The controls systems that operate in industrial manufacturing facilities, cold storage units, and ice arenas often go unnoticed, carefully maintaining the critical temperatures required by the product inside. Knowing your refrigeration controls equipment and software inside and out is key to effectively managing it and maximizing its capabilities. Plant managers, equipment operators, and trusted system integrators all play a critical role in keeping the equipment in the best condition. Find answers to commonly asked questions regarding industrial refrigeration control systems.
Who can service my controls equipment?
Depending on the type of equipment you have installed in your facility, only certain local contractors and system integrators are qualified to work on your systems. Proprietary controls restrict service contractors to the original installer of the equipment. No other contractors are allowed to work on proprietary equipment. Non-proprietary systems, however, can be serviced by any trusted, local controls contractor and system integrator.
Can one control system manage all my industrial equipment?
Depending on the size of your facility, yes, one controls system can integrate with your entire setup. Egan Company’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls can manage a variety of equipment in industrial manufacturing facilities, food and beverage processing plants, and even ice arenas. Every industrial facility comes with its own unique equipment and controls needs, and Egan’s trusted system integration team works closely with plant managers to understand the goals of the facility and how a custom refrigeration controls system can improve the operations in the building.
What features are available with Egan Company’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls?
Refrigeration controls are critical for small- and large-scale plants that require precise temperature management. Egan’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls deliver a user-friendly option to operate, control, and access temperatures within industrial manufacturing facilities. Features include:
- Alarm monitoring
- Remote access and troubleshooting
- Scalability for growing operations
- Non-proprietary systems utilizing Rockwell Automation
- Custom hardware and software engineering
How do custom refrigeration controls improve the food and beverage manufacturing process?
By maintaining control of critical temperatures throughout the food and beverage manufacturing process, operators can ensure a higher level of quality, food safety, and consistency in their product. Custom refrigeration controls meet the needs of each individual plant, integrating equipment, processes, and temperature requirements for your processes. Monitoring the temperature range in the facility can help maintain compliance with the standards regulated by the FDA, while also reducing spoilage and costly emergencies.
Can Refrigeration-IQ™ controls help ice arena management?
Yes! Egan’s refrigeration controls experts have partnered with multiple municipal ice arenas to provide solutions for facility management. Both indoor and outdoor arenas require user-friendly controls to keep ice smooth and ensure easy management for operators. Egan has installed a number of different systems for ice rinks, based on the needs of each one. From new motor controls and glycol cooling systems to smart pulsing compressors, each ice arena may benefit from different equipment and approaches.
What temperatures do cold storage facilities need to stay within?
Temperature requirements will vary depending on the individual facility and the product within. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) designates freezer storage as climate controlled facilities that maintain temperatures between -4°F and 14°F, while cold storage temperatures should stay between 14°F and 46°F.
What temperature should perishable products be stored at?
Specific products, such as pharmaceuticals, meat, dairy, or produce, each require its own storage temperature ranges. In compliance with FDA standards, keeping meats, dairy, and produce between 36°F to 39°F can help ensure safety and quality during storage and shipping of products. Keeping up to date with the latest guidelines and individual product specifications can help protect your cold storage facility and inventory.
What happens if the temperature in my facility goes out of its set range?
If the temperatures in your manufacturing plant, cold storage facility, or ice arena begin to increase or otherwise go out of the set range, it is critical to begin troubleshooting immediately. In many cases, the issue may be a faulty temperature sensor, a compressor not cycling properly, or a door left open, which can often be resolved by replacing the sensor, checking control parameters, or verifying door seals and alarms.
Egan Company’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls automatically alert your team when temperatures exceed limits, helping you quickly identify and correct issues before they impact product quality, safety, or system efficiency.
Calling the company that installed the system, or another local electrical contractor and system integrator, can help solve the issue and get everything back on track quickly. Because maintaining key temperatures is so critical for industrial manufacturing and cold storage facilities, having a plan in place in case of emergencies is important. Integrating alarm monitoring, remote troubleshooting, and maintaining key contacts with local contractors are all steps you can take to keep track of the temperatures in your facility and get ahead of potential problems.
Is ammonia refrigeration the best option for my facility?
While ammonia cooling systems are common for maintaining refrigeration temperatures in industrial settings, they are not the only option, and in some cases are not the best option for processing plants and storage facilities.
The benefits of ammonia systems include effective heat transfer, energy efficiency, and low environmental impact, making it an ideal solution for many large-scale manufacturers and industrial plants. Alternative options include glycol cooling, carbon dioxide systems, and synthetic refrigeration systems. Each industrial refrigeration system has its own benefits, including energy efficiency, safety, and low-temperature capability. Egan Company’s Refrigeration-IQ™ team can be a partner for your facility to determine what is best for your needs and to create a custom solution to achieve your temperature and processing goals.
Refrigeration Controls Made Simple
Having the right controls system integrated into your equipment and processes can change the way your facility, cold storage unit, or ice arena is run. Custom refrigeration controls integrate seamlessly within small- and large-scale facilities, improving efficiency and operations throughout. Egan Company is a trusted contractor and system integrator, partnering with industrial and manufacturing leaders to find custom solutions for critical refrigeration controls. Our Refrigeration-IQ™ controls make managing, monitoring, and troubleshooting easy and user-friendly. Schedule a demo and learn more about how an upgraded controls system can benefit your plant.