Overview
Cold stores punish equipment in ways a normal warehouse does not. Belt materials stiffen and can crack, lubricants thicken, condensation forms whenever product or air moves between temperature zones, and that moisture then freezes on surfaces. Standard conveyor specifications simply do not survive it.
Conveyors for cold storage are specified from the temperature up: belt materials that stay flexible when cold, drives and lubricants rated for low temperature, and construction that tolerates condensation and frost without corroding. The transition points between chilled and ambient areas usually need the most attention, because that is where moisture actually forms.
Where we work on the line
- Chilled and frozen goods-in
- Cold store internal transport
- Picking and order assembly
- Freezer tunnel infeed and outfeed
- Temperature zone transitions
- Chilled dispatch and vehicle loading
Frequently asked questions
Which belt works at freezing temperatures?
Plastic modular belt is widely used in chilled and frozen areas, and PU belting stays flexible at low temperature where PVC stiffens and can crack. The belt material is selected against the actual working temperature rather than assumed, since cold performance varies significantly between materials.
What about condensation and frost?
Condensation forms wherever product or air crosses between temperature zones, and it then freezes on surfaces. Construction is specified to tolerate that without corroding, and transition points between chilled and ambient areas get particular attention because that is where moisture actually forms.
Do drives need special specification for cold stores?
Yes. Lubricants thicken at low temperature and standard drive components can struggle to start under load in a freezer. Drives and lubricants are specified for the working temperature rather than using an ambient-rated standard build.