The demands placed on cold storage and deep-freeze logistics are growing — from energy efficiency and automation to optimized storage structures. Cold and deep-freeze compact storage systems are increasingly being used as a supplement or alternative to pallet storage systems in order to ensure high storage density, fast small parts picking, and an efficient, temperature-controlled logistics chain, even in the cold and deep-freeze area. Automation enables 24/7 operation, minimizes personnel deployment and errors, secures the cold chain, and increases cost-effectiveness. At the same time, fire protection requirements are increasing: compact storage structures, numerous electrical components such as robots or automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and dry air in cold storage and deep-freeze warehouses increase the risk of fire and require customized protection concepts. This article highlights suitable solutions.
Where storage areas are compacted and automated, the concentration of value increases — and with it the potential for damage in the event of a fire. In cold storage and deep-freeze areas, cold temperatures and confined structures make fire detection and extinguishing even more difficult. If a fire breaks out and is detected (too) late, conventional extinguishing systems such as sprinkler systems are often unsuitable. Depending on the location of the seat of fire, targeted fire extinguishing with water-based extinguishing systems can be difficult due to the high storage density and compact container structure. In addition, there is a risk of system failure in the event of frost, and the extinguishing agent can cause damage to stored goods. Furthermore, these systems usually only intervene reactively once significant damage has already occurred. The extinguishing agent and the smoke produced cause additional disruption and business interruptions. This is not compatible with the individual protection goals of the operators.
The air in cold and deep-freeze warehouse is particularly dry. If a fire breaks out, it can quickly spread to the stored goods, which are often highly flammable, unless active fire prevention measures are taken. Ice cream specialist Eisbär Eis therefore protects its warehouse with OxyReduct and TITANUS.
WAGNER offers a response to these challenges with its fire protection solutions. An excellent solution for storage facilities in the cold and deep-freeze area is a fire prevention system with oxygen reduction technology. The OxyReduct system reduces the oxygen content in storage areas to a level below the ignition threshold of the stored materials, thereby actively preventing the outbreak or spread of fire under defined conditions. Nitrogen generated from the ambient air is fed into the storage room in a controlled manner, creating a fire-preventing protective atmosphere. This is an effective solution for automated and closed storage areas where people are rarely present. In well-insulated, tightly sealed cold and deep-freeze areas in particular, the reduction can be maintained efficiently without affecting the frozen goods, which are often subject to particularly strict regulations regarding their integrity, especially in the food sector. Despite the extremely dry air and flammable materials in the cold and deep-freeze area, OxyReduct prevents fires from developing or spreading under defined conditions. And where there is no damaging fire, there is no need to extinguish open fires with their damage and consequential damage.
In parallel with active fire prevention, sensitive TITANUS aspirating smoke detectors ensure extremely early detection of even the smallest smoke particles, enabling countermeasures to be taken at an early stage. This is important because cable smoldering fires can also occur in an oxygen-reduced atmosphere – and the affected sources should be rendered harmless before significant smoke development occurs. The compact TITANUS systems can be installed directly in the cooling area and work reliably even at temperatures as low as -40 °C. This means that fire detection takes place directly at the source. There are no temperature bridges – and thus no unnecessary energy loss or adverse condensation or icing, which could impair the performance of fire protection systems.
WAGNER takes a holistic approach: the combination of oxygen reduction and early fire detection, integrated into a central hazard management system, provides a high level of protection. Since the OxyReduct system is installed outside the storage area, e.g., in a container, and no space needs to be kept free for sprinkler pipes, the entire storage area is available for storing goods without restriction. This ensures optimal preventive fire protection, including simplified monitoring. Operability is fully maintained even in the event of an incident.
The effectiveness of these technologies in practice is demonstrated by the example of logistics service provider Group Robert, who built a modern cold storage and deep-freeze warehouse in Varennes (Quebec, Canada). To minimize the risk of fire, WAGNER implemented an OxyReduct system that continuously reduces the oxygen content below the ignition threshold: 14.4% in the cold storage facility and 13.9% in the deep-freeze warehouse. The active fire prevention system reduces the risk of fire to a minimum. In addition, TITANUS TOP·SENS offers highly sensitive smoke detection, enabling the earliest possible fire detection even at extremely low temperatures and with high false alarm reliability. Together, these systems offer a high level of protection without the disadvantages of conventional fire extinguishing measures.
Maprom GmbH is also convinced of the benefits of WAGNER technology. At Maprom, an automated compact storage system was integrated into an existing building. To minimize fire risks in the highly compact storage structure, OxyReduct was retrofitted to supplement the existing TITANUS aspirating smoke detectors – an example of the flexible applicability of the solution in both new construction and modernization projects. Since both TITANUS and OxyReduct can be used to their full extent in cold storage and deep-freeze areas, the advantages particularly valued by Maprom also apply to cold and deep-freeze compact storage systems, thus enabling operators to enjoy even greater safety, maximum availability, and long-term cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion
For planners of logistics facilities in the cold and deep-freeze industry as well as for operators of automated cold storage and deep-freeze warehouses, the combination of active fire prevention and early fire detection offers a future-proof solution that can also be retrofitted. It prevents fires from starting and reliably protects employees and infrastructure from flames, smoke, and toxic compounds. At the same time, the goods remain free of damage from extinguishing water, thus preserving their value.
In addition, oxygen reduction and highly sensitive detection ensure the operational safety and availability of systems and goods: downtime is avoided and the cold chain remains intact. The concept therefore not only protects goods and buildings, but also the operability and supply chains – a decisive advantage in an increasingly automated and networked logistics world.
Thanks to our many years of expertise in technical fire protection systems, we can adapt flexibly to new requirements. Please feel free to contact me with your requirements.
