In the world of cold storage, where being precise and efficient is crucial, the entry points you choose can affect how everything runs. One game-changer in this industry is the development of fast doors made specifically for cold rooms.
These doors deal with the special challenges of cold environments. They also help save energy, boost productivity, and make things safer. In this blog post, we’ll look into the important features and perks of using these high speed doors in cold storage.
The Need for Speed in Cold Storage
Maintaining a controlled environment is crucial in cold storage facilities to uphold the quality and safety of stored goods. Traditional doors, however, pose a potential issue in this regard, leading to energy loss. This energy loss occurs through various mechanisms, including convection, conduction, and infiltration.
High-speed doors present a solution to this challenge by providing swift opening and closing capabilities. Operating at speeds of up to several feet per second, these doors significantly reduce the time during which the internal temperature is exposed to external elements.
This not only enhances the overall efficiency of cold storage but also helps mitigate energy loss by minimizing the duration of thermal exchange through convection, conduction, and infiltration. As a result, the use of high-speed doors contributes to a more energy-efficient and cost-effective cold storage environment.
Energy loss in Cold Storage Facilities
When addressing energy loss in cold storage facilities, it’s essential to consider three primary mechanisms: convection, conduction, and infiltration.
Convection
Convection is responsible for approximately 90% of energy loss in many cases. It refers to the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as air or water.
In cold storage, temperature differentials between the internal and external environments can lead to air currents that result in heat exchange. Traditional doors, with their slower opening and closing speeds, create prolonged exposure times, allowing convection currents to contribute significantly to energy loss.
Conduction
Conduction involves the direct transfer of heat through a solid material. In the context of cold storage doors, inefficient insulation or materials with poor thermal resistance can lead to conduction-related energy loss.
Traditional doors, which may lack optimal insulation properties, allow the transfer of heat between the warmer external environment and the colder interior, impacting the overall temperature control within.
Infiltration
Infiltration pertains to the unintended passage of air through gaps or openings. Traditional doors, especially if not well-sealed, can allow cold air to escape or warm air to infiltrate the storage space. This intrusion of external air can result in a loss of the carefully controlled internal temperature, ultimately affecting the quality and safety of stored goods.
Adopting high-speed doors addresses these energy loss concerns by significantly reducing the exposure time during opening and closing cycles. The swift operation minimizes the impact of convection, conduction, and infiltration, contributing to a more energy-efficient cold storage environment. Consequently, these doors play a pivotal role in optimizing operational costs and sustaining the integrity of stored products.
What are high speed doors?
People commonly refer to high speed doors as rapid doors or speed doors. They are specialized doors designed for quick and efficient opening and closing in various industrial and commercial settings. They can operate at significantly higher speeds than traditional doors.Thereby providing numerous benefits such as increased productivity, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced safety.
Key Features of Speed Doors for Cold Storage
High speed doors are essential in cold storage. They go beyond just speed. They address unique challenges like low temperatures and dynamic operations.
- Insulation and Thermal Efficiency: Advanced insulation materials in cold storage doors minimize heat transfer. This helps in maintaining the desired temperature inside the storage area. Next to that, it also contributes to energy savings by reducing the workload on the refrigeration system.
- Wind Resistance: Cold storage environments frequently face the challenge of formidable winds, particularly during door operation. High-speed doors are engineered to withstand these heavy-duty forces. Ensuring resilience against air leakage and preserving the integrity of the controlled atmosphere.
- Rapid Opening and Closing: The primary advantage of high speed doors lies in their ability to open and close quickly. This feature not only enhances operational efficiency by facilitating smooth traffic flow. Next to that it also reduces the risk of temperature fluctuations, ensuring that the cold chain remains unbroken.
- Durable Construction: Freezer doors are built to withstand the harsh conditions of cold storage environments. The materials used are often resistant to corrosion from low temperatures and exposure to moisture. This ensures a longer lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements.
- Flexible Curtain Design: The door curtain is the movable part of the high speed door. It is designed to offer flexibility while maintaining durability. This flexibility allows the door to absorb impacts without sustaining damage. This is a crucial feature in high-traffic areas common in cold storage facilities.
Benefits of High Speed Doors in Cold Storage
High speed cold room doors offer numerous benefits. We will highlight some key advantages that make them indispensable in cold storage environments. From bolstering energy efficiency and ensuring precise temperature control.
These doors play a vital role in modern cold storage facilities by enhancing workplace safety and facilitating increased throughput. They are designed to seamlessly contribute to the efficient operation of such facilities.
- Energy Efficiency: High speed doors minimize the exposure of cold storage to outside conditions. Hereby minimizing energy losses. This efficiency is especially crucial in large facilities. Here the constant opening and closing of doors can otherwise lead to substantial heat loss.
- Temperature Control: High speed roll up doors contribute to precise temperature control within cooler and freezer spaces. By reducing the time when doors are open, these doors ensure that temperatures remain consistent. Preserving the quality and safety of stored goods.
- Increased Throughput: The swift operation of fast doors facilitates the seamless movement of goods in and out of the cold storage area. This, in turn, increases throughput and productivity, crucial factors in industries where time-sensitive operations are the norm.
- Improved Safety: The fast and automated operation of high speed doors reduces the likelihood of accidents and collisions. Advanced safety features, such as motion sensors and automatic reversal mechanisms, enhance overall safety in the workplace.
- Compliance with Regulatory Standards: Many industries, particularly those dealing with food and pharmaceuticals, are subject to stringent regulatory standards. High speed doors designed for cold storage often come with features that help businesses comply with these standards. Think of seamless integration with temperature monitoring systems.
Choosing the Right High Speed Door for Your Cold Storage Needs
When selecting a high speed door for your cold storage facility, consider the specific requirements of your operation. Tailored solutions designed for cold storage environments exemplify a commitment to addressing unique challenges. Providing comprehensive solutions for energy efficiency, rapid operation, and advanced safety features.
At BMP we offer a wide range of speed doors that can be used for cold strorage environments. Here, we spotlight some of the frequently employed high-speed door options.
DynamicRoll Frigo 1 – for Efficient Closure till 23 °F.
Designed for cold storage applications, the DynamicRoll® Frigo 1 High-Speed Doors prioritize temperature control to prevent product spoilage. With insulation for efficiency and customizable options, these high speed cooler doors efficiently seal cooled rooms. Making them suitable for food storage, warehousing, pharmaceuticals, and environments with significant temperature variations or humidity control needs.
DynamicRoll Frigo 2 – from -31 °F to +95 °F.
The Dynamicroll® Frigo 2 is a high speed door designed for the exterior of your freezer room. It opens quickly at 70.9 in/s, provides excellent insulation, and prevents frost and ice buildup in the freezer.
With an automatic closing feature, it’s ideal for busy freezer areas. The door has a double fabric design with warm air between layers, preventing snow and ice on the door surface. Overall, the Frigo 2 is a practical solution for maintaining a controlled environment in active freezer spaces.
DynamicRoll Frigo 2 Air – with integrated Air Curtain
Featuring an innovative air curtain design, the DynamicRoll® Frigo 2 Air offers enhanced insulation by preventing ice buildup. With an automatic return to a closed position, this door ensures safety for both people and products. Designed for efficiency and safety, it is ideal for separating spaces with high thermal differences. Providing a practical solution for high-traffic environments in cold storage.
BMP High Speed Doors – Your partner for Coldstorage Environments
Our insulated doors for cold rooms go beyond just looking good. They excel in saving energy and maintaining precise temperatures. Say goodbye to slow doors and welcome a world of smooth operations that make your work easier.
Putting safety first is crucial. With features like motion sensors and automatic reversals, our cold store doors ensure a safe environment. Moreover, they stand out for their commitment to following regulations. Especially important in industries dealing with items like food or pharmaceuticals.
Are you prepared to elevate your cold storage practices? Contact our sales team today!