Walk in cold rooms

Types of walk-in cold rooms

A walk-in cold room is a storage space used in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and agriculture, to maintain products at lower temperatures. There are two main types of walk-in cold rooms: refrigerant-based and non-refrigerant-based.

• Refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms

  Refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms are cold storage rooms that function like walk-in freezers but are not too cold. They maintain the same temperatures as walk-in freezers would be, and that is how they do not have to be identified as a freezer or refrigerator to tell the difference. Refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms have the following features:

  -Walk-in cold room with different refrigerants: Ammonia is a typically utilized refrigerant in industrial walk-in cold rooms. For smaller-scale refrigerated rooms, Freon or other non-ammonia refrigerants are more common. The choice of refrigerant depends on factors such as cooling efficiency, environmental impact, and the specific needs of the facility.

  -Temperature control: Refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms achieve precise temperature control by circulating refrigerant through evaporator coils. The room's temperature can be adjusted according to the specific requirements of the stored products.

  -Compressor and condensing unit: These walk-in cold rooms are equipped with compressors and condensing units that are responsible for the refrigeration process. These components can be located inside or outside the cold room, depending on the design and setup.

  -Sealed storage: Refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms can be sealed to maintain the desired temperature. By minimizing the air exchange between the room and the outside environment, these cold rooms improve energy efficiency and ensure stable cooling.

• Non-refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms

  Non-refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms are ideal when electricity is scarce or expensive or when sustainable solutions are desired. They also work well for delaying the ripening of fruits. Below are some features of the non-refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms:

  -Absorbers: Non-refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms use absorbers such as thin, porous ceramic tiles that can bind water. The absorber will draw water from the humid air in the room when the room's temperature is lower than the outside temperature. The water then evaporates, cooling the room in the process.

  -Solar-powered walk-in cold rooms: Non-refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms can be designed to utilize solar energy for cooling. This is typically done by employing solar thermal collectors that convert sunlight into heat. The heat is then used to power absorption refrigeration systems, which cool the room. Solar-powered cooling solutions are particularly valuable in areas with limited electrical infrastructure or high energy costs.

  -Evaporative cooling in non-refrigerant walk-in cold rooms: Evaporative cooling is a natural cooling process that can be used in non-refrigerant-based walk-in cold rooms. It works by humidifying the air inside the cool room, which triggers the evaporation of water. As water undergoes evaporation, it absorbs heat, lowering the temperature within the room.

Specification and maintenance of walk-in cold rooms

Specification

• Cold room size and capacity

  The cold room's size and capacity indicate the temperature range it can maintain. Walk-in cold rooms are generally measured in square feet or square meters. The temperature range of a walk-in cold room is generally between 0°C and -18°C (32°F to 0°F), or even lower for ultra-freeze rooms. The capacity of a cold room indicates how much inventory it can hold. The room size is usually described in terms of length, width, and height.

• Temperature and humidity control

  The walk-in cold room's automatic control system allows users to set and adjust the desired temperature and humidity. Some cold room also has an alarm system, which can give notice to the user when the temperature or humidity is beyond the limit, or when there is a failure in the control system, so that timely inspection and handling can be carried out.

• Insulation

  The insulation performance of a walk-in cold room is an important factor affecting its energy consumption. Insulation materials used in cold rooms include PU panels, which have high insulation performance, low thermal conductivity, and can effectively prevent heat transfer.

• Refrigeration systems

  The refrigeration systems of walk-in cold rooms usually include condensing units, evaporators, and refrigeration pipelines. Refrigeration systems are the key components that maintain the cold room's temperature. The choice of the proper refrigeration system, as well as its installation and adjustment, can affect the cold room's cooling efficiency and energy consumption.

Maintenance

Some regular maintenance methods can keep the walk-in cold room in good working condition and prolong its service life.

• Regular inspection: Check the appearance, doors, and windows, etc. of the cold room regularly to ensure there are no damages, deformations, or air leaks. Meanwhile, the user should inspect the working condition of the refrigeration equipment and control system to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Cleaning: Only the walk-in cold room maintained and cleaned regularly can it be kept hygienic and avoid cross contamination. Cleaning involves removing any items from the cold room, cleaning the floor and walls, and then sanitizing the entire space. When cleaning, the user should choose appropriate cleaning products and equipment to avoid damaging cold room facilities.
• Maintain proper humidity: Cold rooms generally have a specified humidity range. Keeping appropriate humidity can avoid problems like mold growth and material damage. Users can adjust the humidity through humidifiers or dehumidifiers, etc.
• Prevent overloading: Users should keep the weight of the items stored in the cold room within its bearing limits. Overloading can damage the facility's structure and bearing system.

Scenarios of walk in cold rooms

Walk in cold rooms are mainly used by businesses that need to store large amounts of food or other perishable items at low temperatures to prolong shelf life. However, they are not limited to that industrial scenario alone. Given that most businesses need to keep items fresh, walk in cold rooms can also be used in the following scenarios:

• Food processing industry

  Walk in cold rooms are ideal for food processing industries. They can be used in meat processing plants, bakeries, breweries, and other food factories. Cold rooms can be utilized to mature, chill, freeze, or ferment food products, ensuring quality control and precise flavor development.

• Florists and gardening businesses

  Gardening businesses and florist businesses use walk in cold rooms to maintain the quality of fresh-cut flowers and plants. Cold rooms provide a temperature and humidity-controlled environment that ensures the longevity of the flowers and helps preserve the color and vibrancy of the plants.

• Catering companies and meal prep services

  Catering companies, restaurants, and meal prep services can use walk-in cold rooms to help preserve ingredients, prepared meals, and baked goods. The consistent refrigeration helps catering firms and restaurants keep their inventory at an optimal level while reducing food waste.

• Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology

  Walk in cold rooms with precise temperature control and monitoring capabilities are crucial for the storage of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, biotech products, vaccines, and chemicals. These cold rooms ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and protect the integrity of valuable biomedical products.

• Film and media production companies

  During film and media production, cold rooms are used to protect props, sets, and costumes. Walk-in cold rooms can also preserve perishable items like food and beverages used for cast and crew catering.

• Bomb and firearms disposal companies

  Cold rooms can be used by bomb and firearms disposal companies to secure dangerous items like explosives and firearms until they are safely and properly destroyed. The cold rooms can provide a temporary storage solution that ensures public safety and minimizes the risk associated with handling hazardous materials.

• Art galleries and museums

  Art galleries and museums can use walk-in cold rooms to preserve and protect temperature-sensitive artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and historical objects. The cold rooms maintain the preservation and longevity of valuable cultural heritage items.

How to choose walk in cold rooms

• Evaluate storage needs

  Evaluate the items' size, quantity, and dimensions that people plan to store in the cold room. Ensure the cold room's dimensions match storage needs.

• Determine temperature requirements

  Decide the specific temperature range that's needed for the stored items. Depending on the desired temperature range, one may need to explore different types of cold rooms, such as refrigeration systems and insulation materials.

• Consider insulation materials

  Adequate insulation is crucial for maintaining the desired temperature in a walk-in cold room. Discuss different insulation materials and their R-values (thermal resistance) with cold room suppliers to ensure efficient temperature control.

• Explore refrigeration systems

  Depending on the temperature requirements, buyers need to choose an appropriate refrigeration system for the cold room. Options include central refrigeration units, self-contained units, and remote refrigeration systems.

• Think about door options

  The choice of door for a walk-in cold room can impact energy efficiency, accessibility, and security. For good energy efficiency, choose an insulated cold room door. Consider also the cold room's accessibility and security when choosing the door. Depending specific needs, business buyers may need to choose from different door types, sizes, and configurations.

• Plan airflow and shelving

  If a walk-in cold room has to accommodate a large number of items, it might also be useful for a cold room to have shelves. Consider shelving system options that are available and find a solution that suits particular needs. It is also important to have proper airflow within a walk-in cold room storage. Airflow helps items decently well, maintain stable temperatures, and avoid hotspots. Organizing room items properly and positioning ventilation ducts strategically can foster good airflow.

• Think about energy efficiency

  An efficient cold room has to consume less energy. Doing this will also help to cut down running costs and environmental impact. Choose high-quality insulation materials with good R-values to minimize heat gain. Also, consider energy-efficient refrigeration systems and components.

• Check regulations and compliance

  Before making a final purchase decision for a walk-in cold room, it's important to ensure that the chosen cold room complies with building codes, health regulations, and environmental standards. Consult with cold room suppliers to ensure that the cold room meets all the necessary regulations and requirements.

Walk in cold rooms Q&A

Q1. What is a walk-in cold room?

A1. A walk-in cold room is an industrial-scale cold storage facility that keeps products at lower temperatures to prolong their shelf life. It is typically used by businesses rather than individuals.

Q2. What are the benefits of walk-in cold rooms?

A2. The main benefits of walk-in cold rooms are improved product quality, extended shelf life, operational flexibility, inventory management, and cost-effectiveness.

Q3. What types of walk-in cold rooms are there?

A3. The two main ways to classify cold rooms are by function and temperature. Based on function, the cold room can be a cold storage room or a refrigerated warehouse. Based on temperature, the cold room can be a refrigerated cold room or a freezing cold room.

Q4. What factors should be considered when choosing a walk-in cold room?

A4. The capacity and sizes, insulation materials, refrigeration systems, shelving and racking options, energy efficiency, and security features of walk-in cold rooms all vary. Each of these factors needs to be considered when choosing the cold room for the particular business's needs.

Q5. How much does a walk-in cold room cost?

A5. The cost of the cold room depends on various factors, including the size, insulation, refrigeration system, shelving, energy efficiency, security features, and any customization required. Generally, the larger the cold room, the more it will cost.