The presence of condensation and ice in cold stores is a common problem in the refrigeration sector and brings with it worrying consequences. Though the formation of ice is almost inevitable, it can be reduced by controlling and adjusting air conditions; installing suitable cold store doors and using the cold store responsibly.
The issue of condensation within a cold store is primarily caused by an influx of air or an incorrect configuration of the refrigeration equipment itself. That is to say, the configuration of the cold production machine and the interior evaporator, which dispels the cold produced by the compressor. If the refrigeration system is not properly configured, this can cause major differences in temperature, producing ice inside the evaporator. Ice can also form on the product itself or on and around the cold store door seals.
If the seals on the cold stores are not suitable, this results in an unwanted influx of air from the outside, bringing humidity and higher temperatures. Humidity encourages the spread of fungi and bacteria, so we should make sure to avoid excess humidity in the cold store at all times. This creates a dew point in the cold part of the store, and all water carried by the air that enters the room will be deposited at this cold point, for example, inside the evaporator. As a result, the evaporator can become blocked and the refrigeration equipment begins to malfunction. As such, the door seal, in addition to the insulation of the cold store itself, must be excellent. If the seal is lacking or the panels are not well sealed and pointed, ice can form along these joints.
Ultimately, to prevent ice from forming, the cold store door must be totally sealed and its thickness must suitably match the required preservation or freezing temperature inside the store. The main site for ice production is around the door which, if the cold store is for freezing purposes, must feature an electrical resistance cable so that its frame is kept consistently warm, preventing the door from sticking when staff attempt to open it.
If the door must be kept open for a prolonged period of time, high-speed canvas doors are key in preventing cold air leaving and warm air entering. In addition to using high-speed doors to prevent this contrast, it’s also worth installing an air curtain above the door to combat this influx and outflow of air as much as possible. This way, we can avoid the unwanted production of ice which deposits on the product, potentially damaging it. Optimal preservation of food products in cold stores is crucial for ensuring the health of the consumer.
Lastly, it’s important to dehumidify the antechamber to dry out the air in this area, thereby avoiding the humidity-ice effect, especially in geographical areas with a relatively high level of humidity.
Problems in cold stores with ice and condensation
- The buildup of ice or condensation can damage product packaging.
- Slippery floors that reduce worker safety, potentially causing accidents.
- Opening and closing cold storage doors can be made difficult, generating air currents loaded with humidity.
- Lower quality working environment.
- Time wasted having to eliminate ice.
- High energy bills owing to the inefficient operation of frozen evaporators.
Kavidoors solutions to help prevent the formation of condensation and ice in cold stores
At Kavidoors, we have a few products available to help you with this problem:
- Double canvas high-speed doors with a dry-air recirculation system. This means that the exchange of air humidity levels in the antechamber during opening periods is kept to a minimum. This stops the formation of ice inside the store or a high number of defrosting cycles.
- Air curtain. This creates an invisible air barrier inside and outside the cold store, maintaining thermal conditions within it and simultaneously allowing staff and machinery to pass through. In addition to preventing temperature loss, it reduces the formation of ice and miss in the store, providing greater safety for workers. They are particularly used in rooms where the temperature ranges between -15 and 40 °C and where humidity is up to 80% at temperatures above 25 °C.
- High-speed door with integrated air curtain. In cases where the temperature gradient is high, it is recommended to install a high-speed door with an integrated air curtain. It features an insulated, foam-injected 7 mm canvas and two air curtains over the sides. When the door is activated, the air curtains automatically come online. As these are located both at the top and bottom, facing each other, the entirety of the door space is covered, preventing the loss of cold air from within the store.If you have problems with condensation and/or ice in your cold stores, request a commitment-free quote using our contact form and we’ll help you find the best possible solution.