Cold Storage
The Importance of Refrigeration and Cold Storage
The Global Food Problem and the Role of Refrigeration
Today, at least one-third of the people living in the world are facing hunger and cannot get enough nutrition. Unfortunately, at least one-third of the food produced to meet humanity's food needs spoils or is wasted before it is offered for consumption.
If these products were stored correctly, the fight against hunger could be carried out more effectively and millions of people could have adequate nutrition.
Why is Refrigeration Necessary?
It is of great importance to protect perishable agricultural products such as fresh vegetables and fruits, animal and aquatic products within the cold chain from production to consumption.
The main reasons for not being able to meet the desired time and amount of food need:
Inadequacy of cold storage infrastructure
Lack of knowledge of appropriate storage techniques
Disruptions in the cold storage process
Product losses before consumption
Regional production-consumption imbalances
Logistics and distribution problems
Most of these problems can be prevented with the right cooling systems. Product quality is preserved, shelf life is extended, producer incomes become stable and it becomes possible to offer fresh products to the consumer throughout the year. At the same time, export potential increases.
Cold Storage Methods
Cold chain technologies are grouped under 4 main headings:
Cold Storage: It is the classical cooling method where products are stored above the freezing point.
Deep Freezing: It is the storage of products at temperatures below -18°C for longer storage.
Freeze Drying: The product is first frozen, then the moisture in it is evaporated and dried in a vacuum environment.
Pre-Cooling: Before the products are transferred to storage or transportation, their freshness is preserved by rapidly cooling them.
Cooling Gases (Cooling Fluids)
The gases used in cooling systems are called refrigerants or refrigerants. These substances are compressed by the compressor, cooled in the condenser, then expanded in the evaporator to absorb heat from the environment and provide cooling.
The right gas, appropriate equipment and system design are of great importance for effective cooling.
Cold Storage and Project Planning
Cold storage facilities are facilities that allow fresh products to be stored under appropriate conditions. These storage facilities should be designed to operate between 1°C and 15°C depending on the type and needs of the product.
Things to consider in planning and installation:
Warehouse capacity (raw material supply, market size, investment power)
Product-specific storage temperature and humidity
Selection of refrigerant, compressor and condenser
Location and logistics possibilities of the facility
Insulation quality and building structure
Internal arrangement supporting operational efficiency (machine layout, aisle width, product handling systems, etc.)
Cold storage facilities not only extend the shelf life of products; they also protect producer incomes, reduce waste and create a sustainable agriculture-food chain. Investment in cooling systems is a great necessity for both supply continuity in the domestic market and competitiveness in the foreign market.