Cold storage refers to warehouses equipped with cooling facilities to maintain low temperatures and optimal humidity for storing goods. This type of facility, also known as a cold storage, enables the extension of storage periods by mitigating the impact of climate, thereby regulating market supply. Cold storage can be categorized into constant temperature and frozen storage, each with specific shelf requirements based on the goods stored.
In recent years, the domestic cold chain industry has experienced significant growth in both scale and quality, leading to professional advancements. Cold chain warehousing typically involves fast turnover, high one-time storage volumes, and demanding equipment requirements. Equipping cold storage with appropriate shelving is crucial. Here, we compare several types of commonly used storage shelves in cold storage to identify the most suitable options for different environments.
1. Shuttle Car Shelves: These shelves operate similarly to drive-in shelves, allowing for first-in-first-out (FIFO) or first-in-last-out (LIFO) retrieval methods. They are ideal for storing large quantities of a small variety of goods, with cargo space depths reaching 30 spaces. The shuttle car, integrating light, machinery, and electricity, must possess high-quality components for efficient logistics, with electronics needing to withstand environmental factors. Owners should choose shelves according to their specific needs rather than following trends.
2. Electric Mobile Shelves: Available in track-type and irregular-type designs, these shelves allow 100% arbitrary cargo space retrieval, accommodating diverse batches and varieties. Track-type requires ground reconstruction, resulting in a longer installation time but greater earthquake resistance. Trackless shelves rely on magnetic guides and have lower load capacities; all electric components must be treated for cold storage conditions.
3. Smart Gu Rack: Suitable for smaller or irregular cold storage, this rack can be stacked up to four layers and placed flexibly with a forklift. It maximizes warehouse space without adhering to FIFO.
4. Push-in Shelves: Also known as push-back shelves, these racks are designed for multiple varieties and small batches, following a LIFO method with depths of ≤5 spaces. They combine features of drive-in and gravity racks, with multi-layer trolleys and inclined rails, making them efficient for storing large quantities of few varieties. The design allows for high space utilization and convenient access, with total depth within 6 pallet depths and a unit weight limit of 1500 kg, while keeping height below 6m.
5. Drive-in Rack: Ideal for storing large quantities of a few varieties, drive-in racks allow either LIFO or FIFO retrieval methods depending on their configuration, with depths of ≤6 or ≤12 spaces respectively. When equipped with back beams, the first-in-last-out method is utilized.
Cold storage typically operates below -16°C, making effective insulation and optimal shelf design crucial for reducing costs, maximizing cargo space, and enhancing inventory efficiency. For shelf materials, low-stress, tough options are preferable. Shelves should undergo surface treatments that include a rust-proof layer and a freezing layer. Hegers shelves are designed for high corrosion resistance, incorporating special alloys like Al, Mg, Ni, and Cr, which can enhance corrosion resistance by several to over ten times compared to standard materials.
The surface treatment process for Hegers anti-corrosion shelves is meticulously controlled, including pre-machining checks, equipment calibration during processing, post-machining treatment, surface passivation, and coating methods to ensure durability. To address coating sealing issues, a secondary application of high-corrosion-resistant coating is utilized, significantly improving seal integrity. Additionally, anti-corrosion accessories used during installation and maintenance further enhance shelf longevity.
Hegers offers a variety of shelf types, such as beam, shuttle, bull leg, and through-type shelves. These corrosion-resistant shelves are particularly beneficial in the hazardous waste management sector, significantly lowering fixed asset investments and minimizing replacement costs. When customizing and purchasing shelves, it is essential to conduct thorough measurements and consultations to develop an appropriate design and select suitable steel processing options. This approach ensures that companies receive the most effective shelving solutions.
The above outlines the commonly used shelf types in cold storage. Have readers gained a clearer understanding of how to select shelves for cold storage?
