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Project
The Farmwise precooling and boxing area described as " off-the-shelf, eco rooftop package units that we import under the brand name ' Echo '." While acknowledging the possibility of a slight oversizing, Fourie emphasised that the primary design consideration was ensuring adequate airflow throughout these large processing spaces.“ We opted for slightly larger units to guarantee the necessary airflow."
The processing area is characterised by conveyors and other equipment, with a network of rigid ducting with air distribution grilles overhead. To achieve a comfortable and controlled environment suitable for pre-cooling and packaging operations, BRS implemented this significant air conditioning system. This resulted in a completed installation, showcasing the four package units mounted on support frames with meticulously installed rigid ductwork extending into the building. specialised holding area equipped with a cooling system designed to bring the produce down to precise temperatures before being moved via a conveyor system for further processing.”
Another significant obstacle was the sourcing of copper fittings. Faced with supplier issues, the BRS team had to adapt by themselves designing and fabricating T-fittings for the copper pipes directly on-site. This resourceful solution not only kept the project on track but also deeply impressed the client, with the custom fittings reportedly still in perfect working order.
Subtropico ' s decision to establish a state-of-the-art banana ripening facility stemmed directly from the significant challenges faced by banana producers in South African produce markets. Traditional, often publicly owned, ripening facilities were proving inadequate due to their inefficiency and poorly maintained waterchilled plant systems. This resulted in substantial losses and frequent insurance claims for Subtropico, which handles a high volume of bananas nationwide. Prompted by these limitations, Subtropico ' s management opted to build a brand-new, purposebuilt ripening infrastructure.
The design for this facility, leveraging a standard of 30-kilowatt cooling capacity for a 30-pallet ripening room, was precisely tailored to DCS-ZIRE Subtropico ' s requirements for efficient banana ripening, based on the volume of bananas needing to be processed within a specific timeframe.
PURPOSE-BUILT RIPENING FACILITY FEATURING PRECISION ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL AND ADVANCED AIRFLOW ENGINEERING Seymore explains that the project was specifically initiated
to create a dedicated environment for ripening a substantial quantity of bananas. " The core focus was to efficiently ripen the bananas. However, the scope of the project expanded over time to encompass a packing area within the same building, streamlining the post-harvest process. The facility also includes a
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“ Following the successful completion of the initial phase in 2020, this collaboration between Bracken Refrigeration and DCS- ZIRE Subtropico ' s continued and involved a second phase in 2022, followed by this current third phase.”
RACA Journal I September 2025
The area handles a substantial volume of bananas
www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za