INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
FEATURE size vehicles and the application thereof . Systems used will be dictated by the type and size of the vehicles being loaded and the exterior mounting surface of the building . Sectional and high-speed doors form part of the package to control the environment . Various models available depend on the environment they will be used in and can be operated in various ways , including push buttons or radars that can be set to detect pedestrian traffic , remote controls fitted to forklifts , or loop detectors in the buildings ’ floor – even biometrics can be added .”
Dock levellers and curtains are essential for preventing airborne contaminants , such as dust , pests or pollutants , from entering the cold storage area . The cold chain requires effective sealing mechanisms , including inflatable or brush seals , to create a barrier between the indoor and outdoor environments .
Le Roux adds : “ DDL makes use of brush seals and PVC skirts that can be fitted to the front of a dock leveller that creates another barrier to minimise the ingress of contaminants . This also has the unintended benefit of minimising pilferage . Seals are used to envelop the entire vehicle to keep pollutants and dust at bay . High speed doors are being more widely used to deal with temperature control , cross contamination between areas and to keep vermin from entering the building . This is achieved by rapid opening and closing which still has a host of built-in safety features . Some models can reset themselves in their tracks if collided with and will continue to operate as normal . These high-speed doors are designed for use in specific environments .”
He explains that safety is a critical concern in dock operations . Manufacturers ensure that dock levellers and curtains are designed and installed with safety features to prevent accidents and injuries . This includes features such as safety edges , photoelectric sensors and emergency stop systems . “ Safety features form a big part of the design and
© Eamonn Ryan | Cold Link Africa
Hennie le Roux , sales manager : DDL Equipment .
manufacturing of docking systems . Research and development is constantly adding to the pool of new products or improvements which can be anything from simple handrails or walkways to signalling systems . For instance , our products are designed in such a way that safety sensor can be added where required .”
Dock levellers and curtains are subjected to significant wear and tear due to frequent use and exposure to harsh environments . Manufacturers select durable materials and robust construction to ensure long-lasting performance . Regular maintenance and inspection of dock levellers and curtains are also essential to identify and address any issues promptly , minimising downtime and maximising their operational lifespan .
“ For instance , DDL seals are manufactured using a double layer of hardwearing canvas and in most cases , damage is repairable - extending service life ,” says Le Roux . “ Canvas is also washable and holds up to being cleaned by chemicals and disinfectors used to keep docks hygienic . Aluminium is used when fixing the dock hardware because it is lightweight and does not rust when exposed to the elements . It ’ s advised that a dock leveller be serviced quarterly , and customers may also consider entering into an SLA ( service level agreement ) giving peace of mind that their dock equipment is kept in good working order and potential problems are caught and rectified
A DDL Combo Seal . timeously . In coastal or corrosive areas , some opt for fully galvanised dock levellers and pit frames .”
Manufacturers must adhere to relevant regulations and standards governing dock levellers and curtains . These may include safety regulations , building codes , fire safety requirements and energy efficiency guidelines . Compliance ensures the safe and efficient operation of dock facilities and avoids penalties or legal consequences .
Le Roux explains that their dock levellers are designed to BS-EN-1398 standards , which is a British and European standard that complies with local food standards . “ Dock levellers are designed at DDL by in-house engineers while third-party engineering is used to do Finite Element Analysis – to analyse all the elements and to ensure each will stand the test of time . Furthermore , strength tests are carried out to determine the lifecycle of the dock leveller .”
Docking bays – and the accompanying guides , shelters , seals and levelers , doors , curtains , supports , and rails – all impact the function of the cold chain .
DDL
COLD LINK AFRICA • October 2023 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 15