Technical Specification Guide (Cold Chain)
The technical specification is the heart of every cold-chain RFQ. Vague specs get vague quotes; tight specs get comparable bids and predictable performance.
Specify capacity, temperature class, refrigerant, controls, envelope, code compliance and performance guarantees — in that order. Reference ASHRAE, IIAR, EN 378 and ISO 22000 to remove ambiguity.
Capacity & sizing
State storage volume (m³), pallet positions, product throughput (t/day), pull-down time (h) and design cooling load (kW). Use our Cold Room Size Calculator to convert product mass to cooling load.
Temperature classes
Chilled (+2 °C to +8 °C), frozen (−18 °C to −25 °C), deep-frozen (−30 °C and below), blast freezer (−30 °C to −40 °C air-off) and pharma (+2 °C to +8 °C, GDP). State tolerance (±1 °C or ±2 °C) at every location.
Refrigerant selection
Ammonia (R-717), CO₂ (R-744), HFC (R-449A, R-448A), HFO (R-513A, R-1234yf) or hydrocarbons. Match to local F-gas regulations, phase-down schedule and site safety class.
Envelope & doors
PIR/PUR panel thickness (100–200 mm), density (40–42 kg/m³), fire class (B-s2, d0 or better), floor insulation and heating, high-speed doors and air curtains.
Controls & monitoring
PLC/SCADA architecture, IoT sensors, HACCP-compliant data logging, remote alarms, energy sub-metering and integration with the buyer's WMS/ERP.
Codes & standards
ASHRAE 15/34, IIAR 2/6/9, EN 378, ISO 22000, GDP (pharma), F-gas Regulation (EU) 517/2014 and any local mechanical/electrical codes.
Performance guarantees
Pull-down time, temperature stability under peak load, SEC (kWh per m³ per year), noise (dB(A) at 10 m) and refrigerant leak rate (<3%/yr).
Frequently asked questions
Which refrigerant should I choose?
Ammonia for >300 kW industrial plants, CO₂ transcritical for ambient <30 °C, HFO or R-449A for smaller loads. Always confirm the local F-gas phase-down first.
What SEC (specific energy consumption) is realistic?
35–70 kWh/m³/yr for chilled storage, 60–120 for frozen. High-efficiency plants with variable-speed compressors and EC fans reach the lower end.
Do I need a HAZOP for ammonia plants?
Yes — mandatory in the EU (Seveso III) and IIAR-recommended in the US. Include HAZOP delivery in the RFQ scope for any NH₃ plant above ~250 kg charge.