In this case study, we will outline the solution provided to Transgourmet, a specialist in cold chain logistics for the food industry. Dessica supplied a desiccant wheel dehumidifier for a positive-temperature cold store. The unit was installed on the refrigerated loading bay of the logistics hub.
Client’s sector: cold storage
Transgourmet specialises in cold-chain logistics for the food industry (fresh and frozen products), operating as a food wholesaler serving professionals in the catering, bakery and patisserie sectors.
Background and challenges of dehumidification in cold rooms
Problem: The process begins with lorries parking in front of the food warehouse and goods being unloaded onto a cool loading bay maintained at between 5 and 10°C. The products are then stored temporarily before being transferred to the deep-freeze room. The main issue concerns the ingress of humid air through the doors, causing frost to form. Air treatment is therefore necessary to limit humidity. The loading bay is at ambient temperature, with an operating temperature of around 5°C.
Economic challenges: energy consumption
- Reducing energy consumption
- Reducing operating costs (i.e. the costs associated with running a business)
Technical challenges: reducing frost and ice
- Minimise frost build-up on the floor and walls of the cold store
- Create an air barrier between the positive-temperature cold store and the loading bay using a dehumidifier.
- Minimise external moisture ingress into the negative-temperature cold store
- Reduce the risk of accidents and slips
The benefits of a positive-temperature installation on the quay
The advantages of a positive-temperature cold room installation compared to a negative-temperature cold room: The cost per square metre is higher in a negative-temperature cold room than in a positive-temperature cold room, and the floor space required for a dehumidifier is less expensive for the operator in a positive-temperature environment.
Installation is simpler in positive-temperature cold stores.
The air dehumidifier operates with less strain, reducing the risk of breakdown and extending its service life in a positive-temperature environment. Corrective maintenance is made easier for operators.
The solution provided by DESSICA: air dehumidification for a cold store
Products – Solutions and services provided by DESSiCA:
- Supply of high-capacity DL-type desiccant wheel air dehumidifier with a capacity of 1,700 m³/h and electric regeneration
- Nominal capacity (20°C at 60% RH): 10.4 kg/h
- Dry air flow rate range: 800 to 2000 m³/h
DL air dehumidifiers are designed to treat air and be installed in environments between -30°C and +40°C (where the air to be treated and the regeneration air are taken from outside under the same conditions; for other situations, please contact us).
- The silica gel desiccant wheel ensures very high dehumidification performance.
- The installation was carried out on the loading bay at above-freezing temperatures. The operating temperature of the cold store is 5°C.
- The humid air is discharged to the outside.
- The dehumidifier is controlled by an electromechanical hygrostat.
- The dehumidifier is fitted with an air flow control potentiometer.
Installation of an industrial dehumidifier
The system was commissioned by Dessica technicians.
The humid air is discharged outside.
Maintenance of the professional air dehumidifier
- This solution requires little maintenance apart from the regular replacement of air filters. A weekly visual inspection is recommended, with filters replaced monthly. The frequency of maintenance should be increased due to the heavy use of gas-powered forklift trucks.
- An annual visit by a specialist DESSiCA technician is strongly recommended.
- The service life of a desiccant wheel is 8 to 12 years, depending on usage. The efficiency of DESSiCA systems is at least 80% after 10 years (provided they are used correctly).
The benefits of a dehumidifier for cold rooms
With this investment, Transgourmet ensures safety in its warehouse by reducing the risk of accidents and slips caused by frost. The system supplied by DESSICA and its operation have fully met Transgourmet’s expectations.
The dehumidification equipment supplied by DESSICA was installed in 2023.
The customer has expressed their satisfaction with a maintenance contract with Mondial Frigo since the dehumidification equipment was commissioned.
A maintenance contract has been in place with Dessica since the dehumidifier was commissioned.
