Energy efficiency and uniformity in high-volume banana ripening

The demand for ready-to-eat bananas throughout the year is pushing wholesalers, distributors and retailers to work with increasingly efficient, uniform ripening processes adapted to high product volumes. In this context, Interko offers its ULTIMO ripening rooms, a solution designed to optimise airflow, reduce energy consumption per pallet and improve process uniformity.

ULTIMO ripening rooms are designed to generate homogeneous airflow through one or two rows of pallets, optimising the volume required for ripening, the amount of product in process and the results obtained. The distribution system allows air to reach individual pallets with minimal energy loss and maintain a constant flow through all boxes.

Uniform airflow to reduce product losses

One of the key aspects of ULTIMO’s design is the air cooler, which extends along the length of the ripening room. This configuration maximises the coil surface, reduces the temperature differential and helps maintain a uniform temperature throughout the room.

The aim is to reduce dehydration and product loss during the ripening process, two particularly important factors in operations handling large volumes of bananas and requiring consistent results throughout the year.

In addition, the air cooler incorporates Interko’s REVERSO reversible fans with EC motors, individually controlled. This technology allows the system’s operation to be adjusted and supports efficient air distribution inside the room.

Energy efficiency in full airflow conditions

According to Interko’s technical information, the development and evolution of its ripening rooms have made it possible to reduce energy consumption per pallet even in full airflow conditions, with values below 100 W per pallet.

Energy efficiency has become a decisive factor for ripening facilities, especially in a context of higher electricity costs and the need to maintain fruit quality under controlled conditions. In this regard, airflow design, efficient fans and reduced energy losses are central elements of the proposal.

One-, two- or three-level configurations

ULTIMO ripening rooms can be built in single, double or up to triple-level formats, using a high-quality solid steel structure. This flexibility allows the installation to be adapted to different working capacities and to the needs of each operator.

Depending on the configuration, ULTIMO can handle a wide range of pallet positions. One-level rooms allow configurations from 1 to 15 positions in a single row and from 2 to 30 in a double row; two-level rooms reach from 2 to 30 positions in a single row and from 4 to 60 in a double row; and three-level rooms can reach from 3 to 45 positions in a single row and from 6 to 90 in a double row.

In addition, two-level rooms incorporate a pallet racking system with a “free floor”, allowing free movement on the lower level and improving operability within the facility.

Adaptation to different pallet formats

Another relevant feature of ULTIMO is its ability to adapt to different pallet dimensions. The rooms can be configured for ISO pallets of 1.2 x 1 m, pallets of 1.2 x 0.8 m and 1.07 x 1.05 m formats used in the Philippines, as well as other formats such as 48” x 40”.

This adaptability makes it possible to respond to different logistical and commercial realities, especially in international operations where load formats may vary depending on origin, market or type of fruit.

Robustness, control and tailor-made solutions

ULTIMO ripening rooms can include options such as temperature, CO₂ and relative humidity sensors, CRI LED lighting, easy-to-clean coils, quick-replacement fans, electric heating and heat recovery through the coil, depending on the configuration and the customer’s requirements.

With this solution, Interko reinforces its focus on tailor-made ripening systems designed to combine operating capacity, energy efficiency and uniform treatment of large volumes of fruit.

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