Stalam developed and patented an innovative, chemicalfree solution for the organic disinfestation and sanitisation of dry agricultural commodities, based on the radio frequency technology. Thanks to the mild heat treatment performed by the RF electromagnetic field, all physical, chemical, nutritional and sensorial characteristics of the substrate are preserved at their best.
> Fast and effective treatment
The process is 3 to 10 times faster compared to conventional heat treatments: 3÷5 minutes are sufficient to increase from room temperature up to 55÷65°C (for disinfestation) and 7÷10 minutes up to 80÷100°C (for sanitisation). One or two minutes temperature holding time is sufficient to ensure 100% mortality of even the most heat resistant pest species in all their development stages or to achieve 2 to 3 log reduction of the t.b.c. within the commodity.
> Organic and chemicals-free process The physical, chemical, sensorial and nutritional properties are preserved at best during the mild heat treatment, while a healthy and safe product can be obtained without using fumigants, anoxic atmosphere or other chemical treatments.
> Energy efficient and environmentally friendly technology
Approx. 25 kWh are required to disinfest about 1 ton of product (about the double for a thorough sanitisation process), which translates into a cost of 2÷4 EUR/ton, competitive with the conventional technologies.
> No effect on the germination of seeds
The RF disinfestation does not affect the germination of seeds thanks to the relatively low treatment temperatures and the short process time.