How to Control Humidity in Cold Chain Storages
Humidity may not seem like a big concern for the cold chain industry. After all, they freeze everything, right? Wrong!
You see, cold chain storage systems are the backbone of preserving perishable goods during their journey from manufacturer to consumer. These storage units ensure that temperature-sensitive items such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals remain fresh, effective, and safe for consumption. But temperature control alone isn't enough.
The harsh reality is that humidity can be a big problem in cold chain storage because it can lead to all sorts of moisture-related issues. However, with a correct relative humidity level, you can avoid moisture-related problems such as ice formation, condensation, mold formation, and other issues that can lead to spoilage and accidents.
This article will discuss how to control humidity in cold chains. But before we get into the details, let us first understand what causes humidity in cold chain facilities and why it is so damn challenging to control it.
Causes of Humidity in Cold Chain
Humidity in cold chain facilities can stem from various sources despite the typically lower temperatures.
One major source of humidity is opening the door during loading and off-loading. This influx of outside air brings moisture into the colder storage areas, contributing to increased humidity levels.
Other reasons include:
1. Product Temperature Differential
When warmer products enter a cold storage environment, they can emit moisture as they cool down. This moisture, known as "sweating," can increase the humidity within the storage area.
2. Exterior Weather Conditions
During warmer or humid weather, when doors open for loading or unloading goods, external humidity can infiltrate the cold storage area. This infiltration occurs because warm air holds more moisture than cold air, leading to condensation when it encounters the colder air inside.
3.Facility Operations
Inefficiencies in the facility's insulation, HVAC systems, or poor seals around doors and windows can contribute to humidity buildup. If the insulation isn't adequate, moisture from the outside environment may seep into the facility.
4. Product Packaging
Improperly sealed or packaged products can release moisture, especially if they are hygroscopic (capable of absorbing moisture from the air). This released moisture can accumulate in the storage area.
5. Humidity Transfer
Products with varying temperature requirements stored in the same facility might cause humidity issues. For example, frozen products might produce moisture when thawing, affecting nearby dry goods or refrigerated items.
The Impact of Humidity on Cold Chain Systems
Irrespective of the type of cold chain storage, moisture can wreak havoc on the effective functioning of the storage system. Even with the best cold storage installed, it can still set off a chain of reactions that can result in losses.
Firstly, the moisture will not spare your machinery. Issues such as ice formation on the conveyor belts and cooling coils and clogging of the evaporator coils due to water vapor loads–all can lead to a decrease in the cooling efficiency.
The impact extends beyond machinery; in the loading dock, frost buildup creates fog inside the pier, making things even worse.
Not to mention there are high chances of accidents due to the slippery floors. Moisture absorption by cardboard cartons weakens their structure, rendering them unstable and potentially hazardous.
The worst-case scenario: It can create a conducive environment for mold and mildew, which accounts for a large amount of food spoilage and increases the chances of shutdown due to poor food quality.
In essence, humidity poses relentless challenges, impacting operations, escalating costs, limiting space, and escalating the struggle against compromised food quality.
Why is it so Challenging to Control Humidity in Cold Chains?
Controlling humidity is a notoriously challenging task in cold rooms and storage areas. The fact that these areas are so closely built and sealed to optimize the cooling system's effectiveness is one of the main causes. So, when the outside humidity is introduced during door opening and closing, through product and occupant off-gassing, or washdown operations, it becomes confined in the airtight chamber.
Without an external HVAC system or ventilation, it cannot escape the cold space, making it challenging for the cold room or storage area to control humidity levels without the help of a dehumidifier and ventilation system.
In addition to the naturally existing humidity difficulties, commercial cold rooms and storage areas have additional challenges due to the nature of their location and use.
How to Solve Humidity Problem in Cold Chain
We meet many people who have exhausted traditional methods (air conditioners, fans, rotation schedules) and found that the results are not very noticeable. Through our experience, the most efficient solution for excessive humidity in cold chain facilities is a commercial-grade dehumidifier, like AlorAir Sentinel SLGR 1400X.
Custom-built to address specific requirements, this industrial dehumidifier actively extracts moisture from the indoor air environment.
What sets the AlorAir Sentinel SLGR 1400X apart is its durability and purposeful design. It’s crafted to withstand the challenging environments of industrial settings, ensuring a long lifespan, particularly in cold chain facilities where moisture and corrosion pose constant threats. The incorporation of stainless steel materials enables it to resist corrosion and moisture, safeguarding the unit from environmental damage and extending its operational life.
Moreover, the unit's high capacity and efficiency directly benefit cold chain environments. It can remove up to 275 pints of moisture per day making it an ideal choice for spaces up to 3,800 square feet.
Additionally, the built-in heavy-duty condensate pump, automatic defrosting system, and intelligent power-off memory protection ensure consistent and reliable performance, even in extreme temperature conditions (ranging from 33.8°F to 110°F).
The Bottom Line
Humidity in cold chain storage is often overlooked, but it poses challenges like frost, mold, and equipment damage. Sources include door openings, weather, and product conditions. Controlling it is crucial otherwise it can lead to inefficiencies, safety risks, and compromised products.
Ready to conquer high humidity challenges in your cold chain storage? Reach out to AlorAir's team to learn how the AlorAir Sentinel SLGR 1400X can help you with humidity problems. Ask us about our specialized solutions for cold chain applications!