 4–20 mA
  • Modbus RTU (RS485)
  • IP65 / NEMA 4X
  • Probe length: 65–300 mm (2.56–11.81″)
EE211 Humidity and Temperature Sensor for  Continuous High Humidity

EE211

Humidity and Temperature Sensor for Continuous High Humidity

  • 0–100 % RH
  • –40…60 °C (–40…140 °F)
  • Accuracy: ±0.1 °C | ±2 % RH
  • Analogue output: 0–10 V or 4–20 mA
  • Modbus RTU (RS485)
  • IP65 / NEMA 4X
  • Heated sensing element
  • E+E proprietary coating
Temperature probe EE074

EE074

Temperature Probe with Modbus RTU

  • Electronics: –40…80 °C (–40…176 °F)
  • 70 mm & 155 mm probe: –40…80 °C (–40…176 °F)
  • 305 mm probe: –70…105 °C (–94…221 °F)
  • Accuracy at 20 °C (68 °F): ±0.1 °C (±0.18 °F)
  • Modbus RTU (RS485)
  • IP68 protection (electrical connection IP67)

EE610

Low Differential Pressure Sensor

  • ±25 / ±50 / ±100 / 0…100 Pa
  • –20…60 °C (–4…140 °F)
  • Accuracy: ±0.5 Pa = ±0.5 % FS
  • Auto-zero function
  • Analogue output: 0–10 V or 4–20 mA
  • Modbus RTU (RS485)
  • IP65 / NEMA 4X housing

Improve your storage conditions now.

Monitor temperature, humidity and CO₂ in real time – with robust E+E sensors for longer shelf life, less spoilage and precise climate control in fruit and vegetable storage.

Request expert consultation

Fruit and Vegetable Storage in a Controlled Atmosphere

E+E CO₂, temperature and humidity sensors ensure precise monitoring to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. Read more about how controlled atmosphere storage slows ripening, reduces waste, and maintains quality for fruits and vegetables.

Get Your Free Brochure

Laptop displaying the brochure “Fruit and Vegetable Storage in a Controlled Atmosphere” by E+E Elektronik

We use E+E sensors in our vegetable storage systems and are highly satisfied with their accuracy, reliability and seamless integration. They maintain optimal climate conditions even in high humidity, are easy to set up and built to last. A valuable, high-performance solution we can fully recommend.

Webinar: Fruit and Vegetable Storage – Climate Sensors for CA/DCA Storage and Ripening Chambers

Learn more about the challenges of climate monitoring in storage rooms and ripening chambers and which E+E sensors are suitable for this application.

Questions about Storage & Ripening of Agricultural Products?

Tell us about your application – we’ll recommend a suitable sensor or calibration solution tailored to your needs.

Matthew Nemeth | Managing Director E+E Elektronik Corporation USA
Matthew Nemeth | Managing Director E+E Elektronik Corporation USA
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