He structural and support systems of a cold storage facility serve as the "foundational defense" for stable operation. Details such as drainpipe selection, floor slope design, and seam sealing directly impact the internal environment and operational costs. Many cold storage facilities suffer from structural and support issues, such as non-compliant drainpipes, lack of floor drainage slopes, and inadequate seam sealing. These may appear as minor oversights during construction but can lead to a chain of problems, including insulation moisture absorption, excessive humidity, and cold loss, with long-term costs far exceeding the initial savings in construction.
Non-compliant drainpipes are a common issue in winter. Using ordinary PVC pipes without insulation can cause condensation inside the pipes to freeze and block in low temperatures, preventing water drainage. Water accumulation can then seep into the insulation layer, causing it to absorb moisture and lose effectiveness, thereby increasing thermal conductivity. This not only raises refrigeration energy consumption but may also lead to structural damage such as wall dampness and floor sanding, further burdening the cold storage’s operation.
Lack of floor drainage slope leads to humizdity control issues. Standards require a floor slope of 5‰ to 8‰ in cold storage facilities to facilitate the rapid drainage of condensation via gravity. Without a proper slope, condensation accumulates on the floor and continuously evaporates, causing excessive humidity inside the storage. High humidity accelerates mold growth and spoilage of goods, particularly harming moisture-sensitive items like medicinal herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It can also corrode metal shelves and equipment.
Inadequate seam sealing results in significant cold loss. If sealant is not fully applied or lacks reinforcement with aluminum foil tape, the sealing strips can contract and crack under temperature differences between the interior and exterior, creating gaps. Cold air escaping through these gaps forces the refrigeration unit to operate under high loads, significantly increasing power consumption. It also causes temperature fluctuations inside the storage, disrupting the stable environment required for goods and affecting storage quality.
Structural and support construction must adhere strictly to standards: Use low-temperature-resistant pipes for drainage and ensure proper insulation; design floor slopes according to the 5‰ to 8‰ standard to ensure smooth drainage; apply low-temperature-resistant sealant fully for seams and reinforce with aluminum foil tape. While paying attention to these support details may seem to increase initial construction costs, it effectively prevents risks such as moisture absorption and cold loss, establishing a solid foundation for the long-term stable operation of cold storage facilities.
