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Low temperature space is classified by

on the service conditions. The

construction and design of the coldstorage facility depends on the needs of

each classification.

Coolers - Above 0C (32F)

Coolers - Below freezing to minus 2C

(28F)

Freezers - Minus 23C (-9F) to minus

33C (-29F) - Constant temperature

Sharp Freezers - Cycle from room

temperature down to minus 40C (-

40F)

Cryogenic Service - Below minus

100C

Cold Storage

According to the US Department of Agriculture,there was over 3.04 billion gross cubic feet of

general refrigerated or cold storage capacity in

2001. These facilities are essential for the safe

handling and storage of food products and other

goods. Without a storage area that provides a

consistent environment that can sustain its integrity,

many products would not be readily available to

consumers.

Expanded polystyrene insulation board is ideal for

use in walls and roofing systems in the

construction of cold storage space. These facilities

store food, flowers, and other temperature sensitivecommodities. The temperatures range from normal room temperature 20C (68F) to

cryogenic temperatures -100C (-148F). As the surface (of what?) temperature

decreases, the quality of construction and sustainability required becomes more

critical.

The performance properties of EPS, including constant

thermal resistance, dimensional stability, chemical inertness

and sustainability, make it well suited for use as insulation.

Additionally, its closed-cell structure provides minimal water

absorption and low vapor permeance; an important design

consideration for damp environments.

Cold storage insulation is normally applied in 2 layers with joints staggered between

layers and boards tightly butted. The EPS boards must be firmly and permanently

bonded to the wall, ceiling, and roof using adhesives. The first layer of floor

insulation is bonded to sub-slab while the second layer is installed dry. Thicker

coatings of heavy bodied adhesives may be used to provide some straightening or

bridging on an irregular wall surface. Adhesives are applied to provide 100% contact

and to fill any voids. Spot or strip applications of adhesives are used only where a

vapor or air barrier is installed.

All components of construction must work together to achieve a system that will

enclose space and hold it at the desired temperature for extended periods of time

without any deterioration. For instance, it is recommended that any lumber

incorporated into cold storage construction be pressure treated with a woodpreservative.

Ensuring a low temperature, the space must be

properly enclosed and equally important, the removal

of heat generated from refrigeration equipment and

other machinery. There are several methods that can

be employed to eliminate heat sources from the space

to reduce maintenance problems.

To achieve maximum insulation efficiency and long-

term performance, mechanical equipment may be

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adapted for the cold temperatures. Refrigeration units can be reduced in size to

decrease the amount of heat generated. And, they should have an automatic

defrosting cycle. Other items such as pumps, fans and lights should also operate

properly. The thickness and type of insulation in the construction deters the

movement of outside weather and normal self-generating building heat.

The use of doors plays a large role in the ability to sustain the appropriate

temperature. The frequency of door opening and closing is of greater concern than

the size of the door. Operational guidelines should be established to quickly expedite

the loading and unloading of product in the cold rooms. Forklift truck operation and

other mechanical systems allow quick opening and closing doors with mechanical orremote operators. The investment on doors can result in energy savings by

decreasing the amount of heat transfer. Holding areas with a regular door outside of

the cold room can also help reduce the flow of warm air into a cold area.

Contractors must be aware of unsealed openings around electrical conduit and

equipment hangars, structural cracks and poorly constructed joints at the wall -

ceiling line, construction joints, etc. Warm air can infiltrate the storage area through

these imperfections compromising the environment. When warm, moist air enters a

freezer room it can cause a rapid build up of ice, which can force movement of the

structure.

Frequently, goods entering the facility have a higher temperature than that of the

storage area. Design provisions must be incorporated in the refrigeration unit toremove the newly introduced heat.

In the same respect, any modifications to the design or operation of the building or

special care in workmanship which lowers heat gain within the cold room will reduce

the load on the refrigeration equipment which can effect noticeable energy savings. It

is critical that the necessary prevention of heat gain can be assured at the design

stage to minimize the refrigeration equipment needed.

The construction must be tight so that is no air movement through the structure from

the outside to the inside of the room. The location of air seals and vapor barriers can

be cold storage rooms. The movement of water vapor must be restricted by the use

of vapor barriers or by the vapor barrier characteristics of EPS rigid foam insulation.

The placement of air seals and vapor barriers in the construction is imperative to

reduce the possibility of leakage.

Expanded polystyrene insulation meets extensive model building code requirements.

More than 48 EPS manufacturers with hundreds of locations in the U.S. and Canada

maintain numerous listings at Factory Mutual (FM), Underwriters Laboratory (UL),

Underwriters Laboratory of Canada (ULC) and other testing facilities.

Copyright EPS Molders Association 2009 The EPS Molders Association

1298 Cronson BoulevardSuite 201

Crofton, MD 21114

800.607.3772

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