RAFT Kit — Reefer Air Flow Technology

Distributed by DunLash Systems South Africa · Manufactured by Reefer Air Flow Technologies

What is the RAFT Kit?

The RAFT Kit (Reefer Air Flow Technology kit) is a purpose-engineered system that improves cold air circulation inside refrigerated (reefer) shipping containers. It is distributed by DunLash Systems across South Africa and the southern African region, and manufactured by Reefer Air Flow Technologies.

Standard reefer containers circulate cold air from the front floor of the container to the ceiling and back. When pallets are stacked conventionally, cold air can bypass cargo pockets — creating temperature hotspots where fruit is not adequately cooled. The RAFT Kit redirects and improves air distribution throughout the full container load, ensuring that every pallet position receives the required airflow to maintain temperature uniformity across the cargo mass.

For South African fresh produce exporters, temperature uniformity is not a comfort feature — it is a market access requirement. Citrus exported to the European Union, Japan, and the United States under steri-cold (cold treatment) protocol must demonstrate continuous compliance with prescribed temperature profiles for the full duration of the voyage. Failure to achieve and document this compliance results in rejection at destination port, cargo destruction, and significant financial loss.

Why Temperature Uniformity Matters for Reefer Cargo

Reefer containers are set to a target temperature, but the air inside the container does not flow uniformly without assistance. Several factors create temperature variation:

• Pallet positioning — pallets stacked tightly against container walls can block air channels, leaving interior pallets significantly warmer than those near the floor vents
• Pallet height variation — mixed pallet heights create gaps that redirect airflow and leave upper sections of the cargo mass under-cooled
• Cargo density — dense agricultural packs have limited internal air circulation, meaning surface temperature can differ significantly from core temperature
• Door end dead zones — the rear of the container, furthest from the front-floor air inlet, is typically the warmest zone in a standard reefer setup
• Container age — older reefer units may have diminished airflow capacity, making supplementary airflow management even more critical

The RAFT Kit addresses these airflow deficiencies by modifying the air circulation pattern inside the container, distributing cold air more evenly across all pallet positions and reducing the temperature differential between the warmest and coldest zones in the load.

Applications — When to Use the RAFT Kit

Citrus Under Steri-Cold Treatment
South Africa exports citrus — oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and soft citrus — to markets requiring cold treatment for quarantine compliance (primarily the USA, Japan, South Korea, and the EU). Steri-cold protocol requires the cargo to be maintained at a continuously monitored temperature (typically −0.56°C to +1.7°C depending on the specific treatment) for a defined number of days (typically 16 to 22 days) without any interruption.

Cold treatment compliance is documented by calibrated data loggers placed throughout the cargo mass. If any logger shows a temperature exceedance — even briefly — the entire container may fail compliance and be rejected. The RAFT Kit reduces temperature variation across the cargo, bringing all pallet positions within the required temperature band and reducing the risk of a compliance exceedance caused by airflow dead zones.

Stone Fruit, Table Grapes, and Other Fresh Produce
Stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries), table grapes, berries, and subtropical fruit all benefit from improved temperature uniformity during reefer transit. Uneven cooling leads to premature ripening in warmer zones, while overly cold zones adjacent to floor vents can cause chilling injury. The RAFT Kit extends the shelf life of fresh produce at destination by ensuring more consistent cooling throughout the voyage.

Flower and Horticulture Exports
Cut flowers exported from South Africa’s growing floriculture sector require tight temperature management to maintain vase life. Temperature variation inside reefer containers is a leading cause of reduced flower quality at destination. The RAFT Kit improves air distribution to help maintain the consistent temperature needed for premium flower exports.

RAFT Kit and the DunLash Fresh Produce Protection Suite

DunLash distributes the RAFT Kit as part of a complete fresh produce cargo protection solution for South African exporters. The full suite includes:

When used together, these products address the three primary causes of fresh produce quality loss during ocean freight: temperature non-compliance, moisture damage, and cargo movement.

Steri-Cold Protocol — Key Requirements

The steri-cold cold treatment protocol for South African citrus export to regulated markets requires:

• Continuous temperature compliance — the prescribed treatment temperature must be maintained without interruption for the full treatment duration
• Data logger placement — loggers are positioned at specified locations throughout the cargo mass, including the warmest zone (typically door end, upper position)
• Documentation — a cold treatment completion certificate is issued at destination when all loggers confirm continuous compliance throughout the voyage
• Vessel pre-cooling — the container and cargo must reach the treatment temperature before the treatment period begins
• Vessel notification — the shipping line must be notified of cold treatment requirements at time of booking

The RAFT Kit improves the probability of full steri-cold compliance by reducing temperature differentials across all logger positions. Contact DunLash for guidance on RAFT Kit deployment for your specific steri-cold protocol requirements.

RAFT Kit FAQs

Does the RAFT Kit work in all reefer container types?
The RAFT Kit is designed to be compatible with standard ISO reefer containers used in international sea freight. Contact DunLash to confirm compatibility with your specific container type and reefer unit before ordering.

How is the RAFT Kit installed in the container?
The RAFT Kit is installed by the pack house or stuffing team at the time of container packing. DunLash provides installation guidance and training for pack house staff as part of the distribution service. Correct installation is essential for the kit to achieve its intended airflow improvement.

Can the RAFT Kit replace proper pallet stacking practices?
No. The RAFT Kit supplements correct pallet stacking and airflow management — it does not replace them. Pallets must still be stacked correctly with appropriate floor vent clearance, pallet venting, and cargo packing practices. The RAFT Kit maximises the effectiveness of correctly packed reefer loads.

Does DunLash supply the RAFT Kit throughout South Africa?
Yes. DunLash distributes the RAFT Kit from our Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town offices, covering South Africa’s major fresh produce packing regions including the Western Cape (Citrusdal, Citrus Langkloof, Hex River, Stellenbosch), Eastern Cape (Sundays River Valley, Eastern Cape citrus regions), and Limpopo and Mpumalanga subtropical fruit regions.

Contact DunLash to order RAFT Kits, discuss deployment for your steri-cold protocol, or arrange pack house training for your team.

Related Resources

• Fresh Produce Container Cargo Protection
• Container Desiccants for Agricultural Cargo
• Citrus Cargo Securing & Steri-Cold Protocol