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INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN |
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There are two main types of dock levellers available : air-powered and hydraulic . When a new facility is built , the inclusion of a loading dock is a fundamental consideration . Their presence becomes particularly necessary when lifting heavy objects using specialised equipment such as lift trolleys and forklifts . In such cases , dock levellers are required to ensure the safety of workers during the docking process by creating a bridge between the loading bay and the truck floor . Docks require a minimum height of 1.2m from the floor to effectively carry out their duties , whether it involves the loading from a forklift or a pallet-jack .
Ideally , appropriate dock bays should be included in the design and construction of a warehouse to meet these requirements , but many older facilities may lack them and can still be retrofitted . The latter requires an assessment of the layout and functionality of the space to determine the optimal placement of equipment . It may require the construction of ramps or modifications to existing structures to accommodate the 1.2m height requirement of docks .
There are also a number of accessories that accompany the dock leveler : bumpers to prevent damage to the dock or door , a dock shelter – which prevents cold air escaping in the cold chain for improved energy saving and working conditions – and others .
One notable innovation in dock leveller design is the development of telescopic dock levellers , which allow the doors to open within the sheltered area . Telescopic dock levellers are designed to extend outwards , allowing for greater reach and flexibility . With telescopic dock levellers , it becomes easier to access trucks or containers that are positioned farther away from the dock , streamlining the loading and unloading process . This advancement is particularly useful in cold regions where sheltered access and tight temperature control are crucial , and these innovations prevent any loss of temperature in or out .
Another significant development in dock leveller technology is the introduction of insulated dock levellers . These levellers feature a completely sealed underside and insulation materials to minimise temperature gaps , reduce energy loss and prevent the influx of cold air . Insulated dock levellers are particularly popular in European countries where energy efficiency regulations are stringent . By maintaining temperature control , businesses can minimise energy consumption and , consequently , reduce operational costs . These are new to South Africa but already have a long history in Europe .
WHAT ARE STRIP CURTAINS USED FOR ?
Dock levellers are not the only way to improve energy efficiency in the cold chain . Another solution that many businesses use is strip curtains .
Strip curtains are flexible plastic sheets that hang from a doorway or an opening , creating a barrier between two different environments . They can help reduce heat loss , maintain temperature control and prevent contamination . Businesses in the cold chain typically use strip curtains to
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© Eamonn Ryan | Cold Link Africa
© Eamonn Ryan | Cold Link Africa
separate two areas in a space from one another . Here are some of the ways that strip curtains can benefit the cold chain :
• Keeping two different areas of a warehouse separate from one another
• Keeping a cold area and a room temperature area separate in a food production facility
• Using them almost like a door at a loading dock to keep the cool air inside and the bugs outside
• Using them in factories instead of doors to allow forklifts and other vehicles easy passage from one room to another
While these are just a few of the most common applications of strip curtains , there are many more . They are extremely versatile , and because of their many benefits , there are a lot of reasons why many businesses choose to use strip curtains instead of having wide open spaces or installing multiple doors . They offer a lot of helpful benefits , such as :
• Protecting workers and inventory from dirt and insects : Loading docks are known to be dirty , and bugs can easily find their way inside warehouses from your dock doors . Strip curtains protect the area from bugs , and because they are made of heavy-duty PVC , dirt has a harder time finding its way through .
• Temperature control : Cold chain warehouses or storage facilities often need a way to separate room temperature products from those that
A DDL hydraulic dock leveller .
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Dock levellers in stock . |
need to be kept cold or even frozen . PVC strip curtains can transform any storage space into a temperaturecontrolled area . This can also dramatically lower energy bills .
• Greater visibility than walls or doors : PVC strip curtains can be either clear ( where visibility is desired ), or not ( where visibility isn ’ t required such as a butchery ). Facilities can therefore obtain the level of separation that they wish for while not obstructing anyone else ’ s vision . This can help workers find what they are looking for more easily while they still get to enjoy the other benefits of having strip curtains .
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FINAL CURTAIN CALL
As strip curtains have been in use for over forty years , there has been a vast amount of development in the flexible PVC material used to make them . There are now many different grades of material on the market , but when looking for quality , it is advisable to source material that is formulated with non-phthalate plasticiser , which is more environmentally friendly than some cheaper materials available .
Maxiflex offers various materials made for different environments and applications . For freezers , there is the Polar material , which can withstand temperatures ranging from -25 ° C to + 30 ° C , and the Super Polar material for blast freezers is suitable for temperatures as low as -60 ° C . As these materials are especially made for cold environments they
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do not go hard and brittle which often results in them cracking and breaking . It is therefore important to order the correct material for your application .
Other specialised materials available are the Anti-Insect formulated with citronella , which acts as a repellant for flying insects , as well as the Stop Bac with antibacterial properties . Flexible PVC is available as standard clear , transparent or opaque coloured material .
Strip curtains have become a popular solution for controlling various factors in different environments . They are used to control temperature , dust , pests and even wind for areas that need to be enclosed , such as retailers for food manufacturers , where they don ’ t want to spend money on a high-speed door – or use it in conjunction with a freezer door from which the cold air flows out as soon as it opens . The curtain presents an additional barrier and improves energy efficiency .
When national retailers perform an audit of their food suppliers , they typically will – at a minimum – want to see the use of strip curtains . These are also commonly used in conjunction with freezer doors in hospitals or cold storage facilities where they act as barriers to prevent cold air from flowing out when the doors are opened . This makes them an essential component in maintaining the desired temperature and hygiene in such facilities .
In conclusion , dock levellers and strip curtains are two effective solutions for improving energy efficiency in the cold chain . They can help businesses save money , reduce their environmental impact and ensure the quality and safety of their products . By choosing the right dock leveller and strip curtain for their needs , businesses can optimise their operations and enhance their performance in the cold chain . CLA
ARTICLE SOURCES
• ASHRAE Fundamentals
• Assa Abloy
• CB Engineering Company
• Dock Design Layout
• Maxiflex
• Stab-A-Load
Dock levellers and curtains are designed so they can adapt to different loading scenarios . This may involve adjustable or modular systems that can accommodate varying dock heights , different door sizes , or specialised loading equipment .
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