INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
FEATURE
Images by Maxiflex chain and logistics sectors . Engineers are integrating dock levellers and curtains with automated systems , such as dock management systems , to enhance operational efficiency . This integration may involve automated levelling , remote control functionalities , or connections with warehouse management systems for improved inventory tracking and logistics planning .
DDL has developed a comprehensive docking bay communication system that connects all docking equipment , including dock levellers , sectional doors , traffic light systems , and sealing systems . “ The PLC ( programmable logic controllers ) system can be connected wirelessly if required . Sensors installed along the floor monitor the vehicle ' s position in the docking stage , typically used alongside truck wheel guides . These guides help direct the truck into the docking bay , ensuring it aligns perfectly with the seal for optimal contact between the truck and the building .”
“ The HMI ( human-machine interface ) screen inside the building directs the
Images by Maxiflex
Strip curtain and easy forklift access . Strip curtain . Rapid vertical door .
operator through each step of the process . Sensors are activated as the truck ’ s wheels pass through the beams , triggering different colored lights to indicate various stages of the docking procedure . The final sensor is positioned on the dock sealing system , illuminating a red light once the truck has achieved the optimal seal , just before it contacts the building or docking structure . This setup protects both the building and the seals by ensuring that the vehicle makes contact without overly compressing the seals , thus preventing damage . Additionally , trip switches on the doors are linked to the dock leveller to ensure that the dock leveller cannot be operated unless the door is fully open , and vice versa , to prevent closing the door before the dock leveller has returned to its resting position ,” he explains .
Dock operations often demand flexibility to accommodate a variety of vehicles , container sizes , and load configurations . Dock levellers and curtains are designed with this adaptability in mind , featuring adjustable or modular systems that can
Image by © Cold Link Africa handle different dock heights , door sizes , and specialised loading equipment .
At DDL , Pretorius notes that the company provides a design service tailored to meet specific client requirements . “ This service includes custom seals designed to accommodate various vehicle types or to address spatial limitations in loading areas . Mini-dock levellers are available , though they are most effective with uniform vehicles . For situations where traditional loading docks aren ' t feasible , elevating dock levellers or scissor lifts offer a compact solution , which is advantageous in space-constrained environments . Additionally , freestanding dock levellers can be paired with ISO panel enclosures , allowing for the installation of seals to ensure effective sealing .”
THE ADVANCES OF STRIP- CURTAINS
Strip curtains have been in use for over forty years , and during this time , there has been significant advancement in the flexible PVC materials used to manufacture them .
Today , there are various grades of these materials available , but for high quality , it is recommended to choose materials made with non-phthalate plasticisers , which are more environmentally friendly compared to some of the cheaper alternatives .
Maxiflex provides a range of materials tailored for different environments and applications . For freezer environments , the Polar material is suitable , handling temperatures from -25 ° C to + 30 ° C , while the Super Polar material is designed for blast freezers and can endure temperatures as low as -60 ° C . These materials are specifically engineered for cold conditions , preventing them from becoming hard and brittle , which can lead to cracking and breaking . Thus , selecting the correct material for your specific needs is crucial .
Additionally , Maxiflex offers specialised materials such as the anti-insect variant , which includes citronella to repel flying insects , and the stop bac , which possesses antibacterial properties . Flexible PVC is available in standard clear , transparent , or opaque colored options .
Strip curtains have become a widely adopted solution for managing various factors in different settings . They are effective in controlling temperature , dust , pests , and wind , making them ideal for spaces that need to be enclosed , such as food manufacturing areas . In these environments , strip curtains offer a costeffective alternative to high-speed doors or can be used alongside freezer doors to prevent cold air from escaping when the door is opened . By adding an extra layer of protection , strip curtains enhance energy efficiency .
During audits conducted by national retailers of their food suppliers , the presence of strip curtains is typically a minimum requirement . They are also frequently utilised in conjunction with freezer doors in hospitals or cold storage
COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2024 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 15