How RINAC helped restore a critical seed-storage facility after a refrigeration-system fire.
The Challenge
For a seed-storage operation, refrigeration is critical to protecting valuable seed inventory and maintaining continuity of a sensitive supply chain.
Prasad Seeds Philippines Inc. is part of the Prasad Seeds Group’s international seed-processing and storage operations. Its activities include seed production, processing, drying, conditioning, packaging, controlled storage and distribution, including storage for global seed companies.
Just three days after the Philippines facility was inaugurated, an electrical failure in the refrigeration system was followed by a fire. The facility became inoperable and valuable seed inventory was at risk.
Importantly, RINAC had not designed, supplied or installed the refrigeration system involved. The equipment had been procured from an international multinational manufacturer and installed through a local installer; the insulated panels were sourced locally.
When the situation became critical, the customer called RINAC.
The Response
RINAC responded by deputing its Head of Service, Mr. Aiyappa K. B., to the facility. The objective was not simply to restart the system, but to identify the weaknesses that contributed to the failure and strengthen the installation before returning it to service.
The team systematically reviewed the refrigeration system, including electrical protection, equipment protection, control philosophy and safety interlocks.
Engineering The Safety Back In
RINAC introduced corrective measures including:
- Additional short-circuit protection in the control circuit
- Strengthened incoming electrical protection using digitally adjustable voltage/phase protection
- Revised compressor contactor and overload protection
- Additional condenser- and evaporator-fan protection
- Strengthened defrost protection
- Additional safety interlocking and revised control logic.
Additional interlocking coordinated the operation of the compressor, evaporator, RH heater, defrost heater and liquid-line solenoid—strengthening the system as an integrated protection framework.
Seed-storage Engineering Experience
RINAC has more than three decades of experience in seed-storage refrigeration and has developed and operated more than 40 seed-storage installations, ranging from approximately 1,000 MT to 15,000 MT per installation.
This experience covers the interaction of refrigeration, humidity, insulation, controls and operating conditions. In suitable applications, RINAC’s integrated approach to temperature and humidity management can offer potential investment and operating-power advantages over conventional systems using separate dehumidification; the draft estimates potential savings of 30–40%, depending on application and operating conditions.
The Outcome
Following RINAC’s intervention, the refrigeration system was restored and the facility returned to operation. The engineering review strengthened electrical protection, equipment protection, safety interlocking, control philosophy and overall system reliability.
Prasad Seeds subsequently acknowledged RINAC’s intervention and its focus on protecting the customer’s business and valuable seed inventory, despite the failed refrigeration equipment having been supplied by another manufacturer.
Why This Matters
This was more than an emergency repair. A newly commissioned facility had suffered a serious refrigeration-system failure and fire, yet the customer turned to RINAC because of its established engineering and service relationship.
RINAC responded, investigated the system, implemented corrective measures and supported the customer in returning the facility to safe and reliable operation.
Rinac Did Not Supply The Failed Refrigeration System. The Customer Called Rinac Anyway.
Engineering Beyond Equipment
For RINAC, the assignment demonstrated the value of engineering expertise, safety consciousness and responsiveness when a customer faces a critical situation.
Engineering capability | Safety consciousness | Responsiveness | Customer commitment
A refrigeration system can be bought. A component can be replaced. Trust is earned when a technology partner responds when it matters most.
