A Guide in Cold Room Components

Understanding the cold room components to build a reliable and efficient cold room will do wonders for your food business. Whether you are opting for a commercial model or something custom-made to match certain requirements, a cold room will maximize your utility with an energy-efficient system. The best way to get the most out of your cold room is by understanding the different cold room components that it will be made up of. While some of these features help distinguish one model from another, other components usually stay uniform across all types.

General Cold Room Components To Consider

General cold room components tend to stay consistent in almost all models with some necessary structural variations. For instance, polyurethane and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foaming material is used to make insulation panels for the walls and the roof. However, these can be either assembled on-site such as in the case of modular cold rooms or, built together from the start like in fixed cold rooms.

Here are some of the common and general components that every cold room is made up of:

• Polyurethane panels/Polyisocyanurate panels:

  The polyurethane panels/polyisocyanurate panels are perhaps the most common feature of any cold room. They help ensure adequate insulation so that the temperature within can be easily maintained. Moreover, these panels generally cover the entire surface area within the cold room. This means that you will find them used in walls and roofs. Some models may also have a protective coating to help prevent humidity or moisture from entering the multiple layers that the panels are made up of.

• Polyurethane foaming material:

  This material is used to fill up the gaps found within the crevices of the polyurethane panels. The foaming material helps block any exit that could lead to cold air loss by creating a vacuum seal. It is filled up between wall panels and then extended to the ceiling panels.

• Cold room curtain:

  A cold room curtain helps reduce the transfer of air and humidity from within the cold room to the outside and vice versa. These are mostly used in cold rooms that have high-traffic exits. Compared to steel doors, these are more effective for high traffic exits due to the reduced amount of humidity entering the room.

• Refrigerants or refrigeration gases:

  There are many different kinds of refrigerants of refrigeration gasses available. The refrigeration system determines the kind that will be needed. Some common grasses include ammonia, freon, and CO2,

• Compressors

  A compressor is part of the refrigeration system that helps achieve the cold room’s optimal temperature. It commonly known as the heart of the whole operation and is mostly responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas used. Choosing the right compressor for a cold room depends on the size of the cold room unit and the intended temperature that it will hold.

• Condenser units

  The condenser is also another feature of the refrigeration system within a cold room. Its primary purpose is to convert the refrigerant gas into liquid form by cooling it down. The liquified gas is important for the smooth running of many concurrent functions of the refrigeration system. For example the expansion valve and evaporator coils.

• Expansion valve

  The expansion valve is responsible for controlling the flow of the liquified gas within the refrigeration system. Additionally, it also controls the timing for the expansion and vaporization of the liquified gas.

• Evaporator coils

  The evaporator coils help expand and then boil the liquified gas. This is perhaps the most energy-consuming feature of the refrigeration system because the coils need to be kept cool throughout this process.

• Circulation fans:

  The primary function of the circulation fans within the refrigeration system is to ensure the constant temperature within the cold room by adequately distributing cold air within. Depending on the refrigeration system and the size of the cold room, some may have one or multiple fans. The fans pass regular air over the evaporator coils so it can be cooled down before passing it into the cold room.

• Lighting system

  Most walk-in cold rooms require adequate lighting systems to help users easily navigate their way within the premises. Therefore, most models have specialized lighting systems installed that do not produce heat that can otherwise hamper temperature management.

• Wiring systems for lighting systems:

  Most wiring systems utilize threading pipes to help protect them against ice by keeping them dry.

• Water-flowing pipes

  Warm water flowing pipes are often installed in industrial-grade cold rooms. These pipes help preserve temperature by melting frost formed on different surfaces that can lead to ice build-up and otherwise damage different components of the cold room.

• Cold Room Door

  Some cold rooms tend to have steel automatic doors installed that detect motion to open and close. These also have inbuilt timers to lock the cold room during certain hours when not in use. Moreover, these are most beneficial for smaller cold rooms that have less foot traffic.

Optional Cold Room Components

While some primary cold room components are an essential requirement, users can also opt for some optional features or add-ons that help enhance utility:

• Dehumidifier

  To prevent humidity and moisture build-up within the cold room, some models can be installed with dehumidifiers. These are most helpful in cold rooms that have high foot traffic that makes it difficult to otherwise control internal temperature. By preventing ice and frost build-up, dehumidifiers help reduce energy and maintenance costs.

• Extended temperature ranges

  Some cold rooms are multipurpose and mostly used seasonally. These models, therefore, are required to have extended temperature variations to help achieve certain temperatures to match the material they are holding.

• Stainless Steel

  Stainless is often used to reinforce certain special surfaces within the cold room to enhance overall durability.

• Ethernet

  An inbuilt ethernet system helps users monitor the workings of the cold room remotely. Depending on the system, some allow remote locking, lighting, opening, and even alarm systems for safety purposes.

• Corrosive-Resistant Equipment

  Ice build-up or frost can cause different parts of the cold room to start corroding. Replacing different sections of the room can be expensive and in some models impossible without replacing the whole unit. Therefore to prevent additional maintenance costs and enhance longevity, users can opt for installing corrosive-resistant equipment.

• Custom Lighting Systems

  While standard lighting systems help users navigate their way inside a cold room, some users may opt for customs systems that can enhance overall utility. Some variations include lighting systems that are connected to a local ethernet for remote control utility. Others can include motion sensors to conserve energy costs.

• High-Density Shelving

  Depending on what your cold room will be used for, some users also opt for installing high-density shelving that can withstand increased volumes or weight.

• Door windows

  Door windows help monitor or keep an eye on the inside of the cold room without having to open the door. Users can also opt for custom-built windows according to personal preferences. Windows also works as a protective feature to prevent users from getting locked in.

• Touchscreen Control Interface

  Some high-tech cold rooms also have touch screen modules that provide a visual user interface. These are smart systems that regulate temperature and lock doors among other features. Some advanced systems also have features that detect areas that require maintenance.

• Antimicrobial Coating on handles

  While there are plenty of different ways to ensure hygiene within the cold room, some users opt for antimicrobial coating on door handles. This is most beneficial in cold rooms that have high foot traffic from a range of people. The coating reduces bacteria and different pathogens from entering the cold room and damaging any of the material being stored.

  If you are interested in how a cold room can help with your business growth. You can contact us here.