Dak Lak is currently the largest durian capital in the country, with a cultivated area exceeding [amount]. 32,000 hectares, estimated annual output reaches over 300,000 tons. However, the concentrated harvesting period from July to October poses a survival challenge: How can we minimize the rate of cracked thorns, rotten stem cavities, and sour fermented durian flesh, while strictly complying with the GACC's Protocol on Official Export to China (GACC Orders 248/249)?
Tan Long Refrigeration and Electrical Engineering Joint Stock Company Providing EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) general contractor solutions. Cold storage and freezing facilities for durian in Dak Lak. Industrial standards, application of advanced two-stage refrigeration technology, helping cooperatives, export businesses and warehouse owners in Krông Pắc, Cư M'gar, Buôn Hồ, Ea Kar, Krông Năng Optimizing the cold chain supply and enhancing product value.
1. Post-Harvest Situation in Dak Lak & the Pain of Durian Damage
During the peak harvest season in the Central Highlands, daytime temperatures in orchards typically range from 30°C to 35°C. Durian fruit (especially Dona/Monthong and Ri6 varieties) continues to undergo intense metabolic processes even after being cut from the branch:
- Rapid heat generation and moisture loss: The temperature inside the fruit rises, stimulating the breakdown of sugars, causing the durian flesh to become mushy, watery, and develop a sour smell within just 48-72 hours.
- Ethylene gas outbreak: This natural biogas promotes forced ripening, causing the fruit's bottom to crack, creating conditions for fungal diseases. Phytophthora Infection causes stem rot and bark mold.
- Risks of customs clearance rejection: Chinese customs authorities are extremely strict in controlling the condition of rotten stems, insect residue, and discoloration of fresh durian peels. For frozen durian, if it doesn't pass the maximum freezing point quickly, the cell membranes will tear, and when thawed, the segments will become fibrous and lose their natural aroma.
💡 Tan Long's refrigeration technology challenge in Dak Lak:
Don't use a single cold storage facility for all stages! Tan Long advises on the appropriate model. Two-Stage Closed-Loop Cold Chain: Cold storage facilities provide instant cooling after harvest. combined with Deep-freeze freezer for durian segments..
2. Technical Standards for Tan Long's Two-Stage Refrigeration System Specifically Designed for Durian.
Level 1: Pre-cooling and Cold Storage for Fresh Fruit
The number one goal is to lower the core temperature of the fruit from 32°C. 13°C – 15°C within 4-6 hours of sorting at the packing plant:
- Temperature setting range: +13°C to +15°C (Absolutely do not drop below +12°C as this will cause cold injury, turning the fruit peel grayish-brown and making the flesh tough).
- Relative humidity (RH): Maintain stability 85% – 90% To keep the stems fresh and green, the thorns firm, and prevent water loss that would reduce the marketable weight.
- Ethylene-filtered convection and ventilation fan system: Ensure even air circulation throughout the palletized goods, and remove any generated ethylene gas.
- Storage time: Preserves the freshness and quality of the fruit. 25 to 35 days, This allows sufficient time for inspection procedures and transportation of refrigerated containers by road/sea to distant markets.
Level 2: Ultra-Fast Freezing Chamber & Durian Segment Freezing Storage
For durian segments packed in trays or whole frozen durian for export:
- Forced-air blast freezer: Chamber temperature maintenance -35°C to -40°C, the air velocity circulating $4 – 6 ext{ m/s}$ across the surface of the durian tray.
- Extremely short Freezing Retention Time: It only takes 45-60 minutes to bring the core temperature of the cell to -18°C. This ultra-rapid freezing process creates microscopic ice crystals that do not rupture cell membranes.
- Deep freezer storage (-18°C to -22°C): After freezing, the durian trays are transferred to long-term cold storage using a specialized shelving system, allowing for a storage period of up to... 12 – 24 months But the rich, creamy flavor and golden color remain perfectly preserved.
| Technical criterion | Cold Storage for Fresh Fruit | Durian Freezing Chamber | Post-Freezing Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | +13°C to +15°C | -35°C to -40°C | -18°C to -22°C |
| Relative humidity (RH) | 85% – 90% (waterproof) | Forced dry cold | 85% – 90% |
| Storage time | 20-35 days | Freezing cycle: 45-60 minutes | 12-24 months |
| Weight loss rate | < 1.5% | Drip loss < 0.5% upon thawing. | No loss |
| Recommended insulation casing | EPS/PU panels, 75-100mm thick. | PIR panels with a thickness of 150-200mm. | PIR panels with a thickness of 125-150mm. |
3. Industrial Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Equipment Configurations Proposed by Tan Long
Tan Long does not use used compressors or substandard materials. To ensure continuous 24/7 operation throughout the peak durian harvest season in Dak Lak, all equipment undergoes rigorous technical synchronization:
A. Industrial Screw and Piston Refrigeration Compressor Units
- Trusted brand: Compressor unit Mycom / Mayekawa (Japan), Bitzer (Germany) or Hanbell (Taiwan).
- Refrigerant: Running R404A/R507 gas for small and medium-sized plants, or ammonia (NH3) systems, offers superior energy savings for processing plants with a capacity of 500 tons or more.
- Integrated Inverter: Automatically adjusts the power range according to the actual load, minimizing starting current and saving energy. 25% – 30% electricity costs compared to conventional compressors.
B. Tan Long PIR Insulated Panel - Male and Female Camlock Connection
- Rigid foam core Polyisocyanurate (PIR) High density $42 – 45 ext{ kg/m}^3$, extremely low thermal conductivity $lambda approx 0.020 ext{ W/mK}$.
- Fire resistance meets standards. B1/B2 according to QCVN 06:2022/BXD, fully meeting the latest fire safety inspection standards for agricultural workshops.
- Module linkage using locking mechanisms. Camlock cast aluminum The 100% is tightly sealed, and can be easily disassembled, relocated, or expanded to increase warehouse space in the future.
C. T-Light Specialized Insulated Cold Storage Door
- Cold storage doors T-Light Exclusively researched and manufactured by Tan Long.
- The door surface is made of high-grade brushed 304 stainless steel, and the frame is made of high-strength anodized aluminum profiles.
- System 4-way heating resistor wire for the frame Completely prevent ice formation and condensation at the edges of the deep freezer door.
D. 24/7 Automated SCADA Control & Monitoring System
- Integrated programming control panel Siemens S7-1200 PLC or Schneider.
- Multi-point temperature and humidity sensors are scientifically arranged inside the warehouse, with an accuracy of less than $pm 0.2^circ ext{C}$.
- Cloud-connected software system for remote monitoring via smartphone: Instant alerts via siren, SMS/Zalo message. In case of power failure, door failure, or deviation from the safe temperature range.
4. Demonstrating Tan Long's EPC General Contractor Capabilities Through Major Projects
With over 20 years of development in the industrial refrigeration and air conditioning industry, Tan Long has established its reputation through a series of large-scale national projects:
- NECS smart cold storage facility (102,642 pallet positions): The ASRS multi-story cold storage facility is the most modern in Southeast Asia, utilizing a deep-freeze temperature range of -25°C with a powerful Mycom NH3 compressor system.
- AJ Total Vietnam automated cold storage (31,000 pallets): The 35m high cold storage facility is designed to operate the 100% system using a Shuttle robot and Stacker Crane.
- KIDO Foods & Saigon Food freezing system: Deploying IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) conveyor systems and blast freezers for food processing plants that meet US FDA and European BRC certifications.
All the mechanical and electrical engineering experience from the aforementioned mega-projects has been refined and optimized by Tan Long's engineering team to apply to durian processing facilities in Dak Lak, ensuring the fastest return on investment (ROI) for investors.
5. Reference Price Estimate Table Based on Capacity (B2B)
The cost of constructing a cold storage facility for durian is not fixed but is precisely calculated based on the actual needs of each business.
| Capacity | Estimated warehouse volume | Main equipment category | Cost components |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-20 tons of durian | 60 – 120 m³ | Bitzer/Copeland compressor unit, 100mm PIR panel, T-Light hinged door. | The price will be quoted based on the machine capacity and the actual warehouse ceiling height. |
| 50-100 tons of durian | 300 – 600 m³ | Screw compressor unit, Convection-cooled evaporator, 125mm PIR panel, T-Light sliding door. | Detailed technical cost estimate after factory site survey. |
| 200 – 500+ tons exported | 1,200 – 3,000+ m³ | Mycom/Bitzer compressor station operating in parallel, deep blast freezer, SCADA monitoring system. | EPC Master Plan & Financial Plan for Return on Investment |
👉 Commitment from Tan Long: We will send HVAC experts to directly survey the terrain, power supply, and factory premises in Buon Ma Thuot City, Krong Pac, Cu M'gar, Buon Ho, Ea Kar… within a certain period. 24-48 hours since receiving the request.
6. 7-Step Process for Cold Storage Construction in Dak Lak
- Field survey & site measurement: Assess the soil conditions, the three-phase power supply, the location for installing the outdoor unit, and the air direction in the Central Highlands.
- Calculate thermal load & Create 3D drawings: Using specialized software, calculate the heat power required based on the daily volume of durian transported.
- EPC Cost Estimation & Contract Preparation: Transparent pricing for each type of equipment, with clear CO/CQ certificates of origin.
- Panel and warehouse door fabrication at Tan Long factory: Inspect the quality of the locking mechanism and the uniformity of the PIR foam before shipment.
- Delivery & complete installation in Dak Lak: Our team of highly experienced HVAC engineers directly handles the installation and welding of high-pressure copper/steel pipes.
- Vacuuming, recharging, and cooling-down test run: Adjust the chamber pressure and temperature parameters and test the automatic defrosting function.
- Acceptance testing, handover & Operational training: Hand over technical documentation, instruct warehouse workers on safe operation, and activate the 24/7 warranty policy.
Is your business in Dak Lak looking for a survey and installation of cold storage for durian?
Contact Tan Long's chief engineers today to receive the most cost-effective solution for preserving durian to meet export standards.
Cold Storage Construction Project in Adjacent Areas of the Central Highlands and South Central Vietnam
Areas specializing in durian, dragon fruit, avocado, coffee, passion fruit for export, and temperate fruits in Da Lat require high-standard cold storage. Tan Long's engineering team is ready to conduct on-site surveys and provide technical support within 24 hours.
Engineer Nguyen Toan Thinh (Technical Director)
With over 18 years of practical experience in directing, consulting, designing, and constructing heavy industrial refrigeration systems, ASRS automated warehouses, and IQF freezing systems across more than 29 major national projects.
