PROJECT
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
major work was completed, with only items
on a snag list to be done. All chambers were
down to -25°C by 15 May 2017.
“The project was done in record time,
thanks to good teamwork by all role
players. Using experienced contractors
and being on site proved invaluable. The
completion of the refrigeration plant with
its stainless steel cladding on all insulated
piping and vessels, drip trays, safety
equipment, signage, and markings have
added to the prestige image of the entire
facility,” said Rautenbach.
COMPLIANCE WITH FOOD SAFETY
As a facility to handle exports and imports,
iCS required certification and approval
by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries (DAFF). “While waiting for
DAFF staff to do the required inspections,
we used the time to train our 29 new
staff members in all aspects of cold
store management and operations.
Temperature management is of particular
importance,” said Rautenbach. Besides
the Carel plant management system
that monitors and records operating
temperatures, there’s an independent dial
thermometer clearly visible on the outside
of each chamber and an alcohol-filled
maximum and minimum thermometer
inside the chambers.
iCS is hazard analysis and critical control
points (HACCP)-compliant; certified
in accordance with ISO 2200 quality
management; registered with the National
Veterinary Services and the Department
of Health; and certified by the Perishables
Product Export Control Board (PPECB).
As a value-added service, iCS has
a contract with various transporters for
services between Durban Harbour and
Dube. iCS will soon have their own fleet
of trucks supplying an in-house transport
solution to their clients.
“We are confident that the new iDube
Cold Storage facility will have a far-reaching
impact on cold chain logistics in sea freight,
land, and air within the region,” concluded
Hamish Erskine, CEO of Dube TradePort. CLA
Three glycol galvanised steel blower coils maintain the air temperature at
7°C in the airlock.
Condensate from the evaporators is harvested and used as make-up water for the BAC
evaporative condensers.
A dehumidifier keeps the airlock free of moisture to minimise the formation of frost on
product, the cooling coils, and in the cold rooms.
COLD LINK AFRICA • November | December 2017
www.coldlinkafrica.co.za
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