The Big Issues in Cold Chain Today – Do More with Less
Temperature controlled cold stores and clean rooms being designed and installed today in the UK need to be resilient enough to perform in temperatures of over 40 degrees heat. It is predicted that the cold chain will grow significantly due to both population growth and the need to keep vaccines at very specific temperatures. However, inflation, soaring energy costs, energy insecurity and concerns around climate change and sustainability, means that the best cold stores will need to operate using less energy. So how do you achieve more with less?
The materials specified for the installation must meet regulations, have superior thermal performance, be extremely durable and hygienic, and meet fire regulations.
Insulated metal panels which contain a PIR system (polyisocyanurate) can meet all these requirements, whilst also facilitating quick and straightforward installation, which reduces build time in the warehouse.
Hemsec steel faced insulated panels have a high thermal performance and airtight joints which provide a structure to limit heat transfer, prevent air movement, and helps to ensure humidity and air quality levels are consistent. Thermal breaks and rebates can be incorporated into walling to suit ceiling thicknesses.
The closed cell structure within the PIR core prevents moisture absorption which makes them preferable to products such as mineral wool as they prevent moisture becoming trapped within the core, which could affect the structural integrity.
Hemsec metal insulated panels are self-supporting and allow for single spanning capability. This means they can be used for large areas with no need for supporting pillars, increasing storage capacity and improving the ease with which personnel and machines navigate storage areas.
Steel is robust and when it is laminated with the required coatings, it makes the insulated panels ideal for aggressive environments, such as pharmaceutical and food production, where cleaning with abrasive materials is necessary to maintain high levels of hygiene.
Hemsec metal insulated panels can be manufactured with a wide variety of finishes depending on requirements, including food-safe finishes, which means no further materials or labour are required to build your structure. This saves time and money, as well as increases the internal space available.
Our panels can be installed in line with LPS 1208 certificate: 558A to achieve FR30 or FR60 fire resistance and comply with current requirements for reaction to fire classifications.
Applications for metal insulated panels include:
- Chilled storage between 0 to 5°C (food, pharmaceuticals, vaccines)
- Frozen storage between -1 to -50°C, often -18°C
- Food and drink processing and preparation
- Technological and electrical manufacturing
- Data centres
- Spray booths
- Cleanrooms
- Controlled Environment Agriculture
Saving energy means reducing costs
There are a wide range of options for cold storage businesses looking to produce their own energy to protect themselves against volatility in electricity prices and disruption to supply. In the future it is likely that most cold stores will include solar panels but, in the UK, solar power alone is unlikely to provide enough power for the whole cold storage operation. On site energy generation may also include energy management mechanisms like battery storage, centralised cooling and heat recycling.
The future of the cold chain…
The cold chain industry must assess the potential for local collaboration as part of energy strategies, to harness the potential offered by district cooling and heating schemes. Many businesses are aiming to be able to go off-grid and even sell excess energy as a new revenue stream.
Image credit: JBJ Installations