Cold storage refrigeration for extended shelf life and superior QC

Exploring the potential of cold storage refrigeration, a robust solution for handling and preserving perishable products. From extending shelf life to ensuring precise temperature control, this innovative technology revolutionises various industries, including dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.

The need for cold storage refrigeration facilitates the handling and storage of perishable products. ‘What is partial cold storage refrigeration?’ These are products requiring a proper temperature-controlled environment for quality maintenance. The products such as meat, dairy, vegetables, poultry, etc., require proper cold storage facilities in high demand.

Why is cold storage refrigeration system important?
Cold storage refrigeration system refers to a cold room, a specific type of room designed to maintain low temperatures. It utilises precision instruments and machines to control the temperature effectively.

The advanced technology contributes to improving the facilities of the cold room. The impact is positive and plays a vital role in the supply and demand of perishable goods. Numerous industries benefit from cold rooms, with the food industry being the most prominent, given its specific requirements. These specialised facilities are constructed to accommodate and preserve perishable goods for a certain duration.

As the demand for food supply rises, there is a corresponding increase in the production of perishable goods like vegetables and fruits. Preserving these goods in cold storage facilities is essential to prevent spoilage. Cold rooms play a vital role in extending the shelf life of fresh goods, effectively reducing food waste and extending the time available to bring foods to market.

The meticulous design of the cold room is necessary to fulfil its intended purposes and requirements. Every aspect, from project management to the final construction of the facility, demands careful consideration. Designing a project specifically for food and beverages encompasses various elements, such as freezer and chiller cold storage units, food manufacturing facilities, hygienic floor finishes, drainage systems, preventative and service maintenance, and other related components.

What is partial cold storage refrigeration?
Although cold storage refrigeration is familiar to many, partial cold storage refrigeration is often overlooked. This term pertains to an energy-saving approach employed during the production of cold storage systems. It emphasises the importance of regular maintenance and correct installation to ensure optimal efficiency in plant operations, minimising unnecessary energy consumption.

Energy storage is an essential component of an integrated energy management system, ensuring a harmonious equilibrium between energy supply and demand over a specific period. Cold storage systems find application in various sectors and play a critical role in transporting temperature-sensitive products.

There are several essential components within cold storage systems, including a cold storage tank, chiller, heat exchanger, operating fluid, three-way valves, and pumps. These components collectively enable the storage of cooling energy. The storage method involves utilising temperature gradients to maintain the coolness of the storage materials. By incorporating defrost refrigerated regulators and electronically controlled valves, installed as needed, energy-saving benefits are achieved. This is precisely the advantage offered by a partial cold storage refrigeration system.

What is the benefit of cold storage refrigeration?
Modern technology advent has benefited people with transport refrigeration and cold storage manufacturers. They are manufacturing product ranges that are innovation-driven. These offer major benefits to various industries, including:

• Temperature control- Temperature control is fully accessible to end users, allowing them to adjust the temperature according to the specific requirements of different types of fruits and vegetables. This control is achieved by storing the produce in the designated cold storage room. Users can connect and communicate their storage requirements, ensuring remote temperature control.
• Prolonging vegetables and fruits shelf-life– The primary advantage of cold storage refrigeration is its ability to extend the shelf life of items significantly. By maintaining low temperatures and providing controlled atmospheric storage with reduced oxygen levels, cold storage refrigeration effectively reduces respiration among vegetables and fruits, resulting in a longer lifespan.
• Transportation of products– Transport refrigeration has emerged as the most efficient equipment, enabling the transportation of various edible items. It ensures the safe delivery of products like butter, milk, meat, chicken, bakery items, fruits, frozen foodstuffs, and more from production sites to retail shops. Without transport refrigeration, it would be impossible to transport these goods, as even a slight temperature drop can lead to spoilage of fruits and vegetables. Customised solutions are necessary in this field, and NSSPL offers the same.
• Cost-effective– Cold storage is cost-effective. These machines are technology-driven and control the item’s spoilage to a minimum, thus saving you money.
• Free up space– Managing items within your facility presents numerous challenges, particularly ensuring product safety. Cold storage requires ample space and smart organisation to maximise the available area. Proper storage practices help consolidate inventory and enable efficient record-keeping of items.

The benefits of cold storage refrigeration extend to various industries, encompassing applications such as cool solutions, transport refrigeration, and incubation chambers. This technology benefits industries, including dairy, ice cream production, food processing, bakery operations, restaurants, hotels, and pharmaceutical companies.

Contributed by:
Yogesh Dahiya
Managing Director of Natural Storage Solutions Pvt Ltd