Ventech 9526 User manual

User Manual
MODEL 9526/9552
RIPENING SYSTEM
VERSION 5.00
SEPTEMBER 2018

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
CONTENTS
Page 2 9526USR5
Contents
1. Unpacking & Installation checks
2. Operation
3. Servicing
4. Ripening Guides
5. Ripening Room maintenance
6. System Integration
7. Ripening Room Instrumentation
3
6
10
12
15
17
18

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
1. Unpacking & Installation Checks
Page 3 9526USR5
1. UNPACKING & INSTA ATION CHECKS
Remove machine from packaging & save packaging for re-use when returning
machine for servicing or warranty repairs.
Open the cover by removing the screw at the bottom, & sliding cover upwards &
remove the mains lead which is packed inside.
Prior to connecting to electrical supply, it is recommended that the power outlet to
be used is checked for correct polarity & good earthing (grounding). There should
not be more than approx 50 milliVolts AC between the Neutral & Earth (Ground) pins
on the power outlet. The machine can operate safely with reversed live & neutral
supply, using a non polarised socket outlet as is used in continental Europe. The
machine has internal fuses in the LINE & NEUTRAL which are not user-accessible
without dismantling.
If connecting by means of a three phase plug, ensure that the mains lead is connected
with the correct polarity to Live & Neutral and not across two phases. Also ensure
that the earth connection is properly connected.
Mains Lead Colour Code:
Live (Line) - Brown
Neutral - Blue
Earth (Ground) - Yellow/Green
Power Requirements:
The maximum supply voltage is 280 Volts AC 50/60 Hz.
Above 260 Volts, operation is automatically interrupted to protect the components
from damage, with automatic resetting when supply returns to safe limits.
Nominal working voltage is:
-200 to 250 Volts at 1,2 Amps Model 9526
-200 to 250 Volts at 2.4 Amps Model 9552
Model 9526
Max Power during warm up is 234 watts, and average power consumption over a 6
hour ripening cycle is 95 watts.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6

1.7
1.8
1.9
1.9.1
MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
1. Unpacking & Installation Checks
Page 4 9526USR5
Model 9552
Max Power during warm up is 480 watts, and average power consumption over a 6
hour ripening cycle is 190 watts.
External current Protection:
No external protection is necessary, however if a fused plug such as the UK 13A plug
is used, any fuse from 6- 13 A is suitable.
Having satised that the power supply is correctly connected, the machine can be
put into service. We recommend that the machine be placed in the ripening room at a
height of 3 ft ( 1 Metre ) above oor levels, preferably positioned so that maximum
air ows across the machine, & with a minimum space all round the machine of 20”
(500 mm). Also ensure the machine is clear of any fork lift trucks or any other
mechanical handling equipment that could cause damage.
Installation Options:
The VENTECH FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM is normally used as a portable unit which
is plugged into the room to be gassed, then moved onto the next room.
There is an optional mounting bracket kit available which allows quick tting &
removal, & comprises two mounting brackets that are bolted to the back of the
machine using the 4 X M5 bushes provided. The brackets have keyhole slots that
allow a machine tted with the brackets to be lifted of the mounting screws quickly.
However for high volume ripening rooms, there are available certain add-on
options as follows:
Gas Pipe Adaptor
This option also permits mounting the generator outside the ripening room. The
exhaust nozzle of the generator can be replaced with a 1/8 “ NPT tube connector
obtainable from any hydraulics supplier, that allows connection to a gas pipe. The gas
pipe in turn can be connected to a gas manifold feeding individual rooms, with the gas
supply to each room controlled by a buttery or ball valve. This option is particularly
useful for converting an existing bottled gas fed ripening room to catalytic generator
operation.

1.9.2
MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
1. Unpacking & Installation Checks
Page 5 9526USR5
External Tank Option
This option can be used in conjunction with the previously described options to enable
the gassing period to be extended by means of an external tank mounted outside
the ripening room, which increases the capacity of the generator thus extending the
gassing time.
This external tank is connected to a 1/8” NPT bulkead connector on the side of
the machine which is supplied as part of the external tank option kit, and connected
inside the machine directly to the solenoid valve, replacing the tank. The external tank
can be manufactured locally to VENTECH specications, or supplied by VENTECH.
The tank capacity can be sized to suit local Health & Safety codes which is usually 20
Litres. However this & other tanks can be in turn relled automatically from a 210L
drum outside the building.

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
2. Operation
Page 6 9526USR5
2. Operation
Unscrew the lid of the tank & ll with 2 litre (US 2 quarts) of VENTECH Ethylene
Generator uid or an approved equivalent.
WARNING
THE RIPENING FLUID IS HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE & OF LOW FLASHPOINT.
DISCONNECT FROM ELECTRICAL SUPPLY BY UNPLUGGING BEFORE
FILLING
.
KEEP AWAY FROM NAKED FLAME WHEN FILLING & PREFERABLY FILL IN
AN OPEN SPACE OR WELL VENTILATED ROOM.
THE USE OF SOLVENTS NOT APPROVED BY USE IS NOT RECOMMENDED
SINCE, ALTHOUGH APPARENTLY NORMAL RIPENING WILL BE ACHIEVED,
ACCELERATED DEGRADATION OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS OCCUR,
RESULTING IN EXPENSIVE LONG TERM REPAIR COSTS.
Place generator in ripening room & plug into power outlet. The
control panel status lights will light as follows:
LOW TEMP - Yellow
CONTROL - Green
NORMAL - Green
HEAT - Green
After about 10 minutes the Yellow LO TEMP light will go out
& the SOV lamp will start to ash briey at approx 9 second
intervals, accompanied by a click. This is the solenoid valve
opening allowing ripening uid to be admitted to the reactor to
be converted to ethylene. Ethylene gas will be emitted from the
nozzle on the top of the machine.
CAUTION
THE EXHAUST NOZZLE OPERATES AT OVER 100
DEG C. DO NOT TOUCH WHEN OPERATING OR FOR
HALF AN HOUR AFTER SWITCHING OFF!
2.1
2.2
2.3
ETHYLENE
GENERATOR
CONTROL UNIT
STOP
LO TEMP
CONTROL
HI TEMP
HI VOLTS
COLD END
SOV
NORMAL
HEAT
STANDBY

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
2. Operation
Page 7 9526USR5
After reaching operating temperature the HEAT & CONTROL lights will ash on & off
as the system enters pulse width modulation mode which gives proportional control
of the element temeperature. This gives very accurate control of the catalytic
conversion temperature, and by preventing temperature cycling of the element,
gives longer element life than on-off control.
After approx 6 - 8 hrs,( 9552 ) or 12 -16 hours (9526) operation, the ripening uid will
have been used up & the uid bottle will be empty. At this point, since there is no
uid in the bottom of the reactor, the temperature will rise from 70 Deg C ( the
boiling point of the uid ). At 90 Deg C, the cold end sensor mounted on the bottom
of the element will switch on the STOP light & switch off the SOV & the heater (
indicated by the CONTROL & HEAT lights switching off ). This will allow the machine
to cool down, until the sensor switches on again, and the machine will cycle on & off,
keeping it ready to start a new ripening session once relled, but preventing damage
to the element . Once relled, if the STOP light is on, it will restart automatically, once
cooled, & the inow of uid will prevent it coming on again.
NB: If the time is substantially longer, it could be that the catalyst is becoming fouled
& requires changing.
Note:
It is important that the machine is level, otherwise the uid will not ow into the
reactor when it is almost nished, and the STOP light will switch off earlier.
Warning Indicators:
HI TEMP (red light)
After start-up, the temperature will sometimes initially overshoot the correct setpoint,
causing the HI TEMP red light to turn on. This is no cause for alarm and should go
out after a few minutes & will not come on again. This can also occur in the event
of a power failure when power is restored. This provides backup protection to avoid
incorrect gas generation which could cause degraded ripening.
HI VOLTS (red light)
If this light comes on it is an indication that the mains power supply voltage is too
high (above 260 Volts).
Normally, the nominal voltage, depending on country is from 220 to 250 Volts.
Normal variations in supply voltage should be within +/- 6% (UK) to +/- 10% (South
Africa).
2.4
2.5
2.5.1
2.5.2

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
2. Operation
Page 8 9526USR5
It is unlikely that any country will have a supply that intentionally exceeds the 10%
limit, although under fault conditions, or very heavily loaded distribution systems,
the voltage can exceed these limits late at night when the gas generator will still
be working but most industrial & domestic load is switched off. In some developing
countries, these limits can also be exceeded.
For this reason, the Ventech gas generator has a built-in protection circuit which
will automatically switch off once this safe working limit has been exceeded without
damage to the components. After supply has returned to normal, the HI VOLT light
will go out & normal operation will be resumed.
STOP (Red light)
This light will be lit if the temperature at the bottom of the reactor exceeds safe
limits, and when lit, switches off power to the reactor & solenoid valve. This can be
caused by several reasons:
Machine Not Level
This results in the ripening uid not being able to ow into the reactor when nearly
empty. Since the cooling effect of the ripening uid is no longer applied to the base
of the reactor, the temperature will tend to rise, with the risk of damage to the reactor
element terminals. This protection, by removing power to the element, maintains the
temperature within.
Element Failure
The element, as most heating elements has a nite working life and will eventually
require replacement. When it eventually fails, it can possibly overheat, by-passing
the control system. Normally this will be picked up by the HI TEMP protection, but
should this fail for any reason, the STOP protection will provide backup protection
and prevent any risk of re or damage to the metalwork of the machine.
Total Control Failure
In the event of a direct lightning strike of magnitude too great for the lightning
protection, the HI TEMP protection may fail and the STOP protection provides back-
up protection to prevent dangerous high temperatures occuring which could cause
a re. This has happened on more than one occasion with machines made by other
manufacturers who do not offer such comprehensive protection.
2.5.3
(a)
(b)
(c)

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
2. Operation
Page 9 9526USR5
Note that it is extremely unlikely that this will occur, since a lightning strike or surge
greater than the capacity of the ultra fast surge diodes will normally blow one or
other the mains fuses.
Indicator Lamps Colour Codes
Green - Normal operation modes
Yellow - Temporary operating modes such as low uid or low temp on startup.
Red - Abnormal operating modes.
Note further that the VOLTS TOO HI indication is outside the control of the gas
generator and is not a machine fault as such, being an external fault resulting from
incorrect supply voltage.
2.5.4
A MACHINE SHOWING THIS INDICATION SHOULD NOT BE RETURNED FOR SERVICE
WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING THAT THE SUPPLY VOLTAGE IS IN FACT TOO HIGH BY
MEASURING WITH A DIGITAL METER PREFERABLY OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.
PLEASEREMEMBERTHATTHISCONDITIONWILLNORMALLYOCCURINTERMITTENTLY
& IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE YOUR MACHINE CONNECTED TO THE SUPPLY WHEN
CHECKING.

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
3. Servicing
Page 10 9526USR5
3. SERVICING
Catalyst Changing
The catalyst used in the machine will need changing after after between 6 & 12
months use. Due to the restrictions imposed by Customs & Excise departments,
the Ventech Ripening Fluid contains de-naturants which will eventually poison the
catalyst causing reduced gas generation. We also recommend that if you are have
problems ripening, that you check the gas levels with a gas sampler such as
the GASTEC, details of which are at the end of the manual.
This is supplied by us, & it is possible that a group of ripeners in one area share the
cost of one kit, since it is only used infrequently.
We recommend that the user checks the catalyst once a month after the rst six
months operation from new or after a catalyst change, and examine the catalyst by
unscrewing the exhaust nozzle, when cold, and viewing the catalyst, which consists
of small white tubes lling the reactor. These should be loose & not welded together
by carbon. If left too long, it is difcult to remove the old catalyst, and will require an
exchange reactor. Once the catalyst starts getting heavily carbonated, it should be
emptied by turning the machine upside down and shaking out the old catalyst. It may
be necessary to loosen the catalyst with a long thin screwdriver or skewer. Once all
the catalyst is removed, the reactor can be relled with a new catalyst pack, taking
care not to over-tighten the exhaust nozzle when replacing. When relling, some of
the catalyst consist of triangular ceramic chips that should be put in rst, followed by
the tubular active catalyst.
Due to the low cost of the catalyst, it is better to change it sooner, rather than later.
This will be done automatically, if your machine is covered by a service contract, or
sent in for any service or repairs.
Before returning a machine for repair a few simple checks should be carried out,
which could save you the transport costs & downtime involved in sending a machine
in to your service centre.
Condition - No lights lit
First check the electrical supply to your machine, and if you have test-meter check
that you have mains supply across the two outside pins on the connector that plugs
into the socket.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.3.1

3.3.2
3.3.3
MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
3. Servicing
Page 11 9526USR5
If there is supply, the electronics module must be faulty. You can either return the
whole machine to the agent for repair, or remove the electronics module, & t an
exchange unit. to do this, unplug the machine from the mains supply, and remove the
door, then unplug the six way & two way plugs from the electronic module. These are
plugged in through the side of the main enclosure. There is a retaining latch on the
connector that has to be squeezed in to release the connector.
Undo the centre thumb screw holding the module into the main enclosure & withdraw
the module. from the main enclosure. Retting is the reverse. Ensure that when the
new connectors are plugged in, they are pushed home to engage the latches. Note
that the electronics module does not need any adjustment after tting. The mass is
1.3 Kg which results in a considerable cost saving & time saving compared to returning
the whole machine for repair.

Bananas
For best taste, ripen bananas according to the following schedule, then hold at 14.5
Deg C for delayed shipment. Ensure that bananas, are not chilled as this can cause
damage.
4
17.8
17.8
16.7
15.6
5
16.7
16.7
16.7
16.7
15.6
6
16.7
16.7
15.6
15.6
15.6
14.4
7
15.6
15.6
15.6
15.6
15.6
14.4
14.4
8
14.4
14.4
14.4
14.4
14.4
14.4
14.4
14.4
MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
4. Ripening Guides
Page 12 9526USR5
4. Ripening Guides
4.1
RECOMMENDED GUIDE FOR BANANA RIPENING
Day No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
GAS
Ripening Schedule - no of days:
STORE AT 14.4 Deg C for delayed shipment.

9
21.1
20.0
16.7
16.7
15.6
14.4
13.3
12.8
12.8
Tomatoes
5
21.1
21.1
20.0
18.3
16.7
MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
4. Ripening Guides
Page 13 9526USR5
4.2
RECOMMENDED GUIDE FOR TOMATO RIPENING
Day No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
GAS
GAS
Ripening Schedule - no of days:
STORE AT 12.8 Deg C for delayed shipment.
6
21.1
21.1
18.3
18.3
16.7
15.6
7
21.1
21.1
18.3
16.7
15.6
14.4
13.3
8
21.1
21.1
18.3
16.7
15.6
14.4
13.3
12.8
10
21.1
20.0
15.6
15.6
14.4
14.4
13.3
12.8
12.8
12.8
11
21.1
20.0
15.6
14.4
14.4
14.4
13.3
12.8
12.8
12.8
12.8
12
21.1
20.0
15.6
14.4
13.3
13.3
13.3
13.3
12.8
12.8
12.8
12.8

Avocados
Gas for 12 hours at 23 Deg C then ventilate. Maintain temperature till ripe (2-3 days
total).
Minimum safe storage temperature : 4.5 to 13 Deg C.
Citrus
Gas for 12 hours at 27 Deg C then ventilate. Maintain temperature till ripe (3-4 days
total).
Minimum safe storage temperature : 3 Deg C.
Mangoes
Wash in hot water at 53 to 55 Deg C for 5 mins, then pack into lug boxes & stack in
ripening room.
Gas for 12 hours at 30 to 32 Deg C then ventilate. Maintain temperature till ripe (2
days total). Reducing temperature to 24 to 25 Deg C will extend ripening time to 2
1/2 to 3 days. NB Mangoes can also be mixed with bananas, which are ripened at 15
to 18 Deg C.
Gas for 12 hours at 27 Deg C then ventilate. Maintain temperature till ripe (3-4 days
total)
Minimum safe storage temperature : 10 to 13 Deg C.
Other Fruits
Many other fruits can be ripened with the VENTECH RIPENING SYSTEM. Please
contact us or your distributor/agent for details.
Tobacco
Tobacco can be successfully cured with a 15% reduction in curing time. Please
contact us or your distributor/agent for a copy of our tobacco curing guide.
MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
4. Ripening Guides
Page 14 9526USR5
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
5. Ripening Room Maintenance
Page 15 9526USR5
5. RIPENING ROOM MAINTENANCE
A good preventative maintenance program is the best way to avoid ripening room
problems. We would like to recommend the following:
Temperature Controllers And Programmers.
Regular calibration checks should be carried to avoid incorrect ripening room
temperatures.
Check capillary tubing to be sure it is free of kinks. Capillary tube & bulb temperature
controllers should be replaced if possible with an electronic temperature controller,
preferably with a digital display reading to 0.1 Deg C.
Thermocouple type controllers should be avoided, since the accuracy is not so good
at low temperatures. Platinum resistance (Pt100) type controllers are best.
The capillary type controller has too high a differential ( Difference between switching
off and switching on ), to give accurate temperature control, and the capillary tube
is easily damaged and cannot be replaced. If damaged, the complete instrument has
to be replaced.
An independent high/low temperature alarm & chart recorder is recommended
especially if you are in an area that has a high incidence of power failures.
Air Handling & Leaks
Evaporator & condenser coils should cleaned at least every 6 months.
Check drain lines regularly.
Check compressors, fan motors, belts, etc. and service as recommended by
manufacturer.
Replace damaged or worn door gaskets as necessary.
Check rooms for gas tightness at least once a year.
5.1
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.2.5

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
5. Ripening Room Maintenance
Page 16 9526USR5
Electrical
Check that your electrical panel has protection against Low voltage, high voltage,
phase failure, phase reversal and a three minute timer to prevent damage due to
operation of the power company’s auto-reclosers. Any of these faults will damage
your compressors and air circulation fans.
If not, we recommend that you ask your electrician to t suitable equipment. The
VENTECH THREE PHASE LOAD PROTECTOR combines all these functions in one
unit, and one unit can protect a multiple compressor installation.
If you use a standby generator, if not already automatic, have it converted for
automatic starting and stopping. A VENTECH AMF GENERATOR CONTROLLER
can be retro-tted to virtually any electrically started generator to provide this facility.
5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
6. System Integration
Page 17 9526USR5
6. SYSTEM INTEGRATION
The model 9500 series gas generators can be integrated into a SCADA or Proba 110
controlled system by connection of the remote control port to a suitable control
devices.
Connection
Pin 1 (LH terminal) 0V
Pin 2 (Control)
Pin 3 ( +12 VDC)
Pins 1 -2 are hard wired together to enable solenoid valve operation. Remove this
link & connect to an interface relay or the output of any opt-isolator as follows:
Pin 1 Emitter
Pin 2 Collector & 1K0 pull-up resistor
Pin 3 1K0 pull-up resistor
Applying 5-10 mA to the Opto input will enable gas generation.
Since the operating voltage & current is low, a single pair telephone cable can be
used to interface to the port.

MODEL 9526/52 FRUIT RIPENING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL - ISSUE 5.00
7. Ripening Room Instrumentation
Page 18 9526USR5
7. RIPENING ROOM INSTRUMENTATION
RIPENING ROOM INSTRUMENTATION SUPPLIED BY
CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS:
[email protected]
21.6 off
GASTEC
GASTEC
7.1 Pen Type Digital
Thermometer
7.2 Gas Analyser For Checking Ethylene & CO2 Levels
25.5 c
25.5 c
7.3 Digital Max-Min
Thermometer
7.4 Digital Max-Min
Humidity Meter
25c-39%

ventech.co.uk
[email protected]