- What is the best cold storage door?
We believe the best door is (a) quick acting, (b) safe, (c) energy
efficient, (d) reliable and (e) inexpensive. Our challenge as
cold storage designers is to determine our customer's needs for
each of the above characteristics.
a. All door types today are "quick," at 3 to 4 feet
per second, for each sheet or door leaf. All door type speeds
are relatively close as far as forklift reaction is considered.
The heavier the door the more its safety and reliability are
affected by speed.
b. While all door types are designed to be inherently safe,
we believe it is very important that the door and passageway
be kept safe and productive. This plays an important role in
the type of door selected.
c. Energy efficiency has transformed the way we look at doorways.
A door in its defined cycle may be very energy efficient. However,
it can be a detriment to overall building efficiency if its
operation causes larger drains on the entire system by introduction
of excess moisture into controlled environments.
d. Reliability is the most important feature of any door. Some
doors may be slower, less energy efficient or not technologically
advanced, but if they continue to service the opening, do not
impede production and cause fewer headaches during the shift,
then that door becomes the favorite.
e. When considering speed, safety, energy efficiency and reliability,
the term "inexpensive," becomes relative. We can identify
differences in low initial cost verses lifetime costs.
- How can I stop moisture infiltration into
my freezers?
Moisture infiltration can only be greatly reduced with appropriate
"vapor barriers" at all required joints and junctures,
with well gasketed fully functional doorways in the closed and
sealed position, and with control of moisture content in surrounding
spaces. Insulation types, thicknesses and location have little
bearing on moisture content in any given space.
- Why is a vapor barrier so important in cooler
and freezer applications?
Basic physical science laws dictate that more energy is required
to convert any given volume of water from vapor to liquid (970
btu'/ lb) known as latent heat, than is required to change temperature
measurable on a thermometer by one degree (1 btu'/ lb/ degree)
known as sensible heat. Excess moisture means higher energy bills.
Properly designed vapor barriers reduce this energy drain.
- What manufacturer of insulated metal panels
do you represent?
Depending on site conditions, bid specifications, pricing and
availability, we have at our disposal all the major panel manufacturers'
materials. If we use a product on your job, you can be assured
we have optimum faith in its reliability – in both the manufacturer's
warranty and our own warranties. We are proud of our outstanding
reputation with each of the manufacturers we represent.
- What types of door activation are available?
Forklift travel through any given doorway can be initiated with
magnetic floor loops, sonic and infrared motion detection, momentary
pull cords and push buttons, radio/remote controlled, and manual
operation. Safety concerns will dictate which type of activation
will best suit the doorway. We consider your daily needs, concerns
and preferred travel habits, as well as the type of equipment
being considered.
- Can you meet a wide variety of needs, such
as refrigeration, panels, floor insulation, and floor warming?
Yes. Polytemp can provide all the elements you need for the successful
construction of a cold storage envelope or a controlled temperature
environment.
- Are insulated metal panels considered "green"
construction?
Manufacturers of insulated metal panels today are committed to
climate friendly construction. They have invested considerable
time, research and financial resources to ensure that they can
offer products that are "green construction compliant."
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