Food Cold Storage
Food cold storage is a controlled space designed to store food at low temperatures (ranging from -30 to -40 degrees Celsius) to prevent spoilage and quality loss. These storages are divided into different categories based on criteria such as temperature, refrigerant type, and product type.
Food cold storages, with precise control of temperature and humidity, prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms and increase the shelf life of food. Tabadol Gostar Booran, using the latest refrigeration technologies, provides standard and optimized cold storages for the food industry. For more information, stay with us until the end of this article.
Types of Food Cold Storage
Food cold storages, depending on their application and storage needs, are categorized in different ways. Below, we review the types of food cold storages based on temperature, refrigerant, and product.
Types of Food Cold Storage by Temperature
Food storage temperature is one of the most important factors in classifying cold storages. From this perspective, food cold storages are divided into two main types.
Above Zero Cold Storage
Above zero cold storages have a temperature range of 0 to 15 degrees Celsius and are used for preserving perishable food that does not require freezing. Some important applications of this type of cold storage include:
- Storing fruits and vegetables: preventing decay and maintaining freshness
- Storing dairy products: extending the shelf life of milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Storing processed protein products: such as sausages and cold cuts
Below Zero Cold Storage
Below zero cold storages have a temperature range of 0 to -30 degrees Celsius and are used for freezing food. Some products stored in this type include:
- Frozen meat and poultry
- Fish and shrimp
- Ice cream and other frozen dairy products
Types of Food Cold Storage by Refrigerant
The refrigerant (cooling gas) is one of the vital components of refrigeration systems, especially food cold storage. Depending on the type of gas used, cold storages are divided into two categories.
Ammonia Cold Storage
Cold storages that use ammonia gas (NH₃) as a refrigerant are known as ammonia cold storages. These storages are usually used on an industrial scale for preserving large volumes of food. Main features include:
- High efficiency and reduced energy consumption
- Environmentally friendly (non-ozone depleting)
- Suitable for storing meat and seafood in bulk
Freon Cold Storage
In freon cold storages, freon gases such as R22, R134a, and R404a are used as refrigerants. These storages are usually applied on smaller to medium scales. Features include:
- Easy installation and setup
- Lower maintenance costs compared to ammonia systems
- Suitable for storing food in shops, restaurants, and medium warehouses
Types of Food Cold Storage by Product
Depending on the type of food stored, cold storages can be categorized as follows:
Meat Cold Storage
- Storage temperature between 0 to -18 degrees Celsius
- Preventing spoilage of meat by maintaining proper temperature
- Extending shelf life without quality loss
- Ability to use blast freezing systems
Poultry Cold Storage
- Storage temperature between -10 to -20 degrees Celsius
- Suitable for storing fresh or frozen poultry
- Reducing moisture loss and maintaining meat freshness
- Possibility of storage in industrial or retail packaging
Fish and Shrimp Cold Storage
- Storage temperature between -18 to -30 degrees Celsius
- Preventing rapid spoilage and preserving nutritional value
- Using IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) systems for fast freezing
- Preventing changes in color and texture of fish and shrimp
Food Cold Storage Components
A food cold storage consists of different parts, each playing an important role in controlling temperature, humidity, and preserving product quality. The main components of food cold storage are as follows:
Cold Storage Compressor
Cold storage compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the system.
Cold Storage Evaporator
Cold storage evaporator absorbs the heat inside the cold storage and lowers the chamber temperature.
Cold Storage Condenser
Cold storage condenser transfers absorbed heat to the outside environment and cools the refrigerant.
Cold Storage Control Panel (PLC) and System
The control panel is responsible for regulating temperature, humidity, and the overall system performance.
Wall Insulation
Prevents heat exchange with the outside environment and maintains cold storage temperature.
Cold Storage Door
Designed with insulation to prevent energy loss.
Tabadol Gostar Booran, with technical and specialized consultation, designs and installs the best food cold storage based on customer needs at a competitive price.
Food Cold Storage Price
The price of food cold storage depends on several factors that affect construction, equipment, and operating costs. Some of the most important factors are:
- Capacity and dimensions: The larger the capacity and dimensions, the higher the construction and equipment cost.
- Type of cold storage (above zero or below zero): Below zero storages require stronger freezing systems and are usually more expensive.
- Type of refrigerant (ammonia or freon): Ammonia cold storages have higher installation costs than freon, but are more cost-effective in the long run.
- Insulation material and quality: Using polyurethane panels with suitable thickness affects the cost.
- Refrigeration equipment: The quality and brand of compressors, condensers, and evaporators play a significant role in the final cost.
- Geographical location and installation conditions: Transportation, installation, and setup costs vary by region.
Tabadol Gostar Booran, by offering specialized consultation and custom design, provides the most suitable option based on your business needs. Contact our experts for a detailed price estimate.
“Purchasing Food Cold Storage
Purchasing food cold storage is a key investment for the food industry, chain stores, restaurants, and food distribution companies. Selecting the right cold storage has a direct impact on quality, shelf life, and reducing food waste. When purchasing, pay attention to the following points.
1. Determining Business Needs
- Type of food to be stored (fruits, dairy, meat, seafood, etc.)
- Required capacity based on daily or monthly storage volume
- Choosing between above zero or below zero cold storage depending on the type of product
2. Reviewing Equipment and Technical Specifications
- Type of compressor and cooling power required
- Insulation material and thickness (polyurethane panels recommended)
- Type of refrigerant (ammonia or freon) and its effect on costs
- Control and automation system for precise adjustment of temperature and humidity
3. Costs and Energy Saving
- Energy consumption of the cold storage is a major factor in operating costs
- Using energy-efficient equipment and optimizing refrigeration systems reduces operational costs
4. Selecting a Trusted Supplier
- Reviewing records and completed projects by the manufacturer
- Ensuring after-sales service and technical support
- Comparing warranty and terms of installation and maintenance
Conclusion
Food cold storage is one of the essential parts of the food supply chain, playing a vital role in extending shelf life, maintaining quality, and preventing spoilage. These storages are divided into categories based on temperature, refrigerant, and product type, including above zero, below zero, ammonia, and freon storages.
When choosing and purchasing food cold storage, factors such as capacity, insulation quality, refrigeration equipment, energy consumption, and compressor type must be considered. In addition, construction and operating costs are influenced by the dimensions, refrigerant type, and geographical location.
For purchasing a standard and efficient food cold storage, selecting a reliable supplier with experience in refrigeration projects is highly important. Tabadol Gostar Booran, by offering customized solutions and advanced refrigeration equipment, designs and implements various industrial and commercial cold storages with the highest quality standards and optimal energy efficiency.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Food Cold Storage
Answers to the most common questions you ask Tabadol Gostar Booran experts:
1. What is food cold storage and why is it important?
Food cold storage is a controlled low-temperature space designed to maintain quality, extend shelf life, and prevent food spoilage. These storages prevent microbial growth and create optimal conditions for food storage.
2. What factors affect the price of food cold storage?
Capacity and dimensions, refrigerant type (ammonia or freon), insulation quality, refrigeration equipment, energy consumption, and installation conditions are key factors influencing price.
3. What is the best refrigerant for food cold storage?
Ammonia cold storages are suitable for high-volume industrial use, while freon cold storages are more cost-effective for medium and small-scale applications.
4. How can cold storage energy consumption be reduced?
Using proper insulation, energy-efficient refrigeration equipment, optimal temperature and humidity adjustment, and regular maintenance can reduce energy consumption.
5. How can a standard and optimized cold storage be purchased?
To purchase a standard cold storage, business needs, type of food, required capacity, refrigeration equipment, and energy consumption must be reviewed. Selecting a reliable supplier with proper after-sales service and technical support is also essential.
