In today’s world, proper preservation of food, pharmaceutical, and industrial products is of great importance. Cold storage facilities, as one of the main infrastructures of the supply and storage chain, play a key role in maintaining quality and preventing resource waste.
Purchasing a cold storage facility, in addition to selecting the right equipment, requires professional design, expert consultation, and proper installation to ensure optimal performance and long service life.
In this article from Tabadol Gostar Booran, we will review the different types of cold storage and the importance of their proper design and implementation.
Cold storage is a controlled space designed to preserve various products at low temperatures, with the main purpose of maintaining quality, extending shelf life, and preventing spoilage or damage to sensitive products.
These facilities are widely used in food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and even industrial sectors.
Depending on the need, cold storage can be divided into two main categories: positive-temperature cold storage, used for fresh products such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy, and negative-temperature cold storage, used for freezing and storing frozen foods like meat and fish.
The design and construction of cold storage require adherence to specific standards in insulation, cooling systems, and control equipment to precisely manage temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
With the help of advanced technologies, these systems allow products to be preserved in ideal conditions for extended periods and are recognized as a vital part of the supply chain and warehousing.
Simply put, cold storage facilities are large, advanced refrigerators designed for preserving temperature-sensitive products in different industries.
Cold storage facilities can be categorized from several perspectives, including:
Cold storage systems are classified according to the temperature required to preserve products. Each category is suitable for specific products with different temperature requirements. Below, we review the types of cold storage based on temperature.
Positive-temperature cold storage is typically used to preserve agricultural products, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and some processed foods.
The temperature in this type of cold storage is usually set between 0 and 10°C, creating conditions that slow microbial growth and preserve product quality.
Due to higher relative humidity, positive-temperature cold storage prevents product dehydration and maintains their freshness.
Negative-temperature cold storage is used for preserving meat, poultry, fish, ice cream, and other protein products. The temperature in this type is usually set between 0 and -18°C. The low temperature reduces enzyme activity, thereby extending product shelf life.
Negative-temperature cold storage prevents the formation of ice crystals in product tissues, thus preserving their quality.
Freezing tunnels are a special type of cold storage used for rapid freezing of products. In freezing tunnels, products are frozen at very high speed, helping preserve their quality and texture. Their temperature usually ranges between -30°C and -40°C and they are used for freezing seafood, fruits, vegetables, and some processed foods.
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) cold storage is an advanced type where, in addition to temperature and humidity, levels of gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen are controlled.
This type is used for storing perishable products such as fruits and vegetables. By accurately controlling the atmosphere, ripening, spoilage, and physiological changes can be delayed, significantly extending product shelf life.
The choice of refrigerant gas is a key factor in determining the efficiency, safety, and maintenance costs of cold storage systems. Different refrigerants are used in cold storage facilities, each with specific features and applications.
Below, we review the types of cold storage based on refrigerant gas.
Ammonia cold storage uses ammonia (NH₃) as the refrigerant. Thanks to its high cooling capacity, good energy efficiency, and low cost, ammonia cold storage is widely used in large industrial facilities.
However, ammonia is toxic and flammable, requiring robust safety systems. Additionally, leaks are difficult to detect since ammonia is colorless and nearly odorless.
Freon cold storage uses refrigerant gases such as R22, R134a, and R404A. Due to their high safety, non-flammability, and environmental compatibility, Freon-based cold storage systems were once very popular.
However, because some Freon gases damage the ozone layer, their production and use have been restricted and they are gradually being replaced by environmentally friendly alternatives.
Hydrocarbon cold storage uses hydrocarbon gases such as propane (R290) and isobutane (R600a) as refrigerants.
These gases do not harm the ozone layer and have minimal global warming impact, making them suitable alternatives to Freon gases. However, they are flammable and require precise safety systems.
CO₂ cold storage uses carbon dioxide gas as a refrigerant. This gas has zero ozone depletion potential and very low global warming potential, making it a natural and environmentally friendly refrigerant.
CO₂ cold storage systems offer high energy efficiency and good cooling capacity, but their initial cost is higher compared to other types of cold storage.
Cold storage facilities are essential equipment in various industries, used to preserve different products under controlled temperatures. Therefore, application is one of the most important criteria for classifying cold storage. Below, we review the main types of cold storage by application:
Food cold storage has the most widespread use in the food industry. These facilities are used to preserve products such as meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and frozen goods. Depending on the product, the temperature can be set above zero or below zero. Food cold storage plays a crucial role in maintaining quality and extending product shelf life.
Another type of cold storage, differing in application, is pharmaceutical cold storage, designed for preserving medicines, vaccines, and biological products.
Due to the high sensitivity of pharmaceutical products, these facilities require precise temperature and humidity control. Their temperature is usually set between 2°C and 8°C. Pharmaceutical cold storage plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and stability of medical products.
Industrial cold storage is used to preserve raw materials and products in industries such as chemical, petrochemical, automotive, and electronics.
These facilities are built in very large sizes and capacities, designed to store chemicals, industrial parts, and temperature-sensitive products.
Another important category is agricultural cold storage, used for storing agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds.
These facilities are particularly important due to seasonal variations and the need for long-term storage throughout the year. Agricultural cold storage plays a key role in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of agricultural goods.
In addition to the mentioned categories, there are specialized cold storage facilities designed for specific applications. Examples include blood storage, laboratory cold storage, flower and plant storage, and storage for biological samples.
Cold storage facilities can also be classified based on their structure and design. This classification is made according to their physical build.
Room-type cold storage is designed as separate rooms, typically used for small and medium applications such as grocery stores, restaurants, laboratories, and healthcare centers. Their main advantage is flexibility in design and installation.
They also usually have lower installation and setup costs compared to other types.
Container or mobile cold storage is a type built in a prefabricated portable structure. Thanks to its mobility, this type is better suited for applications requiring relocation.
For example, container cold storage is used in exhibitions, construction projects, or situations where temporary storage is needed.
The main advantage is ease of transport and installation.
The final category is industrial cold storage, the largest and most complex type, designed for storing large volumes of food, pharmaceutical, and industrial products across different industries.
Industrial cold storage facilities are equipped with highly powerful and complex cooling systems, requiring specialized equipment and expertise for construction. Their main advantage lies in their high capacity and ability to provide precise control of temperature and humidity.
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When choosing the best type of cold storage, factors such as product type, storage volume, temperature range, and budget must be considered. The following table helps you compare different types of cold storage and their applications, making it easier to select the most suitable option for your needs.
Type of Cold Storage | Temperature Range (°C) | Main Application | Common Refrigerant Gases | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Positive-Temperature | 0 to 10 | Storage of fruits, vegetables, dairy, agricultural products | Freon, Ammonia, CO₂ | Preserves freshness and product quality, slows spoilage | Requires humidity control |
Negative-Temperature | 0 to -18 | Storage of meat, poultry, fish, ice cream | Freon, Ammonia, CO₂ | Extends product shelf life, prevents bacterial growth | Higher energy costs |
Freezing Tunnel | -30 to -40 | Rapid freezing of products | Ammonia, CO₂ | Preserves product quality and texture, reduces product weight loss | High investment cost |
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) | Variable | Storage of short-life fruits and vegetables | Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide | Extends product shelf life, preserves quality | High equipment cost |
As explained earlier, industrial cold storage is a controlled low-temperature space designed for long-term storage of food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial products.
These facilities, using advanced cold storage equipment, maintain stable temperature and proper humidity to prevent spoilage and preserve product quality.
Industrial cold storage has a wide range of applications across different industries. Some of the most important uses include:
Industrial cold storage is used to store food products such as meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and frozen goods. With proper equipment, food spoilage can be prevented and shelf life extended.
In pharmaceuticals, industrial cold storage is used to preserve medicines, vaccines, and biological products. Due to their sensitivity to temperature, these products require highly precise storage conditions. Cold storage systems in this industry play a key role in maintaining product quality and stability.
Industrial cold storage is often used in the chemical industry to store temperature-sensitive chemicals that may react dangerously if kept under unsuitable conditions.
Thus, cold storage equipment in this field ensures the safety of employees and the environment.
In agriculture, industrial cold storage is used to store products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds. With these facilities, agricultural products can be preserved longer, reducing spoilage.
Beyond the mentioned sectors, industrial cold storage is also used in industries such as automotive, electronics, and aerospace. For example, in the automotive industry, cold storage is used to preserve temperature-sensitive parts.
Fruit cold storage is a facility designed with precise temperature and humidity control to preserve various fruits. It is used to maintain quality, taste, freshness, and extend the shelf life of fruits.
Purchasing fruit cold storage has wide applications in the food and agriculture industries, such as:
Before constructing a cold storage, you must prepare the necessary prerequisites, meaning you need to secure all the required facilities and even plan its location.
At Tabadol Gostar Booran, the main prerequisites for building cold storage include the following:
The first step in building a cold storage is determining the purpose of its construction. Based on the type of products to be stored, you should select the right type of cold storage. Earlier, we explained the different types of cold storage and their applications.
The location of the cold storage plays a crucial role in efficiency and reducing operational costs. When selecting the site, you should consider the following:
At this stage, the design must be carried out by experienced experts, considering:
Building cold storage is a major investment and requires accurate cost estimation, including:
After estimating costs, financing options such as internal budget, bank loans, or joint investments should be considered.
Choosing proper equipment is another key stage, usually done by the manufacturer. However, to have general knowledge, you should know that the main equipment includes compressors and cooling systems, monitoring and control systems for temperature and humidity, shelving, and internal facilities.
Building cold storage requires obtaining permits from relevant authorities such as municipalities, health organizations, or environmental agencies. These processes must be completed before construction begins.
Finally, before construction, a plan for maintenance and operation should be prepared. This includes training staff, scheduling servicing and maintenance, and forecasting operational costs.
These steps are all prerequisites for cold storage construction. By successfully fulfilling them, you can proceed to the next stage, which is the actual building of the cold storage.
Cold storage construction is a complex process requiring technical knowledge and sufficient experience in refrigeration and construction. This process involves several stages as outlined below:
The initial design is prepared according to customer needs, product type, required dimensions, and environmental conditions. It includes accurate cooling load calculations, proper equipment selection, and layout planning.
After the design, the structure is built using suitable materials such as sandwich panels. These panels are the best choice for walls and ceilings due to their thermal insulation and moisture resistance.
At this stage, cooling systems, temperature and humidity controls, ventilation systems, and other accessories are installed. Equipment is chosen based on storage capacity, product type, and environmental factors.
One of the most critical steps is insulation. Proper insulation minimizes cooling loss and maximizes energy efficiency.
After completing the construction stages, the cooling and temperature control systems are activated and their performance is carefully tested.
At this stage, the cold storage temperature is adjusted and monitored for several days to ensure the system operates correctly.
First of all, it should be mentioned that installing and commissioning cold storage facilities requires expertise, experience, and specialized equipment.
For this reason, the process is usually carried out by specialized refrigeration and HVAC companies such as Tabadol Gostar Booran. With the help of experienced engineers, skilled technicians, and advanced equipment, this company is capable of designing, constructing, and installing various cold storage facilities with different capacities.
However, the types of organizations involved in cold storage production include:
These companies specialize in designing, manufacturing, and installing refrigeration and HVAC systems. Based on customer needs, they produce and install various types of industrial, commercial, and household cold storage.
Some construction and civil engineering companies also dedicate part of their activities to building cold storage facilities. These companies construct large-capacity cold storage as part of major industrial and construction projects.
Cold storage manufacturing workshops are smaller production units that specialize in producing parts and components for cold storage facilities. They often collaborate with larger companies by supplying the required components.
The price of a cold storage facility is relative and depends on multiple factors. Therefore, determining the exact cost of a cold storage without considering details and specifications is not possible.
Nevertheless, we can point out the main factors influencing cold storage pricing and how approximate costs are calculated.
The larger the cold storage, the stronger the cooling equipment and the more construction materials it requires, which results in higher costs.
The type of product to be stored affects the required temperature and insulation. For example, storing meat requires lower temperatures compared to fruits.
The quality of the compressor, cost of the evaporator, condenser, and other cooling equipment directly impact the total cost of the cold storage.
The type and quality of raw materials used in cold storage construction, such as sandwich panels and insulation, affect the overall price.
The complexity of the control system and the number of sensors used also affect the cost. The more advanced the system, the higher the price of the cold storage.
Expenses related to installation, commissioning, and testing of equipment also add to the final cost of the cold storage.
Transportation, labor, and other related costs vary depending on the region where the cold storage is built.
Each manufacturer, depending on its brand, product quality, after-sales services, and other factors, offers different pricing.
Cold storage design is a complex and specialized process that requires technical knowledge and sufficient experience in refrigeration and air conditioning.
The main goal of cold storage design is to create a space with stable and controlled temperature where food, medicines, and other temperature-sensitive products can be stored.
Building a cold storage requires significant investment. However, with careful planning and adopting certain strategies, construction costs can be considerably reduced. The main cost-reducing strategies include:
For more information about cold storage pricing, contact us.
Building an industrial or commercial cold storage requires high technical knowledge and experience. From choosing the right equipment to design and project execution, every step is critical. Therefore, if you need a cold storage, you can entrust the entire process to Tabadol Gostar Booran.
With years of experience in manufacturing and supplying refrigeration equipment, Tabadol Gostar Booran is ready to provide specialized consultation. Considering your needs and budget, we offer the best solutions for constructing and equipping cold storage.
For purchasing cold storage and receiving free consultation, visit our website. On the Tabadol Gostar Booran website, you can find complete information about different types of cold storage, refrigeration equipment, and our completed projects.
Our experts are also ready to answer your questions and provide professional consultation regarding cold storage construction and installation. By choosing Tabadol Gostar Booran, you will benefit from guaranteed quality and after-sales services.
Buying a cold storage is a major investment that requires accuracy and careful consideration. To ensure you have a suitable cold storage that meets your needs, several important factors should be considered. First, determine the type of product you plan to store. Each product requires a specific temperature, and the cold storage must be designed accordingly.
Next, estimate the volume of products to be stored so you can choose the right cold storage size. The body material, insulation type, cooling system, and type of cold storage compressor are other factors that should be taken into account.
The body material must be of high quality with proper insulation to prevent energy loss. The cooling system must be powerful and efficient, and the compressor should be selected based on the storage volume.
Also, pay attention to running costs such as electricity and maintenance. It is better to consult multiple companies and compare prices before purchasing to choose the best option.
Finally, consider the warranty and after-sales services of the manufacturer so that in case of any issues, you can easily rely on their support.
In this article, we comprehensively covered the topic of cold storage. From the different types of cold storage and their applications to the factors affecting cost and the construction stages, we provided detailed insights.
We hope this information helps you choose and purchase the right cold storage.
For more details and expert consultation, contact our specialists at Tabadol Gostar Booran.
If you need consultation or want to start a project, contact us through the form below. Our support team is proudly ready to meet all your needs.
Answers to the most common questions asked from our experts at Tabadol Gostar Booran:
The choice of insulation depends on factors such as the required cold storage temperature, ambient humidity, insulation thickness, cooling load, and cost. Common insulations include polyurethane, polystyrene, and rock wool.
Temperature control systems use sensors, thermostats, and controllers to continuously measure the internal temperature and maintain the desired level by turning the compressor on and off. Different types include mechanical, electronic, and digital systems.
The capacity of cold storage is determined based on the type and volume of products to be stored and the required storage duration.
Various factors such as equipment quality, environmental conditions, maintenance practices, usage intensity, and type of refrigerant used affect the service life.
شرکت تبادل گستر بوران با بیش از دو دهه فعالیت مستمر و موفق در صنعت تبرید، به عنوان یکی از پیشروترین شرکتهای تولید و تامین ماشینآلات و تجهیزات برودتی در ایران و خاورمیانه شناخته میشود.
دفتر مرکزی : تهران، بلوار کشاورز، بین خیابان جمالزاده و کارگر، پلاک ۳۱۰، طبقه ۴، واحد ۹
آدرس کارخانه : تهران، شهرک صنعتی شمس آباد، بلوار آزادی، کوچه نرگس 4، پلاک 11
تلفن : ۶۶۴۲۹۶۹۸-021 ، ۶۶۴۲۹۶۹9-021
فکس : ۶۶۴۲۹۶۹۸-021
ایمیل : Tabadolgostar@gmail.com
تمامی حقوق برای وبسایت تبادل گستر بوران محفوظ است. ۱۴۰4
