A firm grasp of and strict compliance with the cold storage operation procedures to technical standard is the key factor in optimising a business's electricity costs and guaranteeing product quality absolutely. With more than 20 years of experience designing and installing large-scale cold storage , the specialists at Tan Long have compiled a detailed operating guide — from checking the compressor system through to managing the parameters on the PLC control cabinet. The article below gives your technical team the depth of understanding needed to operate the system safely and efficiently and to extend equipment life over time.
A detailed, technically accurate guide to the industrial cold store operating procedure
Following the correct cold storage operation procedures not only keeps goods in optimal storage conditions but also keeps the system running durably, avoiding fire, explosion or refrigerant leak incidents. Below are the standard operating steps Tan Long's engineers recommend:
Step 1: Checking the system before start-up
This is the prerequisite stage, particularly important for newly installed cold storage systems or those restarting after a long shutdown. The operator needs to:
- Check the stop valves: Open all stop valves on the liquid return line, the liquid feed line, the hot gas line and the defrost water line.
- Set up the cooling coil: Temporarily switch off the liquid feed and defrost switches at the industrial refrigeration.
- Energise: Close the main isolator and check the power supply to the cooling coil, the control system and the auxiliary equipment.
Step 2: Preparing to cool and starting the system
At this step, the technician must closely monitor the state of the refrigeration compressor – the “heart” of the system.
- Start the compressor and the cooling coil using the switch on the PLC control cabinet.
- Watch the indicator lights: the Run lamp must be lit and the contactor must pull in firmly, with the compressor running smoothly and no unusual noise.
Step 3: Arranging goods methodically in the store
To cold storage operation procedures to achieve the best temperature results, goods must be arranged following the principle of air circulation:
- Safe distance: Do not stack goods higher than the cooling coil or block the direct airflow.
- Clearance: Leave gaps between packages so the cold air can circulate evenly throughout the store.
- Heat circulation: In small stores, additionally fit thermal curtains or air curtains to reduce cold air loss when the door is opened.
Step 4: Defrosting the cooling coil on schedule
Thick frost on the cooling coil obstructs heat exchange and forces the compressor to run overloaded.
- Defrost by switching the defrost switch to “ON” and returning it to “OFF” once complete.
- Note: If the store has several cooling coils, defrost them one at a time to keep the temperature steady and avoid thermal shock to the goods.
Step 5: Cleaning and disinfecting the system
Cleaning is mandatory for food safety and to keep the insulation panels durable.
- Shut down the entire refrigeration system.
- Use low-pressure water with specialist detergent to clean the panel surfaces.
- Apply a sterilising method to remove mould and bacteria in the damp environment.
- Dry the surfaces before restarting the store.
Step 6: Servicing during long periods out of use
If the business suspends storage, the system needs “rest” steps to avoid damage from oxidation:
- Isolate the power supply completely and clean the store thoroughly.
- Open cold storage door to allow ventilation and avoid musty odours.
- Engage a specialist company to carry out maintenance, check the compressor oil level and top up refrigerant if needed.
Carrying out the cold storage operation procedures correctly saves a business up to 20% of its monthly electricity. If you need deeper technical advice or a refrigeration system installed to standard, contact Tan Long now for support from our experienced engineers.
Points that optimise the cold store operating procedure
To cold storage operation procedures to achieve the best results, besides carrying out the technical steps correctly, the manager needs to pay particular attention to the practical operating factors below to ensure safety and cost savings:
- Matching temperature control: Always make sure the setpoint suits the characteristics of each product type (agricultural produce, seafood or pharmaceuticals). Holding the temperature steady not only preserves product quality but also reduces the load on the refrigeration compressorsystem, avoiding sudden failures.
- Humidity and moisture control: Never let the store accumulate excessive humidity and develop mould. Regularly check the operating condition of the industrial refrigeration to ensure optimal moisture removal and air circulation.
- Occupational safety in sub-zero environments: Staff working in the store need specialist protective clothing and a sensible shift rotation. Strict compliance with refrigeration system operating safety rules is the top priority for any business.
- Methodical stock management: Keep tight control of labels, product names and inbound/outbound times. This optimises the space inside the cold storage and prevents stock piling up beyond its shelf life.
- Limiting heat loss: Design separate entry and exit routes, combined with high-quality cold storage door or high-speed doors to minimise the cold air escaping during loading and unloading.
- Applying automation: Consider integrating a PLC control cabinet system or SCADA remote monitoring. Automation tracks the cold storage operation procedures more accurately, saving labour costs and optimising electricity consumption.
- Shortening transfer times: The shorter the distance from the vehicle into the store, the lower the risk of thermal shock to the goods. The warehouse layout should therefore be carefully calculated from the cold storage design.
- Contingency planning: Always have a contingency plan for sudden power failures or refrigerant leaks, to minimise asset losses.
- Updating the operating log: Regularly update and analyse the store's operating data so management methods and scheduled maintenance can be adjusted in time, keeping the system at the highest state of readiness.
Standard cold store design rules — the foundation for an effective operating procedure
To cold storage operation procedures to run smoothly, save energy and reach peak performance, the cold storage design must follow these technical rules strictly from the outset:
- Optimising the storage area and space: The design must calculate the usable area carefully to optimise construction cost. A methodically laid-out space lets cold air circulate evenly, helping the cold storage operation procedures save considerable electricity.
- Balancing the technical parameters: The system must keep temperature, humidity and convective airflow in complete balance. This is the core factor in keeping goods fresh and at their original quality.
- Using high-quality insulation materials: Favour high-density panels (PU or PIR) to hold temperature steady and prevent heat loss to the outside.
- Ensuring electrical and hydraulic safety: The electrical design must include protection devices (thermal relays, phase-loss protection) to avoid danger to staff and goods. You can read more about refrigeration system operating safety rules to understand these standards.
- Methodical ventilation: Installation location industrial refrigeration must be calculated so the cold air reaches every corner, avoiding “dead spots” in the store.
- Full personal protective equipment: The store design needs a buffer area where staff change into specialist protective clothing (cold-weather clothing, gloves, non-slip boots). This is extremely important when working in
- Applying automation technology: System integration PLC control cabinet allows operating parameters to be monitored and adjusted remotely. Modern technology not only improves efficiency but also helps protect the environment by reducing emissions.
- Designing specifically for each product type: Each product (fruit, seafood, pharmaceuticals, etc.) has its own humidity and temperature requirements. Defining these clearly at the design stage gives the business a cold storage that operates intelligently and durably.
Applying the above rules correctly helps the cold storage facility operate stably, saves costs, ensures quality preservation, and complies with regulations. cold storage operation procedures.
Tan Long – The most reputable provider of high-quality cold storage facilities.
Tan Long specializes in providing high-quality cold storage solutions, meeting the diverse needs of customers ranging from food and pharmaceutical preservation to industrial products. With a team of experienced technicians and professional support services, Tan Long is committed to ensuring maximum customer satisfaction.
Reasons to choose Tan Long:
- Providing high-quality cold storage.The cold storage facility is designed to meet international standards, ensuring effective preservation of goods.
- Support for cold storage operationsDetailed consultation and comprehensive guidance on all operating steps to ensure the system runs smoothly.
- Quick maintenance and repairRegular maintenance and timely troubleshooting ensure efficient system operation.
- Reasonable pricesOptimized investment and operating costs, suitable for all types of businesses.
- A team of reputable expertsOur technicians are highly trained and ready to assist you anytime, anywhere.
- Long-term warranty policy: Ensuring customer rights with flexible warranty packages.
Tan Long not only provides cold storage equipment but also offers comprehensive support. cold storage operation proceduresThis helps businesses achieve maximum efficiency in storage and sales. Contact Tan Long today to receive advice and optimal solutions for your cold storage needs.
Understand and apply cold storage operation procedures This is a crucial factor in helping businesses manage and optimize warehouse operations. This process not only helps minimize wasted warehouse space but also enhances efficiency in inventory management.
Frequently asked questions about the cold store operating procedure
What steps does the cold store operating procedure comprise?
Checking before start-up, starting the system in sequence, monitoring temperature and pressure through the shift, keeping the operating log, managing goods in and out, and a handover check at the end of the shift.
Why must the cold store operating log be kept?
Because the log shows how temperature, pressure and current change over time. Most major failures show a gradual drift beforehand — the log catches it early instead of waiting for the machine to stop.
What should be noted when bringing goods into a cold store?
Goods should be pre-cooled to the required temperature before entering, received in clearly recorded batches so FIFO or FEFO can be applied, stacked with gaps for air circulation, and the door opening time kept short during receipt.
How can electricity consumption be reduced when operating a cold store?
Keep door opening times short, maintain tight door gaskets, clean the condenser and cooling coil on schedule, set the temperature to what the goods actually require rather than lower, and arrange the goods so the air circulates evenly.
How should a cold store be handled during a power failure?
Keep the store door shut to hold the temperature as long as possible, start the standby power supply if there is one, record the time and how the temperature develops, and check the system in sequence before restarting.
Does Tan Long provide operating instructions after handover?
Yes. Tan Long hands over with operating instructions and on-site staff training, and also provides scheduled maintenance for the cold stores it has installed.
Related pages
- Safety rules in operating and repairing refrigeration systems
- Common cold storage errors and effective solutions
- Panel sizes of the latest standard types today
- Industrial cold store design: process, standards and cost
- Tan Long industrial cold storage
Doanh Nghiệp Đang Cần Khảo Sát, Nâng Cấp Hoặc Thiết Kế Mới Hệ Thống Lạnh Công Nghiệp?
Đội ngũ kỹ sư Cơ Điện Lạnh Tân Long với hơn 18 năm kinh nghiệm thực chiến chỉ đạo hơn 29 đại dự án quốc gia, cam kết tư vấn tính toán phụ tải nhiệt chuẩn xác, tối ưu hóa hệ số hiệu suất COP, chuyển dịch môi chất tự nhiên NH3/CO2 và tiết kiệm 20–30% chi phí điện năng vận hành.
Kỹ sư Nguyễn Toàn Thịnh (Giám đốc Kỹ thuật)
Hơn 18 năm kinh nghiệm thực chiến chỉ đạo tư vấn thiết kế và thi công hệ thống lạnh công nghiệp nặng, kho tự động ASRS và cấp đông IQF qua hơn 29 đại dự án quốc gia.
