Discover the essential requirements for constructing top-tier coldstores. From precise temperature control to sustainability, explore ArcelorMittal Construction’s five crucial tips for efficient and effective coldstore construction.
Integral to medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, logistics and food retail infrastructure, coldstores must perform to the highest standards. Precise temperature control, impeccable hygiene and optimum energy efficiency are just some of the essential requirements for these facilities. In coldstore construction, there is no margin for error.
With a long track record for providing highly specialised solutions and dedicated coldstore design, manufacturing, sales and technical divisions, ArcelorMittal Construction understands the challenges and complexities of building such highly controlled environments.
In this article, we’ve drawn on our expertise to outline five of the most crucial requirements for the construction of top-class coldstores. Along the way, we’ll also specify how ArcelorMittal Construction’s innovative solutions and services can help.
One of the most essential features of any coldstore facility is to maintain maximum levels of hygiene, so it’s important to choose building envelope components with the right qualities and characteristics. In particular, food coldstores should feature materials that are durable and resistant to corrosion, as well as easy to clean, to ensure a controlled environment that preserves produce.
ArcelorMittal Construction’s coating solutions offer outstanding protection against corrosion. From Hairplus®25 to Stainless PET 150, our coatings meet requirements ranging from non-aggressive to aggressive.
ZMevolution®, an innovative zinc, aluminium and magnesium alloy, is used in most of our coatings to provide greater strength, durability and corrosion resistance. When applied to insulated panels (such as those found in our Frigotherm® range, which offers exceptional thermal performance and energy efficiency), maintaining controlled, hygienic atmospheres becomes simple.
Airtightness and watertightness, which we will cover in more detail in the next section of this article, are also important coldstore hygiene features that help prevent contamination and spoilage of produce.
Precise temperature and humidity control are critical in coldstore facilities and can be achieved through airtightness, effective insulation and appropriate ventilation. These conditions help to maintain the integrity and cleanliness of the structure’s interior, as well as ensuring adequate preservation of goods.
The Frigotherm® range, including Frigotherm® PRT Hexacore® and the latest innovation Frigotherm® AdvancoreTM, is designed specifically to deliver precision-controlled environments and can maintain internal temperatures between -40°C and 40°C. Its unique tongue and groove connection and grouting finish prevents water-vapour diffusion and is completely airtight, facilitating maximum control.
Similarly, the tightly-sealed grouting finish of our mineral wool panel, Frigorock®, ensures excellent watertightness and airtightness to prevent water-vapour diffusion. Tailored specifically for industrial spaces such as kitchens and supermarkets, Frigorock® comes available with a variety of facings depending on specific applications and industry requirements.
Sustainability is a key requirement for forward-facing businesses. Working with a partner that can deliver innovative solutions is central to reducing embodied carbon and improving upon the operational efficiency attainable in coldstore construction.
Reducing carbon emissions starts with the choice of construction components. For example, ArcelorMittal’s XCarb® recycled and renewably produced steel is made from 75% recycled scrap in an electric arc furnace (EAF) powered by 100% renewable energy, making it a significantly more sustainable choice. Compared to traditional steel, it produces up to 37% less carbon for Frigotherm® panels with a thickness of 100m and 29% less for panels at a 170mm thickness.
Prioritising thermal performance also makes for a far more environmentally-friendly – and cost-efficient – approach. High-class insulation will ensure precise temperature control and enhanced thermal performance, optimising energy efficiency.
ArcelorMittal Construction’s AdvancoreTM insulation foam offers outstanding thermal performance even at reduced thicknesses, minimising energy wastage and unnecessary costs. Additionally, with extremely low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), AdvancoreTM foam provides benefits for both the environment and indoor air quality.
As with any project, adherence to standards can provide a best practice framework to support quality, safety and efficiency in coldstore construction. Plus, because they often serve as the basis for regulations, a solid understanding of relevant international and regional standards may help clarify minimum requirements for regulatory compliance.
The international standards ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are both relevant to coldstore construction.
ISO 9001 sets forth guidelines for quality management systems, applicable to the design, construction, and operation of coldstores. Conversely, ISO 14001 outlines standards for environmental management systems, fostering coldstore construction and operation practices that prioritise sustainability and minimise ecological impact. To get expert advice on standard requirements for your local region, contact our team.
All ArcelorMittal Construction solutions are classified according to standardised testing procedures – for example to determine fire safety ratings. Our range of non-combustible mineral wool sandwich panels ensure excellent fire resistance. Frigorock® has a fire reaction rating of A2-s1, d0 and Promirock® a resistance reaching up to EI 180.
Additionally, many of our products are third-party certified across a range of criteria, demonstrating assurances in quality, performance, risk mitigation and compliance amongst other things. For example, our Frigotherm® range is Acermi certified for thermal performance, as well as DTA certified.
With deep expertise in the coldstore segment and comprehensive knowledge of international and regional standards, our specialists are always on hand to offer the guidance you need.
The final key to the construction of outstanding coldstore facilities is taking steps to ensure a simple and efficient installation process. This is where collaborating with experts in coldstore construction is especially valuable.
At ArcelorMittal Construction, we carefully consider onsite efficiency in every solution we design. All our insulated sandwich panels are tailored for effortless installation. For example, our Promirock® mineral wool panel system is self-supporting, available in spans of up to 7.5 m and features integrated intumescent gaskets, offering exceptional fire safety without extending the construction process.
But it’s not just our solutions that enable efficient installation and project delivery. Our expertise and local knowledge ensures smooth delivery to site, from specification to installation, including providing customised solutions for export shipping.
We also offer a range of services under our Smart Support initiative that save time, whilst also driving quality and safety. From technical and design support, to BIM expertise, fast product sampling and optimised logistics, our Smart Support package ensures our customers’ coldstore projects are always completed on schedule.
Simply get in touch to see how we can support your coldstore project.