The case we present here involves two companies of the food sector that had similar problems.  Both of them, distributors of industrial pastries and frozen pre-cooked bread, presented a series of common inconveniences that were solved thanks to an air curtain for cold rooms from Airtècnics.

Air curtains are the best complement for the insulation of cold rooms and big freezers, becoming one of the main fields of application. The large temperature difference between the outside and inside of cold rooms makes it necessary to design air curtains specifically for this type of application.

In both cases, the temperature in the pre-chamber is between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius in winter, as it is not conditioned properly. In summer it is higher, accentuating the difference between the inside and outside of the chamber. The location of both companies, in a mountainous area with high humidity, is also an important factor.

The problems that usually occur in the installations are similar:

• Generation of ice on floors and around the door of the freezing chambers.
• Formation of water and slippery floors.
• High temperature contrast between the chamber and the pre-chamber.
• Fog formation.

All of these in turn lead to accidents among workers and excessively high energy consumption, resulting in economic and efficiency losses.

Which air curtain is the most suitable?

Airtècnics' team of technical advisors visited the clients' facilities and evaluated in situ with which air curtains the needs they presented were best covered. After making an exhaustive study, they concluded that the product that best suited their requirements was the Triojet system air curtain.

This air curtain is specially designed for the purpose that concerns us: large cold rooms and freezers with negative temperatures. Airtècnics has revolutionised the market with the incorporation of the innovative and unique curtain that emits three air jets.

Triojet is the result of the perfect marriage between a Kool air curtain and a Duojet air curtain. Combined they generate three jets of air at different temperatures and speeds. This divides the rooms, preventing the flow of air between the two rooms.

One of the air jets is emitted at pre-chamber temperature; the second, thanks to a heating resistor, emits air at an intermediate temperature and the third one, emits the air at chamber temperature. This creates a triple insulation barrier.

The curtain is regulated according to the needs of the installation. It is fully automated and controlled by the Clever control which controls the speed of the air jet according to the opening of the door, controls the temporary programmer of operation while the door is not in service...

Its installation brings numerous advantages:

• Energy saving becomes a reality, as the air flow between the outside and inside of the cold rooms is non-existent, each space maintains its own temperature and humidity conditions.
• The formation of ice and snow is reduced and fog is eliminated, which improves visibility through the door, as well as avoiding accidents.
• The door space is left free, which considerably improves the transport times of the goods.
• The products inside the chamber do not undergo temperature changes, so their conservation is optimal.

In addition, it has been demonstrated in various installations that with the door open for a short period, the temperature variation between the outside and inside of the chamber with the Triojet System air curtain is two degrees. However, when the chambers are not insulated, the temperature can vary up to 12 degrees in the pre-chamber and 6 degrees in the chamber.