ICH Freezer

Summary

Darwin Chambers Company Freezer Rooms are designed for maximum reliability, efficiency, and stability. Our standard freezers will accommodate a -20°C set-point with a control tolerance ±0.5°C, or better. Many are custom-engineered for a wide variety of applications, including freeze-thaw test regimens in accordance with ASTM C666, GMP stability storage from 4°C to -30°C, wide-range test material test chambers, and mortuary/cadaver storage freezers. Our freezer rooms are typically supplied with desiccant or refrigeration based dehumidification in order to maintain a low dew-point and prevent ice accumulation on both product and equipment surfaces.

Benefits

• Tight temperature control for reliability and accuracy.
• Tight temperature uniformity of ±.5°C or better throughout the room.
• Work with any space constraints, flexible custom applications.
• Redundancy options that allow uninterrupted operation for critical applications.
• ADA compliance available with no additional cost to the customer.
• Simple, easy-to-use, easy-to-service control systems.
• Smooth ceiling, aluminum or steel, for optimal performance over competitors who use egg crate ceiling. Egg crate ceilings promote mold growth, difficult to service equipment, difficult to clean, and interfere with lighting and airflow.

• Personnel emergency alarm: illuminated pull to reset push-button (inside room), control panel mounted visual and audible alarm. Includes glow in the dark label and a glow in the dark antimicrobial pull cord that can trigger alarm when pulled, a life saving feature for injured personnel lying on the floor.

Features

The Darwin Advantage

All installed instrumentation is calibrated to NIST traceable standards and provided with a calibration form. In-house, factory calibrations are performed using state-of-the-art equipment with great accuracies. These reports are three-point verifications, traceable calibration documents.

Downloads

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Freezer Rooms

How Do Freezer Rooms Work?

Freezer rooms, also known as cold rooms, work by using a combination of the following to create and maintain low temperatures suitable for storing perishable goods like biological samples, pharmaceuticals, and food:

• Insulation
• Refrigeration System: including a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator
• Temperature Control
• Air Circulation
• Door Seals and Insulation

Proper design, installation, and maintenance of freezer rooms are vital for ensuring efficient operation, temperature stability, and quality preservation.

How Cold Are Freezer Rooms?

The temperature of freezer rooms can vary based on the intended use and design specifications. Typically, freezer rooms are designed to maintain temperatures below freezing to preserve and store perishable goods, like biological samples, pharmaceuticals, and food. Temperature ranges include:

• Commercial Freezer Rooms: typically maintain temperatures between 14° F and -4° F (-10° C and -20° C)
• Industrial Freezer Rooms: temperatures for these rooms can vary from -4° F to -40° F (-20° C to -40° C)
• Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Rooms: these specialized rooms are designed to maintain extremely low temperatures, as low as -112° F (-80° C) or even lower, depending on the need

Why Must You Keep Freezer Rooms Clean?

The following are key reasons why freezer rooms should be kept clean:

• Product Quality: Cleanliness directly impacts the quality of products stored in freezer rooms. Microbial growth and contamination, as well as dust, dirt, and debris, on doors, surfaces, and products can lead to odors and spoilage, compromising the quality and integrity of stored goods. By keeping freezer rooms clean and hygienic, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can preserve the freshness of their products.
• Food Safety: Freezer rooms are frequently used for storing perishable foods, like meats, vegetables, dairy products, and more. Maintaining hygienic conditions helps prevent the growth of bacteria, molds, and pathogens that can contaminate food and cause foodborne illnesses.
• Prevention of Pest Infestation: Cleanliness helps prevent pest infestations which can pose significant risks to food safety and hygiene. Pests are often attracted to food residues, spills, and unclean surfaces. Implementing proper sanitation practices helps maintain a safe environment.
• Regulatory Compliance: Regular cleaning, sanitation, and documentation of cleaning procedures demonstrate a commitment to food safety regulations and standards. Government agencies like the FDA and USDA require food handling and storage facilities to maintain sanitary conditions.

Does a Freezer Room Need Ventilation?

Yes, freezer rooms require ventilation. The specific ventilation requirements tend to vary based on things like the size of the room, the type of refrigeration system used, and the intended use of the space. Ventilation serves the following vital purposes:

• Moisture Control: Proper ventilation helps control humidity levels within the freezer room. Excessive moisture can lead to condensation, frost buildup, and ice formation.
• Odor Control: Ventilation helps remove odors and stale air from the freezer room, improving air quality and creating a more pleasant environment for personnel, as well as the stored products and equipment.
• Air Circulation: Ventilation facilitates air circulation within the freezer room, maintaining consistent temperatures by ensuring uniform distribution of cold air throughout the space. This helps prevent temperature fluctuations, which can impact stored products.
• Equipment Cooling: Ventilation can be used to dissipate heat generated by equipment, like compressors, condensers, and evaporators, preventing overheating.