RGDB Banana ripening air coolers

Uniformity of ripening for cold rooms with airbags and curtains.

The dedicated solution for thermo-hygrometric control in banana ripening rooms

The banana ripening is an active process: the product generates metabolic heat, its respiration accelerates during critical phases and the air humidity, whose flow is forced through the product via airbags or curtains, varies continuously between pallets. In rooms with one, two or three pallet levels, air exchange must be uniform, and the flow rate optimised according to the ripening stage and the actual load, to prevent temperature stratification and ensure that all the bananas ripen evenly.

The risk, otherwise, includes localized overripening, product waste and longer cycles than expected. Maintenance can also become more complex, as accessing the fans often requires dismantling panels, which slows down interventions.

To solve these critical issues typical of ripening rooms, Refteco has developed RGDB air coolers: a dedicated range which combines high-static pressure fans, full air flow reversibility, integrated lighting, air heating and heat exchangers optimised for water, glycol and non-freezing fluids.

Application area

Banana ripening rooms with airbags or curtains

Fruit and vegetable logistics

Distribution centers and temperature-controlled warehouses

Fresh fruit packing plants

Advantages of air coolers for banana ripening

Uniform ripening even at full load: high-static pressure fans (Ø500–560 mm) guarantee stable flow rates through the pallets, helping to maintain constant temperatures and gradients.
Perfect microclimate balance: heat exchangers with Ø16 mm smooth tubes and aluminium fins offer high exchange efficiency and reduced pressure drops, improving the precision of the ripening curves.
Active management of ripening phases: integrated lights and circular electric heaters for air heating help promote uniformity even in the early stages of the cycles.
Easy maintenance and inspection: hinged fan panels that allow direct access to the internal fan unit and the coil, reducing downtime.
Structure designed for critical environments, with casing in RAL 9002 painted galvanized steel with AISI 304 stainless steel hardware to ensure corrosion resistance in high-humidity rooms.
System flexibility for various room sizes: over 1400 available configurations allow for serving rooms from 6 to 54 pallets on one, two or three levels.

Technical specifications and models

Cooling power: 5 – 32 kW
Fans: from 2 to 6 axial fans
Fan diameters: 500 / 560 mm
Wing step: 4,5 – 5,0 mm
Compatible refrigerants: water, glycol and non-freezing solutions
Operating Pressures / Temperatures: Air coolers: PS 16 bar | TS –40 / +120 °C
Operating thermal range: typical ripening applications: 13–20 °C
Number of models: over 1400 total configurations
Available sizes:
- Lengths: 2400–7200 mm
- Width: 1400 mm
- Height: 530 or 650 mm (depending on size)