Cold storage facilities are essential in preserving perishable food items like fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat. These items are particularly vulnerable to spoilage under normal environmental conditions due to their biological composition. To address this, cold storage provides a controlled environment with optimal temperature and humidity settings tailored to the specific requirements of each food type.

The core principle of cold storage is to slow down the biological and chemical processes that lead to food degradation. For fruits and vegetables, this involves maintaining a temperature that is low enough to slow down respiration rates without causing freezing damage. For example, most fruits are best stored at temperatures between 0-5°C, though specific requirements can vary.

Meat and fish demand more stringent conditions due to their high protein content, which is prone to bacterial growth and decomposition. Typically, these products are stored at temperatures just above freezing, often between -1°C and 3°C. The humidity levels are also closely monitored and adjusted to prevent dehydration and quality loss of the stored items.

Modern cold storage facilities are increasingly sophisticated, offering customizable settings to accommodate a wide range of products. Some advanced systems even include automated monitoring and adjustments of temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal preservation conditions are continuously maintained.

In addition to preserving food quality, cold storage plays a crucial role in reducing food waste. By extending the shelf life of perishable goods, these facilities enable longer distribution times, allowing food to reach more distant markets and reducing the risk of spoilage before consumption. This aspect is particularly important in today’s globalized food supply chains, where products often travel long distances from producer to consumer.

What should be considered when establishing a cold storage?

When installing a cold storage facility, attention to detail and adherence to specific technical guidelines are critical to ensure optimal operation and longevity of the system. Here's a comprehensive guide, integrating your provided information with additional insights:

1.      Assembling Cold Room Panels: Begin by verifying the project design and ensuring all materials and accessories are accounted for. Handle cold storage panels with care to avoid scratches, and use protective layers during loading and unloading. During assembly, maintain a gap between the walls and roof, and ensure the floor is level and the environment clean. Seal and fix the interior with glass glue and angle aluminum, maintaining appropriate distances between rivets and around the door.

2.      Installing Unit Coolers: Choose installation points that optimize air circulation within the cold room. Ensure a sufficient gap between the evaporator and panels, and secure all suspension bolts. Use sealant to prevent cold bridges and air leakage. If the ceiling-type evaporator is heavy, use angle iron for additional support, distributing the load across the structure.

3.      Refrigeration Unit Installation: Install an oil separator with semi-hermetic or hermetic compressors and add the correct amount of oil. Ensure the base of the compressor is fitted with shock-absorbing mounts. Leave space for maintenance and install the high-pressure gauge strategically. Aim for a consistent and rational overall layout.

4.      Refrigeration Pipeline Installation: Select copper pipe diameters according to the compressor's specifications. Maintain proper distances between the condenser, walls, and obstacles. Follow guidelines for inlet and outlet pipe diameters, and ensure slopes are correct in piping to facilitate effective gas and oil return. Install expansion valves and solenoid valves considering their proximity to the evaporator and their orientation.

5.      Power Distribution System Installation: Label each contact for maintenance ease. Construct the electric control box as per drawings and conduct a no-load test. Secure all electrical connections and protect wires from exposure. Ensure the distribution box is installed in a well-lit, dry area. Adhere to wire capacity guidelines to prevent overheating.

6.      Refrigeration System Commissioning: Test the power supply voltage and compressor windings for resistance and insulation. Check all system valves and refrigerant levels, and observe the operational sounds and temperatures across the system. Adjust settings based on the cold storage's specific frosting and usage requirements.

This comprehensive approach combines meticulous planning, precise installation, and rigorous testing to ensure that your cold storage facility operates efficiently, safely, and effectively. Proper installation and maintenance are key to prolonging the lifespan of the facility and maintaining the quality of stored goods.

What to keep in cold storage

Cold storage is essential for preserving a variety of perishable goods. The main items typically stored in cold storage facilities include:

1.      Fruits and Vegetables: Many fruits and vegetables have a limited shelf life at room temperature. Cold storage slows down their ripening process, thereby extending their freshness. It's important to store different fruits and vegetables at their specific optimal temperatures and humidity levels.

2.      Meat and Poultry: To prevent spoilage and bacterial growth, fresh meat and poultry are stored at low temperatures in cold storage. This not only preserves the quality of the meat but also ensures food safety.

3.      Seafood: Similar to meat, seafood, including fish, shellfish, and other marine products, require cold storage to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial contamination.

4.      Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products are stored in cold storage to prolong their shelf life and maintain their quality.

5.      Frozen Foods: This category includes a wide range of products like frozen vegetables, meats, prepared meals, and desserts. Cold storage for frozen foods is typically at much lower temperatures compared to other perishables.

6.      Floral Products: Many flowers and plants have a longer lifespan when stored in a cool environment, which slows down their metabolism and decay.

7.      Pharmaceuticals: Some medications and vaccines require cold storage to maintain their efficacy. This is particularly true for certain biologics and temperature-sensitive drugs.

8.      Eggs: Proper cold storage of eggs can significantly extend their shelf life and maintain their quality.

9.      Bakery and Confectionery Items: Certain bakery products and confections may require cold storage to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, especially those containing cream or dairy-based fillings.

10.   Beverages: Some beverages, like certain wines and craft beers, benefit from being stored at specific cool temperatures to preserve their flavor and quality.

Cold storage installation