Cold storage facilities are amenities/ enclosed insulated places that are cooled to maintain specific temperatures for the storage of temperature sensitive products. Typically, these products include perishables such as food and pharmaceuticals that can degrade if not stored correctly.
Cold storage facilities act as a buffer between manufacturers and customers enabling a steady stream of products to market, hence, balancing flow between the the two ends of the supply chain.
Think about it this way. Manufacturers want to produce products efficiently which generally means high production rates. But consumers are need led, so tend not to demand goods at the same rate as a manufacturer could supply them.
A cold storage facility will smooth this flow whilst storing products in their optimal conditions, usefully, maintaining their condition and lifespans.
There are a number of important features that achieve successful cold storage facilities.
Facilities that are close to major trunk roads and population centres have a distinct advantages, including, access to a plentiful workforce and shorter less time consuming transportation logistics.
Efficient reliable temperature control plant. Reliability is key to maintaining products in optimal condition- any down time can cause large losses of product and reputation, whilst efficient operation reduces costs, increasing profit margins.
Information technology systems are absolutely critical for controlling operational procedures ,including, stock picking and inventory, transport planning and forecasting of demand.
Probably the most efficient cooling systems available use Ammonia refrigerant.
Pumped around a warehouse in steel pipework loop, it is used in a piece of equipment called an evaporator to cool the space before returning to the compressor plant and starting the circuit again.
Whilst Ammonia (NH3) is very efficient, plant can be expensive to service. Also, leaks are dangerous to health, so highly specialist engineering services are required.
Leaving aside Ammonia’s health and safety challenges, its other major advantages include a GWP (global warming potential) rating of zero, also, its common place in nature means it is readily re-absorbed without contamination.
HFC’s are fluorinated refrigerant gases that are used in the same way as ammonia, being circulated on a loop and using evaporators to cool the space.
One clear advantage of utilising HFC’s is improved safety and lower servicing costs over Ammonia systems. However, once you factor in the increased energy costs for work done, ammonia use becomes a more attractive option, especially, considering its neutral effect on the environment.
Glycol/ water mixes can be used as a secondary refrigerant. By this we mean, second after a primary plant, often a HFC system that cools the glycol before it is circulated through coolers in the work space.
Whilst not as efficient as the aforementioned single phase refrigeration systems, it has the distinct advantage of being very user friendly, and safe, when used in a centralised refrigeration plant.
Obviously there are a myriad of ways to improve efficiency of your cold store. However listed below are some simple common sense examples which most of the time could be considered as good house keeping. We will also touch on some more technical aspects.
Doors that are left open longer than necessary will let in warm air and increase costs. Check your access systems to ensure doors close promptly. Also, are procedures in place that limit any unnecessary traffic entering and leaving.
Switch to lower wattage LED lighting with sensors. Not only will this save electricity at the front end, it will also reduce heat loads in the area. Sensors which turn off unnecessary lighting will also help.
Another piece of equipment that uses large amounts of electricity are evaporators (coolers). Because these run below freezing, they need electric heaters to periodically clear the ice that builds up on the cooler face.
This is called a defrost cycle, and optimal settings of the heater interval and defrost duration times will not only keep you coolers clear of ice, making operation more efficient, but will also save electricity costs.
Keeping your cooling equipment clean will improve its efficiency. Condenser coils that the plant uses to exchange the energy from the cold store to atmosphere need to be kept clean. Similarly, internal coolers should be kept clean to maximise efficiency.
In the same way that good housekeeping can improve your plants efficiency, regular servicing by a specialist can also help. Typically refrigeration systems should be checked for correct operation, as well as refrigerant leaks that can be expensive in terms of replacement, damage or reduced efficiencies. Further consequences of servicing neglect include breakdowns leading to loss which could be avoided.
We have been working in the temporary cold storage facilities sector for many years. Mostly working in the temporary field, we supply fast reaction insulated structures and cooling systems to maintain customers businesses in times of need.
This could include, additional cooling systems to support existing cold stores, complete stand alone cooling systems to facilitate major works, or installing a complete temperature controlled temporary buildings.
We also specialise in fast conversions of warehouses into cold stores. Great for increasing capacity fast, possibly in response to seasonal peaks. Our ethos and plant are angled towards fast response to our clients needs.
