An industrial refrigeration system is a workhorse. It ensures our food, beverage and pharmaceuticals stay fresh. But faults can be catastrophic. Stock can rot and production lines halted. Fortunately, 

there are measures that can be taken to prevent this from happening with the help of an experienced team of engin

eers. This guide will explain ensure it is working to its maximum potential. It details some of the things to check on a daily basis and monthly and annual maintenance tasks. The team at ColdTec are experts in everything to do with Industrial Refrigeration Services and can provide a number of services nationwide to help maintain these comp

lex systems.

Why Maintenance is Important

A lot of faults are small and can be easily solved but if ignored can become a major issue. Not only that, a poorly maintained industrial fridge or freezer will waste energy.

Daily Checks

A quick walk around the plant can help spot any issues. Some things to look out for are:

• Temperature

Take the temperatures of relevant rooms or units

• Unusual Noises

Listen out for any unusual sounds made by compressors or fans

• Ice Build Up

Look out for areas which have ice build up or water leaks

• Closing Doors

Check that doors are closing properly and make a note of any issues

• Log Book

Any abnormalities should be logged in a book for staff to fill in

It is not necessary for staff to be professional engineers for these tasks just to know what is normal for their plant.

Cleaning Coils and Condensers

The condenser coils and fans dissipate the heat from the system. These should be cleaned regularly as dirt and grease build up on the coils reducing the efficiency of the system. The compressors will then have to work harder and can overheat. It is recommended that coils are cleaned every three months or more often if working in a dirty environment whilst the system is switched off.

Looking after your compressors

The compressors are the beating heart of the system. They are also one of the most expensive components so should be treated as such. A few things to check are:

• Oil Levels and Colour

Check oil levels and that the oil is not a dirty colour

• Rattling of the Compressor

Listen for any rattling noises from the machine

• Heat and Vibrations

Make sure the compressors are not overheating or vibrating more than normal

• Belts and Mountings

Check that belts and mountings are in good condition and not fraying

If there is a problem with a compressor always call a professional engineer to come and take a look before attempting any repairs.

Checking for Gas Leaks

Low gas levels in a system can cause all sorts of problems including a reduction in cooling performance. The gas in the system is also expensive and there is a legal obligation to ensure it is not released into the atmosphere. Leaks can be hard to spot but some indicators are increased running time on compressors, hot spots, ice build up or even ruptured pipes. 

F-Gas Regulations 2015

gas should only be dealt  by a professional engineer who will check the system and top up if necessary. It is important to log any gas checks or works in a maintenance log book.

Clearing Evaporators and Defrosters

Evaporators take the heat out of a room in order to cool it. Build up of ice on the evaporator coils prevents the coil from removing the heat. Defrosters are used to melt away any build up of ice.Always check that fans are free from obstruction and the defrost cycle is not running for too long especially if working in a less busy plant.

Looking after Doors Seals and Panels

Hot air from outside getting into a cold room places extra strain on a refrigeration system. Door seals and panels are important as a way of keeping the heat out. Seals should be checked monthly for a good seal. Test this by closing a door on a strip of paper and making sure that it does not come out the other side. If they are damaged or stiff they should be replaced as soon as possible. Check panels in the same way and make sure there are not any dents, gaps or damp patches as this can allow more hot air in and cause the system to work harder. Strip curtains and fast doors can also help busier plants keep the heat out.

Keeping Logs and Records

Records are crucial for keeping tabs on what work has been done and makes it easier to identify faults. It is a good idea to keep a maintenance log which can include some of the things mentioned above. A qualified engineer can use this to see the bigger picture and identify any patterns. Records also show that the plant is being maintained to the required standard and can help avoid issues further down the line.

Booking In Regular Servicing

Daily checks are a good start but not enough on their own. A professional engineer has the experience and training to spot any potential faults. A good servicing regime is recommended and a four visit a year package is a good way to spread the cost out through the year. It is also a good way to make sure that you are sticking to any legal requirements. Make sure to ask the company for a comprehensive report on any servicing and keep it in the log book for your records.

Knowing When Something is Wrong

Some of the most common problems reported are:

• Rooms taking longer to cool
• Increased energy bills
• Ice build up on pipes or coils
• Unusual noises
• Units not switching off
• Water leaking or pooling

If any of these problems are identified it is best to call a professional engineer to come and take a look as soon as possible. This can prevent more damage and reduce costs Timely

cold room repair

can prevent stock from being ruined and save time and money in the long run. Many plants also have commercial refrigeration units in addition to large systems so it is important to remember these in a maintenance schedule as well.

What To Ask When Hiring A Service Provider

• Are your engineers F-Gas qualified?
• Are you an approved contractor such as with

Refcom?

• Do you offer a comprehensive written quotation?

If they are unwilling to answer move onto your next choice.

Why Choose Us ColdTec

is a specialist in all things refrigeration. Our team are able to design and install a number of different systems of all sizes. Our engineers are all F-Gas qualified and we are a Refcom approved contractor with ISO 9001:2015 accreditation. We use genuine parts and can offer a reliable quotation in writing before any work commences. Emergency services are also available in the unlikely event that any plant breaks down. We are based in Surbiton and can serve customers in London and the surrounding areas.

FAQs

How often should an industrial refrigeration system be serviced?

Four times a year is a good level of service for most systems. Busier plants might require more frequent visits.

What is the most common cause of a breakdown?

Dirty coils and worn parts are most often the culprits. Regular cleaning and servicing can prevent a lot of these faults.

What should I do if my system stops working?

It is important to keep the unit’s doors closed in order to retain as much cold as possible. At risk stock should be moved if possible and an emergency refrigeration engineer contacted.

Conclusion

Maintaining a plant need not be difficult. Daily checks cleaning and ensuring good seals can all aid in preventing any major faults. Keeping records and having regular servicing with a professional team can also stop problems before they start. It is important to act quickly if any of the above are spotted in order to reduce costs and any loss of product. For more advice speak to

Contact Us

Company Name: ColdTec Cooling Service

Phone: 020 3773 1250

Email: info@cold-tec.co.uk

Postal Address: Unit 7 177 Hook Road Surbiton KT6 5AR

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