PROJECT
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
Spar DC expands, takes on board new tech
By John Ackermann
Continued market growth and the expansion of the network of retail outlets, pushed the infrastructure of the Spar DC in Philippi to its limits, until in 2016 vacant land on the site was developed with the addition of a new perishables dispatch area and a-25 ° C cold room.
In 2007, when the refrigeration plant room of the DC of Spar Western Cape was initially planned, provision was made for future expansion. Space was allowed for additional compressors and ammonia vessels.
The large dispatch / receiving area of single floor space, has two heights – 48m x 48m x 12m high and 48m x 15m x 5.5m high. The section of 12m height has fixed racking along the outer wall. It is a working area with staff receiving, dispatching and consolidating orders for stores, so the noise level in the area was of prime concern.
Air temperature in the area is maintained by 14 BAC ammonia blower coils with an air throw more than 20m. The high number of blower fans, a total of 54, required special consideration to achieve a low noise level. In conjunction with the consultants,
Energy Partners, the new ebmPapst, Axi-Cool fans were selected for ultra-low noise levels and a power consumption of below two amps per motor at full speed. With so many motors, the additional cost of the Axi-Cool fans, would be recovered in less than 18 months from the savings in electric power cost when compared with conventional axial fans and AC motors.
To provide cooling for the new extensions, two additional Mycom screw compressors and an additional high stage surge drum( suction accumulator), were installed in the plant room. In the space previously provided on the plant room roof, two additional BAC evaporative condensers and a Liquid Receiver were installed.
The Mycom compressors, a Mycom N220-JSV coupled with an 185kW motor and a Mycom
The Logix Master Control System provides real time and data storage of plant room and evaporative condenser performance.
The new dispatch / receiving area has eight access entrances with vertical automatic doors.
40 www. coldlinkafrica. co. za COLD LINK AFRICA • May | June 2017