Commercial refrigeration is the backbone of the larger food industry, which is responsible for supplying enough quality food to billions of people every day around the world. Proper refrigeration is the first step to storing, transporting and delivering food and drink items while maintaining industry standards and federal regulations regarding food safety.
One misstep can equal untold amounts of tainted food and billions of dollars lost – not to mention, businesses must then make up for supply chain shortfalls with limited stocks, which will then be passed onto consumers in the form of higher prices. Having a fully functioning supply system is crucial to operating at a high level, and in the case of commercial refrigeration, HVAC units are optimized to provide the exact temperatures necessary for safe food storage.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests food products should be properly refrigerated at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit while freezers should be maintained at 0 degrees. Further, some items have specific temperatures that are optimal, while others can remain safe to eat for longer periods of time. Reconciling theses demands comes down to HVAC refrigeration coils.
Coils are key
HVAC refrigeration coils are a form of DX coil that allow for outside air to be cooled to a preset temperature in a matter of seconds. This process relies on the use of refrigerants to chill coils before air is passed over them. Excess liquids and gases are removed from the evaporation process quickly, which drops the air temperature.
When this process occurs, fans typically force out the cooled air into an enclosed area that is sealed to ensure temperature levels remain within a certain range. Potential problems can arise, however, due to a number of factors concerning HVAC refrigeration coils. For instance, coils can become damaged if bent due to poor handling and transportation of food products in commercial refrigerators. In addition, overflows of water and condensation can seep into the coils themselves and cause rust, corrosion and cratering.
Perhaps even more dangerous are issues with refrigerants, which are heavily regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency because they contain ingredients that are harmful to the atmosphere and to human health. If a coil is damaged, then refrigerant can leak out, leading to an array of negative health consequences.
These combined effects can cause an HVAC system to fail, which means temperatures inside storage units will rise, potentially contaminating food with botulism and other forms of pathogens and bacteria. Without refrigeration, meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy and poultry can all succumb to contamination, which will cause foodborne illnesses fairly quickly when ingested.
The need for new products
Because HVAC refrigeration coils are the reason for safe food storage, their usage is in high demand. But companies aren't just looking for new coils, they are looking for solutions. A Freedonia Group report found that the U.S. market for commercial refrigeration equipment will hit $10.7 billion by 2018, with transportation refrigeration making up the largest share of demand.
With the amount of food necessary to feed expanding populations, this equipment will be crucial to solving key issues like hunger and food quality. These solutions lie in the ability for HVAC refrigeration coils to work more efficiently and to last much longer than before, while reducing repair and operation costs for businesses. In turn, food will have a longer shelf life and there will be fewer instances of foodborne outbreaks.
The use of new applications, management systems, refrigerants and coils will shape the commercial refrigeration industry as companies look to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace by reducing energy costs and offering the best and safest food items.
These goals can be achieved by installing HVAC refrigeration coils from Rahn Industries. Rahn coils have greater longevity and are custom-built to the specifications of each client. Additionally, coils can be coated so as to eliminate instances of corrosion and HVAC failures that could have led to food contamination.
With more than 30 years of engineering, manufacturing and design experience, Rahn can craft refrigeration coils that are protected from the elements and provide the perfect avenue for maintaining temperature controls.
Rahn has a full lineup of spray and immersion (dip)/ Bake protective coatings to meet your needs.