The RC3.8 when programmed and set, automatically controls the concentration of ethylene in fruit ripening room, using the latest in ripening/degreening technology and room modifications.
David Milligan of Controlled Ripening Systems Australia Pty Ltd, says "The RC3.8 provides the industry with a safer method of controlling ethylene as well as maintaining CO2, temperature, oxygen and relative humidity in ripening rooms."
David says the benefits of the system include, "a higher standard of presentation, longer shelf life and a more uniformly ripened, tastier piece of fruit."
The RC3.8 has eight independent control and/or monitoring channels that can be used with any mix of industry standard transmitter. For example, ethylene can be controlled in each of eight rooms; ethylene and CO2 in any of four rooms; ethylene, CO2, temperature and humidity in any of two rooms. For larger installations multiple controllers can be networked.
The RC3.8 is designed to be user friendly. It is fully automatic and only needs to be switched on to maintain any specified concentration of ethylene - though it can also monitor other things, as David explains.
"As well as carrying out its primary function of ethylene maintenance and monitoring it can also be used to detect and control other hydrocarbons that can influence the ripening process."
As well as being fully automatic the aim is for the information to be easily understood. Therefore it is presented on a master display screen in the form of 8 panels, each one displaying an input channel, thus the data given can show single or multiple channels at any one time.
"It can also be switched instantaneously to show the information in a graphing format that allows the operator to clearly see what the trends are within his facility," says David.
As well as being simple to use, David says the RC3.8 has been imbued with features to ensure secure operations.
“Multiple password entry restricts access to various functions. In addition an internal data logger also records each and every time a change is made to operational parameters."
If a problem occurs, the RC3.8 is also able to effect a suspension is gas delivery and notify a number of selected personnel via SMS.
The RC3.8 can also be accessed remotely via an optional Remote Cellular Data Terminal.
This allows access to the controller from a desktop, laptop, tablet computer or smart phone that, provided there is signal, might be located anywhere in the world.
