Cold store refrigeration's the way forward

HM Monoblock

The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change (Heraclitus 500 BCE)

With the UK cold storage sector at full capacity and a cacophony of calls to increase construction, to allay fears of supply chain disruption, refrigeration manufacturers have added responsibilities to ensure that the industrial refrigeration and climate control infrastructure they offer is fit for purpose.

The United Kingdom cold storage estate was estimated at approximately 24 million cubic meters in 2018 with the food and drink segment dominating. The pharmaceutical, life science and healthcare sector is also emerging as a significant force.

Consequently, in 2018 responding to calls from the UK's Pharmaceutical industries, Matt Hancock,a health and social care secretary, stated that preparations were on track to ensure enough cold storage in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

I don't accept the premise that it takes a year to put up refrigerated sheds. Not least because we can use storage that is already existing, that is part of our tendering; also, we can convert space to medical storage standards, which currently isn't, he said.

It may be the case that someone has an example that it has taken a year, but you can do it quicker.

Dougie Stoddart, Commercial Director of Hubbard Products a Daikin Group company explains; The rush to create cold store capacity in haste doesn't mean that specifiers and end users can abandon their further duties to long-term sustainability. The choice of sustainable refrigerant that can perform in high-demand chilling environments, the need to minimise energy consumption coupled with the ability to manage performance in real-time are considerations that every cold store operator, large or small, should be considering.

Hubbard Products addresses this exact need with a range of monoblock construction cold store units designed for easy installation into relocatable and static cold stores, including a ceiling-mounted High-Efficiency unit running on R290 refrigerant. The use of R290 is increasing due to its low environmental impact and excellent thermodynamic performance. It is non-toxic with zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and very low GWP of 3 (Global Warming Potential).

Gary Fuller, Key Account Manager Hubbard Products says, Monoblock units are ideal for small or medium size cold rooms or cold stores, they are relatively easy to install, consisting of a single, self-contained unit and offer extremely versatile use. The ceiling-mounted assembly leaves the space inside the cold room completely free. Many SMEs and artisan producers of food products manufacture and store on a just-in-time footing and haven't had the need or capacity for stockpiling, now with the potential prospect of supply routes being disrupted and all third-party storage fully booked for months ahead, creating a manageable and economically viable dedicated storage facility makes good sense.

Hubbard Products can also supply chillers and cold storage assets with cloud-based monitoring systems to ensure reliability and optimum performance.

Dougie Stoddart believes that whilst the current scenario is challenging for many users of cold storage, getting the correct solution now will enable them to become more flexible and self-reliant in the long-term. He says, "Getting your cold store solution right, and getting it right first time is the only way to deal with challenging circumstances, at Hubbard Products we offer a range of services and free advice to customers, specifiers, consultants and contractors to ensure they make the right decisions that will support their businesses for years ahead. With over 50 years of experience and the backing of a global organisation, we are well placed to share knowledge, expertise and industry foresights."

HM Monoblock
https://www.hubbard.co.uk/coldrooms-home/hm-monoblock/