Aworipe is a blend gas developed for food industry use, consisting of 5% ethylene (C₂H₄) and nitrogen (N₂). Its carefully controlled composition makes it an efficient and safe alternative, especially for fruit and vegetable ripening processes.
Aworipe is a blend gas designed for food use, consisting of 5% ethylene (C₂H₄) and 95% nitrogen (N₂). The mixture is colourless, odourless and non-toxic and meets the safety requirements for food gases. The inert nature of nitrogen inhibits oxidation and microbiological growth, while ethylene has a biologically active effect on plants, especially fruits.
Aworipe is a flammable gas as ethylene has a low flash point and forms a flammable mixture with air. The high proportion of nitrogen acts as a carrier gas, diluting the ethylene concentration and improving the safety of the mixture. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that regulates fruit ripening, and in Aworipe gas its concentration is optimised to start and maintain the ripening process in a controlled way without the risk of over-ripening.
Aworipe composition: 5% ethylene (C₂H₄) + nitrogen Aworipe UN number: 1954 Valve: DIN 477 No. 10
Aworipe is used for the post-ripening of fruits and vegetables, for example bananas, avocados, mangoes and tomatoes. The gas is typically fed into closed ripening chambers where the gas concentration and temperature can be precisely controlled. This allows controlled ripening in warehouses and in the distribution chain, so that products are brought to market at the optimum stage of ripeness.
Available grades: Food grade gas Aworipe
Packaging: AWOripe gas is available in cylinders and cylinder packs.
Gases behave differently depending on their quality and state. Always consult the product’s safety data sheet before using the product. A safety data sheet is a document that conveys information about the properties, risks and safe use of a substance or mixture for industrial or professional use.
Risk of fire and explosion AWOripe gas contains 5% ethylene gas, which is highly flammable and forms a flammable mixture with air. Although the high nitrogen content dilutes the mixture and reduces the risk of fire, the presence of ethylene makes the gas flammable. The ethylene mixture can be ignited by low energy sources such as static electricity, sparks or hot surfaces, especially in confined spaces or under pressure.
In the event of a fire, the flow of gas should be cut off immediately, as this is the most effective way to extinguish the fire. Other methods of extinguishing the fire may be dangerous, as a leaking ethylene mixture may re-ignite and form an explosive gas cloud. To prevent the fire from spreading, the surrounding area can be cooled with water if this can be done safely.
Risk of suffocation An increase in the hydrogen concentration in the breathing air presents a choking hazard. Asphyxiation will occur unnoticed and may result in death.
First aid The person suffering from oxygen deficiency must be immediately moved to fresh air. If the victim is having difficulty breathing or is not breathing, administer artificial respiration as quickly as possible and call for help. When rescuing a victim, it is important to remember not to enter an oxygen-deprived area without breathing equipment.
Access – When handling the substance, follow the instructions and safe working practices given – The gas handler must be properly trained – Use only carefully checked pressure regulators and other operating equipment suitable for this gas. If in doubt, contact Woikoske. – Open the valve slowly to avoid pressure shock – The valve is opened and closed by hand. The use of assistive devices is prohibited! – It takes about one turn to open the bottle. – The cylinder in use must be properly secured. – Keep the valve outlets clean! – Close the cylinder valve after each use and when the cylinder is empty. – Always report damaged valves and cylinders to Woikoske.
Transport – The driver must be aware of the potential dangers of the load and know his duties in the event of accidents and incidents. – Cylinders should be transported in an upright position – The load must be secured – Cylinders must not be knocked, thrown or dropped from the truck platform – Attention to ADR regulations during transport
Storage – Observe all legal and local requirements for the storage of cylinders – Store cylinders in a well ventilated area – Cylinders should not be stored in conditions that promote corrosion – Cylinders are stored upright and secured so that they cannot fall over – Valve guards must be in place AT ALL TIMES – Empty and full cylinders to be kept separate
