Cold storage racking is an essential component of logistics solutions that ensure the proper storage of temperature-sensitive products like food and medicines. These racks are designed to resist the harsh conditions of cold and freezing environments. They play a critical role in maximizing warehouse space and optimizing energy efficiency by efficiently distributing cold air among a larger number of pallets. Let's understand various aspects of cold storage racking solutions.

Advantages of Cold Room Racks

The cold chain logistics process is complex, and maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods is crucial. Cold stores, equipped with cold storage racks, ensure that products are kept at the required low temperature until they are delivered to end customers. Breaking the cold chain can result in the deterioration of products, loss of properties, and even the growth of harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Storing products on racks offers several advantages in cold stores. They optimize storage space, provide a high storage capacity, and maximize the throughput of the installation by speeding up goods handling.

Choosing the Right Cold Store Racking

When designing a cold storage warehouse, it is essential to select the most suitable storage system that maximizes storage capacity, streamlines access to goods, minimize staff presence in the area, and facilitates strict control of stored products. Factors to consider when choosing the right cold store racking include the number of goods to be stored, the size of the cold store, space requirements for cold generators, goods inflows, and outflows, seasonality of products, and the water drainage system. It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each storage system before forming a decision.

Most Common Cold Store Racking Systems

Various types of storage systems can be installed in cold storage facilities, depending on specific logistics needs. The most commonly used cold storage racks include pallet racks, racks on mobile bases, the Pallet Shuttle system, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) for pallets. Each system offers unique advantages and can be combined in a single cold storage facility to cater to different types of products and operations.

Pallet Racks

Pallet racks are versatile and can accommodate various types of pallet racking storage systems. Standard pallet racks, drive-in/drive-thru racks, flow racks, and push-back racks each serve specific logistics needs. Drive-in/drive-thru pallet racks are ideal for maximizing storage capacity, while pallet flow racks and push-back racks provide agile operations, saving time when removing pallets and maneuvering forklifts. Selective pallet racks offer direct access to goods, making them suitable for storing products of varying sizes and characteristics.

Racks on Mobile Bases

Racks on mobile bases are compact storage systems that offer direct access to all SKUs. These systems are particularly suitable for cold and freezer stores as they distribute cold air efficiently among a larger number of stored pallets. Racks on mobile bases also ensure better air circulation during downtime by creating forced separations between racks.

Pallet Shuttle System

The Pallet Shuttle system is a high-density storage solution that utilizes a shuttle to carry out movements inside the racking automatically. It comes in two modes: semi-automated and fully automated. The semi-automated Pallet Shuttle requires an operator to place the load on the rails, while the automated version utilizes stacker cranes or transfer cars to move goods to the corresponding channels. The Pallet Shuttle system offers increased storage capacity and guarantees faster pallet entries and exits.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) for Pallets

AS/RS for pallets features standard single- or double-deep racks equipped with stacker cranes that handle goods movements. These systems can accommodate larger quantities of products and offer fast horizontal and vertical movements, increasing the capacity to insert and remove pallets. Automated warehouses reduce the space that needs to be cooled, resulting in significant energy cost savings. They also provide real-time inventory control and ensure compliance with turnover and traceability parameters.

Automated Mini load Warehouse for Boxes

For managing boxes in cold stores, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) for boxes are ideal. These systems consist of racks that store boxes and mini-load stacker cranes that handle goods automatically. AS/RS for boxes optimizes space offers excellent access to goods and enhances productivity while ensuring the security and protection of products.

Cold Stores of the Future

Cold storage racks are indispensable for efficiently managing merchandise in cold storage warehouses. They should be designed to optimize space, maximize storage capacity, and facilitate goods handling. At 13sqft.com, we have extensive experience in designing and installing cold store racks for a range of facilities. From manually-run facilities to fully automated warehouses, our racks are built to withstand harsh conditions and offer maximum protection and long useful life without the need for maintenance.

In conclusion, cold storage racking systems are crucial for maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive products in cold stores. By choosing the 13sqft.com’s cold storage systems, you can ensure optimal storage capacity, streamline access to goods, and improve overall efficiency. Whether you opt for pallet racks, racks on mobile bases, the Pallet Shuttle system, or automated storage and retrieval systems, each solution offers unique advantages that can be tailored to your specific needs.