Which trends in cold storage solutions are set to dominate the landscape in 2024? Keep reading to discover this guide to cold room storage. Find out What is cold storage rack and How to prepare your frozen warehouse.
Radio pallet racking and high density racking is the hottest trend for cold rooms in 2024. As the demand for frozen goods continues to grow, businesses are increasingly focusing on optimizing their cold storage solutions to ensure product quality, maximize space utilization, and enhance operational efficiency.
What is Biggest Factor of Cold Storage
Cold product storage has always been at the center of discussions in the logistics sector. Due to the special storage properties, the design of racking storage solutions must be fully adapted to the maintenance of the cold chain.
Typically, energy and the cost of building insulated facilities are the first factors considered by cold storage companies, and the cost of refrigerated and frozen storage can be as high as 10 times that of ambient storage. Refrigerated storage areas need to ensure the lowest operating cost per pallet to maximize the use of valuable cold space and save energy costs.
4 Chanllages that cold storage warehouse including：
- Space optimisation:Every cubic meter costs is high investment for inventory. Ensure the cold room racking layout can maximum the refrigerated storage areas.
- Highly customized cold storage facilities:The functional area of the building (cold storage or freezer) is defined together with the client. First of all, since cold storage and freezing are not identical, they require different temperature levels (>0º and <0º respectively)
- Condensation and ice:High moisture levels can cause condensation and ice to build up, which can damage racks, if you choose the pallet flow racks,standard polycarbonate wheels will becomes brittle, fatigues and eventually chips, cracks and breaks in the cold.
- Maintanence:Cold storage environments often require specialized clothing, limiting worker mobility and efficiency. Ice buildup on racks can obscure product visibility, hindering inventory management.
5 Tips for Choosing the Right Cold Store Racking
- Assess Specific Requirements: Consider product types, turnover rates, and handling equipment needs.
- Prioritize Durability: Select corrosion-resistant materials suitable for freezing environments.
- Ensure Flexibility: Opt for modular systems that can adapt to changing inventory needs.
- Evaluate Load Capacity: Choose racking that can support your heaviest pallets, including potential future increases.
- Consider Airflow: Select designs that promote uniform temperature distribution throughout the storage area.
Types of Cold Storage Racking
Adjustable pallet racking systems:
Adjustable racking systems are versatile storage solutions designed to accommodate various load sizes and types in warehouses, distribution centers, and storage facilities. It can be adapted in height, width and length, suitable for high capacity inventory& different tempeture cold stroage area(< 0° or >0°).
Advantages of the adjustable pallet racking system for cold or freezing storage:
- Direct and immediate access
- Reduced time and effort
- Adaptability and versatility
- Combinable with other pallet racking systems for cold stores.
Drive-In/Drive-Through Racking
Drive-in pallet racking is a high-density pallet storage racking system designed to make the most of the available space and height while minimising the work aisles of the truck.
Drive-in pallet racking is a high-density pallet storage racking system designed to make the best use of available space and height, while minimizing working aisles for trucks.
Advantages of Drive-In Pallet Racking:
- Increase the total space available.
- Energy saving by reducing the space to be cooled.
- Reduces overall storage costs
- Elimination of service aisles
- LIFO (last in, first out) logistics management
However, there are times when our customers consider using VNA Pallet Racking to store some of their high turnover refrigerated inventory.
The advantages of VNA Racking (Very Narrow Aisle) versus Drive-In Racking are that VNA Racking improves space utilization and speeds up pallet access, while Drive-In Racking reduces overall storage costs and increases pallet density.
Mobile Racking
Mobile pallet racking systems are an innovative storage solution designed to maximize space utilization in warehouses, particularly in cold storage and frozen environments. The mobile racking special units are mounted on mobile bases that can move along floor-embedded rails. And mobile racks can be moved either by electric motors or manually, depending on the system’s design.
Advantages of Mobile Pallet Racking:
- Increase storage capacity by up to 50% compared to static racking systems.
- Suitable for various industries, especially those dealing with temperature-sensitive goods.
- In cold storage, the reduced air space means less energy required for cooling.
- Despite high-density storage, all pallets remain accessible.
- Maximizes use of available space, potentially reducing the need for facility expansion.
Gravity Flow Racking:
Gravity flow racking is a live storage system designed to optimize space and improve inventory management in warehouses, including cold storage facilities. When the front pallet is removed, gravity causes the rear pallet to move forward automatically. Quick turnaround ensures proper inventory rotation, which is critical for perishable goods. Warehouse managers have the flexibility to configure for different cargo pallet sizes and weights.
Advantages of Mobile Pallet Racking:
- Rapid and simple extraction.
- Reduction in manoeuvring and loading and unloading times.
- Energy saving in cold stores.
- Flexiable stock control
- Compatible with other storage systems
- Forklift Friendly
Radio Cold Shuttle Rack
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) is a common cold storage solution with advanced computerized control systems, typically a combination of radio shuttle racking and drive-in racking, used to automate the storage and retrieval of products in a refrigerated or frozen environment.
Advantages of Radio Shuttle Rack System:
- Minimizes manual intervention, reduces labor costs and improves safety in cold environments.
- Maximizes the use of vertical space, often storing significantly more items than traditional shelving systems.
- Ensures accurate inventory tracking and reduces errors in order fulfillment.
- Enables rapid storage and retrieval of items, increasing throughput.
- Often linked to a warehouse management system for real-time inventory control.
People Also Ask
Q: How does frozen storage racking differ from ambient temperature racking?
A: Frozen storage racking is designed to withstand extreme cold and moisture, featuring corrosion-resistant materials and specialized coatings. It also accommodates proper air circulation for temperature consistency.
Q: What are key considerations for maintaining cold storage racking systems?
A: Regular inspections, prompt repairs, proper load management, and cleanliness are essential. Ensuring adequate airflow and monitoring temperature consistency are crucial for product quality preservation.
Q: How can I improve energy efficiency in my cold storage warehouse?
A: Implement efficient racking layouts, use proper insulation, maintain equipment regularly, optimize loading/unloading procedures, and consider energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems.
Start Your Cold Storage Journey Today
Selecting appropriate frozen storage racking is crucial for food and beverage warehouse success. Read this guide to learn about cold storage solutions and how to choose cold storage racking. make the right cold storage plan based on the refrigerated or frozen attributes of your storage inventory.
Don’t wait for a sign that your Cold pallet racking system needs attention.
Contact with storage expert today. Whether you’re conducting an initial review, scheduling professional inspections, or fostering a solution of cost-effective cool room.
