Understanding the Technology Behind Cold Storage
Cold storage offers a way to keep produce, meats, and other items cold while in transit. Business owners must understand how these facilities work to maintain a stable temperature for their products. Here is some insight into this storage method to help you earn a high return on your storage investment.
A Guide to Cold Storage
Types of Units
Companies that sell refrigerated food products store their items in refrigeration units during transit. Businesses that offer produce often use blast freezers and chillers to flash freeze food to preserve it before transportation and prevent rotting or ripening.
Cold rooms provide more permanent options where companies can host items for longer periods. Most cold storage facilities charge by the pallet and host up to 1000 kilograms per pallet to fit on their racking systems.
Temperature Monitoring Systems
Cold storage facilities feature four temperature zones to provide optimal conditions. The frozen zone is around -18 degrees Fahrenheit, while the chiller area is typically from 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, there is ambient storage from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and dry storage, which features no climate control.
Some companies offer systems that store thermal energy during low-energy times and use it to avoid using power during high-use hours. This method promotes energy efficiency and lowers costs. Similarly, solar systems store power in batteries and use that energy when electricity is the most expensive.
Low-Temperature Equipment
Many cold storage buildings feature insulated thermal panels on the doors and windows to promote energy efficiency and minimize air exchange.
In the past, these facilities have struggled to use touch screen temperature and security controls because of the unique nature of climate control. Now, they can use capacitive touch, which offers more sensitivity in these chilled environments.
Innovative cold storage companies might also install LED light bulbs, as they don’t waste energy creating heat. Instead, every watt of power is devoted to illumination, a critical factor in an environment where temperature control is imperative.
Those who need cold storage facilities should contact EuroFreezer Cold Storage in Miami, FL, to learn about their available space and fees. The company offers nationwide service to stash chilled or frozen foods while in transit. Call the Hialeah-area cold storage company at (305) 392-5555 or visit the website for information on their 16,000-square-foot space, as well as primary storage, order fulfillment, returns handling and repackaging, plus cross docking.