In recent years, as living standards have improved, cold chain logistics has also seen significant growth. This development has made the need for modern cold storage more urgent than ever. However, China's current cold storage facilities vary greatly in design and structure compared to standardized cold storage systems. There is a lack of clear national regulations governing the construction and operation of these facilities, which has led to inconsistencies and inefficiencies.
The informatization of cold storage is now a critical issue. According to data from the air-conditioning and refrigeration market, one of the main reasons for the backward state of China’s cold storage infrastructure is the lack of widespread adoption of material handling management systems. Many cold storage units are repurposed from ordinary warehouses, leading to numerous issues such as narrow loading platforms, lack of proper door sealing, and manual loading and unloading processes. These problems not only increase the risk of accidents but also result in high energy consumption and poor environmental performance.
From a functional perspective, ensuring the safety of the refrigeration system itself is essential. Equally important is maintaining a proper operational and maintenance environment to guarantee the safe storage of fresh products and food, meeting strict food safety standards. However, the current storage practices in China’s cold storage facilities are still quite extensive and not scientifically managed. For instance, there should be clear limits on operating times, and unnecessary door openings should be avoided. When the cold storage door is left open, it causes rapid heat exchange, increasing energy use and exposing food to outside air, potentially leading to spoilage.
There are strict guidelines and procedures for the installation and maintenance of refrigeration equipment. If these are followed properly, the risk of accidents is minimal. Unfortunately, many incidents occur due to non-compliance with these standards. In recent years, several cold storage accidents have been reported, highlighting the importance of adhering to established norms and improving overall management practices.
With the growing demand for efficient and safe cold storage solutions, it is time for the industry to adopt better technologies, stricter regulations, and more professional management systems to ensure long-term sustainability and safety.
Tianjin Alcoa International Trade Co., Ltd. , https://www.tjalcoa.com