Refrigeration units in this series use glycol, operating from +5°C—for fermentation temperature control of musts and wines—down to -8°C for wine tartaric stabilization.
The compressor (or compressors, in the case of dual-compressor units) starts automatically according to the temperature of the water-glycol mixture in the tank, managed by an electronic temperature controller. The temperature probe is installed directly inside the glycol storage tank.
In the standard version, the tank is installed inside the monoblock unit. Versions without internal tank are also available, designed for connection to an external storage and pumping station.
Forced glycol circulation is ensured by two centrifugal electric pumps (except for the Mini Compact, Compact 3000, 3B Eco-tech, and 6B Eco-tech, which are equipped with a single pump), all housed inside the refrigeration monoblock.
The gas and glycol circuits are fitted with both electrical and mechanical safety devices. The electrical control panel is positioned inside the unit.
The refrigerant gas used in the monoblock system is Freon R448A (or equivalent).
Mechanical equipment includes:
- Hermetic compressor for compression of R448A refrigerant gas, equipped with suction and charging valves;
- High- and low-pressure switch;
- 24 V solenoid valve for controlling refrigerant flow to the evaporator;
- Sight glass for refrigerant flow monitoring and humidity indication;
- PED-certified liquid receiver with shut-off valve;
- Thermostatic expansion valve for regulating refrigerant flow to the evaporator;
- Filter dryer to remove any traces of moisture from the circuit;
- Condenser designed to dissipate heat generated by the compressor;
- Cooling fan fitted with protective grille;
- Electronic speed controller to maintain stable condensation temperature;
- Evaporator with AISI 316 stainless steel plates;
- Connection fittings;
- Hydro-glycol storage tank – open vessel made of galvanized carbon steel sheet, insulated and prepared for installation of an electric heating element for “HEAT” function (optional);
- Centrifugal electric pump for primary and secondary recirculation;
- Electrical control panel for managing refrigeration units, equipped with electronic regulator for setting operating parameters;
- Support frame made of AISI 304 stainless steel profiles;
- External cladding made of AISI 304 stainless steel sheet.
Manufacturer: Rica 2000 SRL
Technical specifications
| Model | Cooling capacity glycol +5°C | Cooling capacity glycol -8°C | Power (kW) | Fermentation use (hl) | Stabilization use (hl) | Dimensions (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINI-COMPACT | 1300 | 850 | 1 | 45 | 6 | 700 × 500 × 400 | 45 |
| COMPACT 3000 N | 3150 | 1720 | 1.75 | 100 | 13 | 1000 × 600 × 780 | 90 |
| GRA3000C | 3200 | 1730 | 2–2.5 | 130 | 15 | 1050 × 600 × 770 | 96 |
| GRA3BI | 6350 | 3670 | 2.4 | 250 | 30 | 940 × 940 × 970 | 160 |
| GRA6BI | 11730 | 6900 | 3.9 | 450 | 50 | 940 × 940 × 970 | 175 |
| GRA9BI | 17100 | 10000 | 7.8 | 660 | 75 | 1200 × 1200 × 1395 | 220 |
| GRA12BI | 25800 | 14900 | 11 | 990 | 110 | 1200 × 1200 × 1395 | 290 |
| GRA3BV | 6350 | 3670 | 2.4 | 250 | 30 | 940 × 940 × 970 | 160 |
| GRA6BV | 11730 | 6900 | 3.9 | 450 | 50 | 940 × 940 × 970 | 175 |
| GRA9BV | 17100 | 10000 | 7.8 | 660 | 75 | 1200 × 1200 × 1395 | 220 |
| GRA12BV | 25800 | 14900 | 11 | 990 | 110 | 1200 × 1200 × 1395 | 290 |