The demand for commercial cold storage has been on the increase for several years as the need for protection against frost heave damage grows. This growth has been driven by changes in consumer shopping behavior. The U.S. market for cold storage warehouses has seen strong growth.
How Can You Protect Commercial Cold Storage Facilities?
One of the challenges to successful operation of cold storage facilities is the prevention of frost heave. Freezing temperatures can seep through the floors of cold rooms and freezers, even if they are insulated. As the soil underneath freezes, capillary action draws water into the frozen areas where the water forms a concentrated ice mass. This growing ice mass can result in the freezer floor heaving, causing damage to the structure, business disruption and putting valuable inventory at risk.
nVent RAYCHEM frost heave prevention systems are proven, efficient and environmentally friendly. Our solutions consist of rugged and reliable electric trace heating cables that are installed in the subfloor which are monitored and regulated by an advanced controller that integrates into a facility’s building management system to automatically prevent the soil under the structure from freezing.
Effective frost heave prevention heat tracing cables are embedded in concrete floors, making them ideal to prevent heaving in soil under freezers, refrigerated warehouses, and cold rooms.
How Can nVent RAYCHEM Help Avoid Frost Heave Damage?
nVent RAYCHEM RaySol electric heat tracing systems are environmentally safe, energy-efficient, easy to design, install and maintain, and are cost-effective.
- Conventional hydronic heating systems risk leaking glycol into the soil, causing environmental hazards; freezer floor heat trace solutions are inherently safe
- RaySol offers a complete range of energy efficient control systems, with a solution for every need and size of freezer
- Straightforward system design consisting of electric heat tracing cables, advanced control systems, smart connection kits and accessories
- RaySol frost heave protection systems require fewer components and cost less to install than complex hydronic systems and can potentially use renewable energy sources and lower carbon footprints
nVent RAYCHEM MI Heating Cables are used for low temperature maintenance applications including where a cable with a Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) jacket is required.
- The LSZH copper sheath provides an ideal ground path and allows for a rugged yet flexible heating cable that is easy to install
- MI provides higher voltages, high output, 3-phase power, has small profile and is ideal for larger areas
- The red LSZH jacket enhances cable visibility during installation
Before you begin renovating an existing building or constructing new commercial freezer facilities, connect with an nVent RAYCHEM expert to discuss appropriate solutions for your project.
Learn More and view our introductory video at our Comercial World: