FEATURE |
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN |
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• Manufacturing |
“ These characteristics make Kingspan |
in environments like freezers, coolers |
This approach can lead to strategic |
• Toilet and shower facilities |
and Isocab ' s QuadCore panels ideal for |
and food processing plants. A range |
sprinkler installations in high-risk zones |
• Entertainment venues |
a range of applications beyond just cold |
of panel types are available, including |
and potentially reduce overall costs |
• Portable facilities |
storage, including industrial buildings, |
Polystyrene( EPS), Polyurethane( PUR), |
through compartmentalisation |
• Flooring solutions |
warehouses, logistics facilities and data |
Polyisocyanurate( PIR), Phenolic, Rockwool |
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• Agriculture |
centres, all of which require precise |
and Mineral Fibre. The decision-making |
Beyond material choice, the amount of |
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PANEL TECHNOLOGY FOR COLD STORES
Kingspan Insulated Panels, thanks to
its Isocab brand, is a global leader in
providing high-performance insulated
panels crucial for the cold store sector.
Its commitment to innovation and
sustainability directly addresses the critical
need for energy-efficient solutions in
temperature-controlled environments.
Michel van Helm, MD for Western Europe
and Africa at Kingspan, says Kingspan ' s
insulated panels and Isocab are at the
forefront of their offerings, including a
focus on the cold storage sector in markets
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climate control,” he says.
Kingspan ' s overarching‘ Planet Passionate’ programme drives the development of low embodied carbon( LEC) products. For their panels, this translates to incorporating recycled content in steel, significantly minimising their overall carbon footprint.
Recognising that buildings account for a substantial 37 % of global carbon emissions, primarily from heating and cooling, Kingspan ' s integrated approach directly tackles this challenge. By combining high-performance insulated panels with airtightness solutions, they effectively minimise the energy required
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process should prioritise durability, costeffectiveness
, fire performance, thermal
efficiency and vapour tightness.
FIRE SAFETY AND INSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS
The fire performance of insulated panels
is a paramount concern, particularly given
past incidents involving combustible
materials. Buildings utilising certain types
of sandwich panels, especially those with
polystyrene cores, have been associated
with significant fire losses in the food
industry. This has led to heightened
scrutiny from insurers and, in some cases,
a reluctance by firefighters to undertake
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smoke released during a fire is another critical aspect. Panels with low smoke release ratings are preferred to minimise harm to occupants, the surrounding community and the environment. Independent certifications are valuable indicators of a panel ' s fire performance, as these panels undergo rigorous testing. Some facilities prioritise passive fire protection strategies, focusing on panel components that inherently resist fire spread, to minimise potential downtime compared to active systems like sprinklers, which can still lead to prolonged operational halts. |
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like Africa. A cornerstone of their panel
technology for cold stores is QuadCore
foam. This proprietary, self-blended foam
offers significant advantages over standard
PIR insulation:
• High levels of fire performance:
QuadCore provides enhanced fire
resistance, a critical safety factor in
large industrial and storage facilities
• High thermal efficiency: Its advanced
insulation properties lead to better
temperature control and reduced
energy consumption, which is
paramount for cold storage facilities
• Logistical advantages: Thinner
panel profiles and reduced screw
requirements simplify installation and
can optimise space within cold stores
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for climate control within cold stores, leading to substantial reductions in operational carbon emissions.
Van Helm adds:“ Kingspan and Isocab employ a‘ best fit for purpose’ approach to insulation materials for its panels, offering a diverse range including PIR and mineral wool. This ensures that the optimal solution is selected based on specific performance requirements, catering to the varied demands of cold store construction while prioritising thermal efficiency.”
Selecting appropriate insulated panels for cold storage facilities requires careful consideration of several key factors. These systems are crucial for maintaining precise thermal and atmospheric control, ensuring product protection and hygiene
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internal suppression due to safety risks.
While non-combustible panels exist,
featuring core materials like mineral foams
or fibres, even these may contain small
amounts of combustible adhesives. To
mitigate fire risks, several strategies can be
employed:
• Fire breaks: Incorporating sections of
non-combustible panels within areas of
combustible panels
• Alternative materials: Opting for
inherently non-combustible or less
combustible panel materials
• Sprinkler systems and fire prevention
planning: Implementing these based
on a Rational Fire Design( RFD) that
adheres to relevant standards( for
example, ASIB or SANS in South Africa).
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Insulated panels are fundamental to the energy efficiency of a cold store. They effectively reduce heat ingress through walls and ceilings, provide a crucial vapour barrier to limit moisture penetration, and create a secure, hygienic enclosure. These functions are directly linked to maintaining the desired internal temperature with minimal power consumption. Thicker insulation generally translates to lower heat gain and, consequently, reduced energy usage. While the initial capital expenditure for thicker panels may be higher, the long-term savings in running costs often justify this investment. When evaluating thermal performance, two key metrics are important:
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