Maintaining product integrity and warehouse safety in cold environments can prove a challenge, at the best of times. This is why businesses that handle refrigerated goods, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive items rely heavily on conveyor systems that continue to operate smoothly in chillier conditions. By opting for the right materials, such as cold-resistant steel, you can count on your operations ticking along as they should. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the importance of cold-resistant steel in conveyor systems —plus its critical role in sustaining operations, preserving product quality, and upholding safety standards in your workplace.
Why use a conveyor system in a warehouse?
Let us take things back to basics. Conveyor systems in a warehouse drive efficiency, boost throughput and push productivity. By automating manual tasks like sorting, transporting and loading, they slash labour costs and errors. These systems offer a safe and flexible solution for handling various product types, all while streamlining workflows and use of space. Conveyor systems also reduce the physical strain on workers, leading to fewer workplace injuries and increasing overall job satisfaction. They can also be customised to fit specific mezzanine warehouse layouts and operational needs. In short, conveyor systems are a must-have in creating modern, efficient and scalable warehouse operations.
The need for cold-resistant steel
Cold environments present a one-of-a-kind challenge for conveyor systems. Standard steel can become brittle and prone to failure at low temperatures, posing significant safety risks and operational inefficiencies. Cold-resistant steel, on the other hand, is specifically engineered to withstand these harsh conditions, so you can take confidence in its durability and reliability.
What are the key requirements for cold-resistant steel?
To effectively withstand the challenges of cold environments, the following specifications are essential for cold-resistant steel used in conveyor systems:
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Hot rolled sections (Grade 300PLUSL0): These sections are ideal for maintaining structural integrity at -20°C. They are robust and resistant to cracking under cold stress.
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SHS and RHS sections (Grade 350L0): Square and rectangular hollow sections of this grade provide excellent load-bearing capabilities and resist deformation.
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Bolted connections: Welded connections are avoided due to the risk of brittleness. Bolted angles for cleats and baseplates/cap plates ensure flexibility and ease of maintenance.
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UC sections for columns: Universal columns are preferred for their strength and reliability in supporting heavy loads.
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RHS or PFC purlins: These sections are used over cold-formed purlins, which have more restrictions and require drilled holes rather than punched ones.
Safety and performance in extreme cold
Due to the inherent added risks, upholding workplace safety in cold storage environments should be a top priority. Conveyor systems must operate seamlessly, without the risk of sudden failures that could lead to accidents or downtime. Cold-resistant steel provides the necessary resilience to prevent such issues.
What are the benefits of cold-resistant steel?
Cold-resistant steel comes with an exhaustive list of advantages that contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of conveyor systems in cold environments:
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Durability: Withstanding low temperatures without compromising structural integrity or product longevity.
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Flexibility: Maintaining elasticity and resistance to cracking, which is essential for conveyor operations that scale to your operations.
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Maintenance ease: Bolted connections facilitate easier inspections and repairs, reducing downtime.
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Increased load-bearing capacity: Cold-resistant steel can handle heavy loads without deformation, ensuring stability and efficiency.
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Extended lifespan: Enhanced resistance to wear and tear in cold conditions prolongs the life of the conveyor system, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
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Improved safety: By preventing material brittleness and failure, cold-resistant steel minimises the risk of accidents, ensuring a safer working environment for employees.
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Cost efficiency: Longer-lasting materials and reduced maintenance needs translate to lower overall operational costs.
How to select the right conveyor system for cold environments
When picking out a conveyor system for a cold storage facility, several factors need to be considered first. The choice of materials, design specifications, and maintenance protocols all play a role in ensuring the system's efficiency and safety. Here are some topline considerations:
1. Material selection:
Choosing the right grade of cold-resistant steel is crucial. Grade 300PLUSL0 and 350L0 steels are designed to perform in temperatures as low as -20°C, providing the necessary durability and flexibility.
2. Structural design:
The design should incorporate bolted connections to avoid the brittleness associated with welded joints. Using UC sections for columns and RHS or PFC purlins enhances the system's load-bearing capacity and stability.
3. Maintenance protocols:
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and safety of the conveyor system. This includes periodic inspections of bolted connections, checking for any signs of wear or damage, and ensuring that all components are functioning correctly.
Choose Unistor for customised warehouse solutions
Selecting the right conveyor system for cold environments is a complex process that requires careful consideration of materials, design and maintenance. Of course, cold-resistant steel plays a leading role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of these systems. At Unistor, we work alongside the most innovative conveyor system installers across Australia to meet all of your project requirements. Our expert team will help you select the right conveyor system to optimise your warehouse efficiency, reduce costs, increase workplace safety and meet the needs of your growing business—now, and well into the future.
Every warehouse and commercial space is unique, and your conveyor system should be too. Our team specialises in developing bespoke solutions that address the specific challenges within your operations. Whether you are looking to automate a process in a refrigerated environment, alleviate bottlenecks caused by freezing conditions, or revamp your cold storage logistics entirely, we are here to help. Our expertise extends beyond conveyor systems, providing comprehensive warehouse automation solutions. We ensure that every operational set-up we facilitate fits your business like a glove, even in the harshest conditions.
For more information on our mezzanine solutions and how we can help you optimise your warehouse efficiency with cold-resistant conveyor systems, contact Unistor today.
