Christmas is fast approaching, and now is the time to look at refrigerator maintenance to keep food cold and safe. With high demand and the need for quick service, you want to be sure that your cooling facilities are in good order. Any risk to your cooling equipment could harm your reputation and your customers. That said, there are ways to make sure your equipment, food and customers are all safe during this period. Here are some important issues to think on so you can make sure your equipment runs at its best.

Risks to Your Cooling Equipment

Due to high demand, your equipment will be running at high capacity. Problems can occur in these areas:

Perhaps your cooling equipment is not up to the task. This will drive up fuel costs and may lead to food spoilage.
Poor storage methods may lead to hygiene and cross-contamination issues. This can prove a high risk to the health of your customers, as well as causing food to be wasted.
When demand is high you need equipment that can store a large amount of food. Without enough storage space you will not be able to keep enough food safely. In turn, you will be unable to meet your customers’ needs.
Running at high capacity means that your cooling equipment is at greater risk of breaking down. This can lead to loss of business and spoiled food.

You can minimise these risks by carrying out regular refrigerator maintenance. That said, there are ways you can make sure your facilities will keep running throughout the festive period.

Solutions for Keeping Your Equipment Running

You can make sure your equipment keeps running through the festive period by:

Ensuring equipment is cleaned regularly to maintain good hygiene.
Regularly rotate your stock by moving older unexpired food to the front.
Keeping food separate to make sure cross-contamination does not occur.
Making sure you have enough capacity to keep large amounts of food. This can be done through hiring or purchasing extra cold storage units.
Using blast freezers to freeze a large amount of food quickly and efficiently.
Having a quick thaw unit (QTU) on hand for a fast defrost without losing quality.
Making sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on correct use.
Regularly carrying out cooling equipment maintenance to keep facilities in top working order.
Having a 24-hour maintenance and repair service on hand in case of breakdowns.

With all this in mind, it makes sense to have a refrigerator maintenance service that can provide expert help when needed.

Why Use Welch Refrigeration for Refrigerator Maintenance?

Since 1998, Welch Refrigeration has provided air conditioning, heating and refrigerator maintenance to customers in Suffolk and the UK. As leaders in the industry, our experienced and qualified team are on hand to help with any cooling equipment maintenance you need. For more details on our chiller maintenance and air conditioning services, please get in touch. Make sure your cooling facilities keep running over the festive period with Welch Refrigeration.

Who needs an ice crusher? Most of us have a fridge at home with a freezer section, which is perfectly adequate for our domestic ice requirements. But in commercial premises – especially within the catering industry – it’s a whole different ball game. (Or should that be cube game)? For a wide variety of busy commercial settings an ice machine is not just a useful addition, but an essential tool. The question is, do you need an ice crusher, a crushed ice machine or something else?

Founded in 1998, Welch Refrigeration Services have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the repair, installation and maintenance of ice machines. Read on to discover how to choose the right ice machine for your business.

A cold hard look at the options

The most common types of ice produced in a commercial refrigeration setting are cube, flake, bullet and spray.

Cubed Ice

Cubes are widely used in pubs, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. Ice in cube form is multi-purpose in function, but is probably used most commonly for chilling drinks. The benefit of full cubes is that they melt more slowly, keeping drinks colder for longer.

Flaked Ice

Ice flakes have a number of uses, and are commonly associated with the kind of displays you might find in a fishmonger’s shop. The flakes help prevent the displayed items from suffering the effects of freezer burn. Along with crushed ice, which involves smaller pieces, flakes are used in a range of industries from catering to chemical processes.

Bullet Ice

Bullet ice is also used in drinks and displays, and takes less time to produce than ice cubes. Due to the way it’s made, bullet ice is softer than cubed ice and has a tendency to melt faster. It can be a cost effective solution, however, and is a popular choice for busy pubs and bars.

Spray Ice

Spray ice is generally considered to be the premier product when it comes to ice. It’s crystal clear and takes longer to melt than other forms, and a high-end restaurant ice machine is likely to be of the spray ice variety. The downside is that the ice takes longer to make.

Things to consider before deciding

When choosing an ice crusher or commercial ice machine, do you go for air cooled or water cooled? Air cooled machines take in air through vents and will require a certain amount of clearance. Water cooled machines use mains water for the process, allowing more flexibility in terms of positioning. Generally speaking, air cooled machines are the more cost effective option. Some machines are filled manually, and are more easily moveable; larger machines are more efficient, but will need a mains water supply and drainage. The ice requirements of different businesses will vary hugely, so it’s important to choose a machine that will produce as little or as much ice as you need.

Here at Welch Refrigeration Services we are specialists in commercial and industrial refrigeration, and we pride ourselves on putting our customers first. For more information or advice give our friendly team a call, and let us help you choose the ideal ice machine for your business.

Food production firms must always be concerned about keeping perishable products fresh. Not only will this help to reduce costly wastage, but implementing the right coldstore equipment guarantees that foods will retain their freshness before arriving safely to their destination. Let’s look at the concept of cold storage in more detail.

How do Commercial Refrigeration Systems Function?

Firstly, it is a good idea to take a look at the fundamental principles behind modern refrigeration techniques, before moving on to discuss the different types and the benefits of each.

Refrigeration systems are designed to remove heat from one area and transport it to another. This is usually accomplished through a fluid refrigerant that circulates within a closed system; ammonia is the predominant choice. The pressure of this fluid will change depending upon its location. When it becomes a vapour due to lower pressure, it will absorb heat from nearby surroundings. When compressed, this heat will be released.

The exact mechanism as well as the configuration will depend upon the type of cold store system that is in place. Larger units such as walk in freezers will have different technical concerns when compared to more compact designs. Nonetheless, consistently cold temperatures will help to preserve perishable items such as food or drink products.

The Different Types of Coldstore Systems

As you may have already imagined, technological advancements have led to a number of different designs in cold storage. Here are a handful of common systems:

Industrial freezers
Walk-in storage rooms
Refrigerated containers
Blast freezers and chillers
“Combi” refrigeration rooms

Why are there so many variants? First, certain storage and manufacturing facilities will require more robust solutions than others. Secondly, there can be times when certain foods need to remain chilled, as opposed to completely frozen. This is commonly the case when storing fruits and vegetables prior to transport.

Now that we have an idea about the different types of coldstore systems, we can examine the variety of benefits that commercial fridges provide.

Safety Prior to Transport

Certain products are more susceptible to spoilage than others. This is especially concerning when dealing with dairy products, meats and fish. Serious illnesses and even death can occur due to spoilt produce. Modern coldstore solutions keep food products at extremely controlled temperatures. This ensures that they are safe for shipment.

Temperature and Humidity Control

As mentioned previously, some foods will need to be kept at lower temperatures than others. This is why modern industrial freezers have several temperature settings which can be controlled at the touch of a button. LED displays, humidity controls, and automatic alerts in the event of a fault are some other features which may be present. Combi commercial fridges can even be used to store different foods at different temperatures; saving food manufacturers a significant amount of space.

These are only a handful of the benefits which are provided by the line of industrial refrigeration solutions offered by Welch Refrigeration. Do you need to address a specific storage challenge? If so, contact us so that we can schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Have you ever wondered how food is able to be preserved for so long before it is placed on the shelf of your local supermarket? After all, modern refrigeration techniques often occur behind the scenes. One amazing invention is ammonia refrigeration. How can this type of refrigeration help your company extend the lifespan of its products? What are some other benefits of these factory cooling systems? Let’s take a look at what goes on behind the scenes.

A Brief Look at the Process of Ammonia Refrigeration

Without delving into too much scientific jargon, ammonia is a great refrigerant due to its natural cooling properties. This substance will be pumped throughout a specific system (such as a line of walk in freezers). It will absorb heat from one area and transport it to another so that this heat can be removed. As ammonia (in its concentrated form) is much colder than room temperature, it makes perfect sense to be used as a refrigerant.

What are the Benefits of Ammonia Refrigeration?

One important point to mention is that many traditional food factory refrigeration systems use CFC as a cooling agent (a chemical known for its environmental hazards). The good news is that ammonia-based refrigerators are completely safe for the ozone and they do not contribute to global warming. Here are some other advantages:

Ammonia-based factory cooling systems are up to 20 per cent cheaper to install and maintain when compared to traditional refrigerants.
These cooling methods are extremely efficient. In fact, they can help reduce your energy costs by up to 10 per cent every year.
As ammonia is an abundant substance, it does not cost much to recharge your system.

Ammonia is also an excellent choice in terms of food safety and hygiene. As it contains natural anti-microbial properties, it can help to address concerns such as the presence of germs and the risk of cross-contamination. After all, safety is important when storing any type of food.

Why Choose to Partner with Welch Refrigeration?

Food factory refrigeration techniques have come a long way in recent years. Systems which use ammonia are much more efficient than those used in the past. Ammonia will also help to protect the environment while lowering your costs over time. We are happy to supply a number of systems based around your needs including:

Walk-in refrigerators
Cold rooms
Cellar cooling systems
Units to display frozen food products
Ice-making machines

We also provide 24/7 emergency services, as well as regular maintenance repairs in the event that an issue is discovered. If you are keen to learn more about our line of ammonia refrigeration products or to receive a free no-obligation quote, please get in touch with one of our representatives.

An air conditioning unit can play a pivotal role in our daily lives. Not only are these systems able to keep us cool and comfortable when the temperatures outside begin to rise, but modern commercial air conditioning units can help to filter out particulate matter from the air. These are important concerns for locations which accommodate a large number of people, such as offices and retail centres. However, even the most advanced air conditioning units will need to be serviced from time to time. This ensures that your system continues to function efficiently. Let us examine some of the advantages associated with air conditioning units, as well as how frequently repair and maintenance should take place.

Air Conditioning Unit: The Benefits to Businesses

A benefit of regular servicing is that your business will be able to dramatically reduce its monthly energy bills. These funds can then be channelled back into other areas of your organisation. Efficient air conditioning units will also help the environment while lowering your overall carbon footprint. Finally, the best way to correct a small issue before it evolves into a major problem is to schedule examinations on a regular basis. This approach will inevitably save you money on your air conditioning system in the long run.

Catering to the Needs of Clients

Customers and visitors will also benefit from a proactive approach. As mentioned earlier, a functional air conditioning unit will help to ensure better indoor air quality. Your visitors can therefore avoid issues such as allergies, sore throats and similar breathing difficulties. Improved air quality can also cut down on the presence of mould and bacteria. This is important to keep your environment clean and your clients and colleagues healthy.

Now that we have learned to appreciate why it is important to service air conditioning systems, it is a good idea to take a look at how often such appointments should be scheduled.

How Frequently is Maintenance Recommended?

This is a bit of a loaded question, as the frequency will partially depend upon how often the air conditioning unit is used. Systems subject to a higher workload (such as those which operate 12 hours or more every day) will require servicing on a regular basis. However, all experts recommend that a general examination should take place twice each year. It is best to schedule a professional consultation immediately before the summer season, as this tends to be when your air conditioning unit will be required to work the hardest.

Do you wish to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals? Or would you like to learn more about the additional air conditioning services that we have to offer? If so, please take a few moments to contact us. If you are able to adopt a proactive approach, you can avoid costly and frustrating problems in the future.

You want to look after the welfare of your workforce

As a responsible, caring employer you will want to provide a comfortable and productive working environment for your employees. Air conditioning puts you in control of the internal temperature of your premises and allows you to make adjustments quickly. This is a real bonus because it means that you can respond to the weather, particularly useful during cold snaps, warm spells and when the temperature deviates from seasonal norms. Being able to stabilize the temperature in the workplace is something your staff will appreciate. Air conditioning specialists such as Welch Refrigeration Services, will advise on the best air conditioning system for your business.

You are experiencing problems controlling the temperature, and your energy costs are rising

It is now commonplace to see air conditioning systems replacing more traditional forms of heating. Speaking to air conditioning specialists will help bring the benefits of bespoke air conditioning home to you. They will be able to design and install a system that is right for your premises. Efficient air conditioning can help reduce electricity charges, and with modern systems it is even possible to set different temperatures in different zones of the workplace.

Productivity is reducing as sick absences increase

No one wants to breathe stale air. Stale air can cause sluggishness and irritability. Humans generate heat from their bodies and odours. These build up in the working environment. Air conditioning will purify the air and filter out dust, debris, odours and pathogens which can be particularly harmful to people with respiratory problems. Once air conditioning specialists have installed your new system, you should see the incidence of coughs and colds amongst your employees fall.

Humidity levels in your workplace are out of control

The recommended level of humidity falls between 40 and 60% with 50% being the level preferred by most people. Humidity increases when the temperature outside is colder than the inside and may convince employees that it is actually warmer in the workplace than it is. Humidity causes mould and mildew and these can affect people with allergies or those suffering from asthma or other breathing problems. If humidity is too low, you might find your contact lens wearing staff experiencing problems with dry eyes and staff generally experiencing dry throats; air conditioning specialists can advise you on the health benefits of a good system.

Employees are making too much noise trying to keep cool/warn and are breaching health and safety

Without air conditioning in a workplace, temperature and humidity levels will fluctuate, and employees will come up with their own strategies to try and rectify matters. These can include plugging in portable fans and heaters which may not be PAT tested, are noisy, cause an obstruction and are probably contravening health and safety legislation. You also need to be aware that your IT system and in particular your servers will operate at maximum efficiency when the surrounding temperature and levels of humidity are as recommended by the manufacturer. Air conditioning specialists will be able to advise on suitable air conditioning for server rooms.

Commercial Refrigeration Applications Across Multiple Sectors: From Air Conditioning to Ice Machines

A huge range of commercial sectors require refrigeration, such as the hospitality, retail, IT, and catering sectors.

This wide range of environments requires a wide range of refrigeration types. As well as being used for the fridge found in your kitchen, refrigeration also has a variety of applications found in different sectors.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is the most common form of refrigeration outside of food storage. It also works in the same way as your fridge does to keep food cold. As a basic law of physics, you cannot create or destroy energy; it can just be converted from one form into another. This is the fundamental way that refrigeration and air conditioning works. An AC unit will draw in warm air from the room, flowing over pipes circulating with coolant. The cooled air is then blasted through fans back into the room, gradually cooling it down.

Cold Rooms

Cold rooms, or walk in fridges, are essential in many restaurant and catering establishments where keeping a large supply of fresh food is needed. It is standard for cold rooms to be fitted with lockable doors for security, insulated panels for saving energy costs, and substantial shelving and lighting for ease of organisation and access.

Chilled and Frozen Display Units

Chilled display units have multiple uses for food and beverages. Prepared food such as sandwiches can be displayed, or the ingredients for making something can be on show for the customer, such as meat in a deli or ice cream in a parlour. They also have a use for drinks, such as a closed display unit showing the drinks on offer behind a bar, or an open display offering chilled drinks in a supermarket.

Ice Machines

Ice Machines provide an easy way of making ice for both front and back of house purposes. Different shapes and kinds of ice can be made with a good machine, whether you need cubes for drinks at a bar or a larger quantity for displaying fish.

Welch Refrigeration Services

Based in Ipswich, Suffolk, at Welch Refrigeration Services we specialise in offering this range of refrigeration services and more throughout the region and beyond. Our services can serve both commercial and industrial needs, with our experienced team able to meet your exact requirements. For more information on our commercial refrigeration services, give us a call on 01473 425495, email us at info@welchrefrigeration.co.uk, or fill out a contact form and we will get in touch.

The Role of Ammonia in Modern Industrial Refrigeration: Trends, Challenges, and Innovations

For over a century, ammonia has been the most popular refrigerant used in industrial applications. It is highly effective, very predictable, and it has been extensively tested and improved. Nevertheless, like all innovations, industrial refrigeration in Ipswich and the surrounding areas faces new challenges.

One of the biggest, and the thing which is currently driving and shaping the industry, is sustainability. Many of the synthetic refrigerants (HFC, HFO, and CFC) are now being tightly restricted by new environment controls. While ammonia and hydrocarbons are not classified in the same way, these changes still affect their use and accessibility.

This guide to the current status of ammonia in industrial refrigeration will explore some of the trends creating innovation.

Modern Applications

Now that engineers are spending more time on sustainable technology, there is a greater interest in the recycling of energy. For instance, the popularity of high pressure ammonia heat pumps is on the rise. This is a big development, because the substance has long been limited by its incompatibility with elevated temperatures.

As increasingly sophisticated refrigeration components hit the market, ammonia applications are expanding too. Today, some food retailers in Ipswich rely on ammonia/CO₂ systems for the smooth operation of their refrigerators. One challenge which is yet to be overcome is the broad application of smaller ammonia DX systems, but this is expected in the future.

Safety Objectives

It is worth noting that safety requirements are growing more stringent too. When it comes to ammonia, leak prevention is vital, as the substance is more flammable than HFC and HFO. It has a higher toxicity, so it is favourable to restrict the ammonia charge in the system. All components must be physically checked for leaks on a regular basis.

If possible, flanged, screwed, and other similar joints should be swapped for permanent types, as they have a higher leak potential. At the moment, the sticking point with ammonia is that, you can increase its safety, but it often requires the addition of CO₂ cascade features. This often prevents the substance from operating efficiently at high temperatures.

High Pressure Demands

The need for refrigeration components which can handle high pressure conditions is definitely increasing. While the commercial demand for valves with PS 65 bar (designed for ammonia pumps) is somewhat limited, their application is expanded if they are considered in conjunction with the value of high pressure CO₂valves.

Components for 90 bar are useful in CO₂setups, because they ensure that the system pressure when inactive does not rise beyond the maximum working pressure. In simple terms, there would be no need for secondary cooling devices. Unfortunately, the industry is probably still quite a way from developing viable 90 bar components.

Cost Efficiency

Industrial refrigeration is currently benefiting from a renewed focus on system efficiency. For many businesses, this is taking the form of motorised valves and electronic controls, because automation and remote technologies are great cost cutters. When skilfully designed, motorised valves are able to provide fast, accurate responses.

This allows engineers and technicians to control flow, pressure, and temperature in real time. It means a lower risk of pressure fluctuations and compressor overloads. It also helps to reduce transient conditions. After installation, the motorised valves are configured and regulated to match system requirements.

To find out more about industrial refrigeration and ammonia heat pumps, click here to visit Welch Refrigeration. Or, call 01473 425 495 to speak to a technician and request a cost estimate for your business.

All around the world, businesses are very accustomed to the routines associated with air conditioning maintenance. However, in Britain, it is still common for workplaces not to have any kind of A/C system whatsoever. While it is true that we do not experience the same hot temperatures as parts of the United States, Europe, and Australia, air quality is still an important element of the office environment.

It is why the number of companies investing in commercial air conditioning is steadily increasing. As a result of global warming, temperatures are rising in the UK and so is its value. Employees work harder, faster, and at a higher degree of accuracy when their work environment is optimised. So, to ensure the best level of performance, you might want to consider investing in commercial air conditioning in Ipswich.

Keep reading for tips on how to shop for air conditioning and what impact it will have on your workforce.

Size and Form

There are three main types of commercial A/C system. They are single split, multi split, and VRF (also known as VRV). It is essential that you pick correctly, as the choice will determine how much energy you use, how much your system costs to run, and what kind of performance it provides. Single split units are the most affordable option.

However, they are generally only suited to small businesses like single-floor offices, shops, and cafes. They can be doubled (or even tripled) up, but there has to be space outside for each indoor device to have a corresponding outdoor one. Multi split air conditioning in Ipswich works in the same way, but more than one indoor device can be linked to the outside machine.

While multi-split systems are a little more complex, they have the advantage of being compatible with different types of indoor unit, so you can mix and match your cooling devices. Finally, variable refrigerant flow systems are the most sophisticated option and the best choice for larger premises. They can provide heating or cooling to any part of the building, and this makes them very valuable for broad, open spaces.

Future Capacity

One of the most common errors is to think only about current needs. While this is fine if you do not plan to grow in the near future, expanding will likely change the requirements of the work environment. Multi-split A/C systems lend themselves particularly well to upgrades, as different units and devices can be added to the system after installation.

Energy Efficiency

On the other hand, VRF systems are more energy efficient than multi-split ones. If you invest in specialist heat recovery technology, they have the ability to recapture waste heat from around the building and direct it to the areas which need more attention. It means that you can efficiently heat and cool different rooms at the same time. There are lots of energy efficient features available with commercial air conditioning these days, so it is worth shopping around for a green machine.

Routine Maintenance

Ideally, you want to work with a provider that can offer you support with maintenance and repairs. Some vendors charge a small monthly premium for instant access to repairs, routine inspections, and annual services. If you know that you will put a reasonable strain on the system by using it frequently, it is a good idea to consider the impact of air conditioning maintenance.

For more advice on selecting the right commercial air conditioning, click here to visit Welch Refrigeration. Or, call 01473 425 495 to speak to a representative and request a cost estimate for your business.

We’re used to thinking of refrigerators as the tools of the culinary industry. They are, of course, a big priority for any business which makes or sells food and drink. Yet, they’re also an essential asset for civil buildings like hospitals, schools, and administrative centres.

In fact, few workplaces can function smoothly without any kind of refrigeration at all. Even offices, warehouses, and manufacturing plants contain employees who need a way to keep their food cold throughout the day. So, commercial refrigeration is clearly an important resource and you should always choose your provider carefully.

This guide to shopping for commercial refrigeration will give you some advice and help you make the best possible decisions.

Dimensions

The most obvious place to start is with size. Clearly, not all businesses need commercial refrigeration with a huge capacity. However, if your needs are substantial, industrial sized units are available. It is worth taking the time to measure the space where you plan to install your refrigerator. It only takes a few minutes and it will help you avoid any mishaps with mismatched dimensions. Don’t forget to include a couple of inches on the back and each side for air flow.

Opaque Vs Glass Doors

Glass front refrigerators are a common sight in small cafes, kiosks, and newsagents. Generally, they invite customers to open up the unit and select their own items, which is why transparency is useful. If you aren’t planning to use your commercial refrigeration as a front of house merchandising tool, it is best to stick with an opaque unit. It is more energy efficient and there’s more flexibility when it comes to neatness.

Legs Vs Casters

For food businesses, casters are always the better option. They allow the unit to be wheeled away from the wall with minimum effort. This makes it easier to clean behind the refrigeration unit and maintain the optimum levels of hygiene. If this area is unlikely to get overly grimy, a unit with legs is perfectly suitable. Many of the larger systems will have legs because they’re not designed to be moved apart from during installation and removal.

Shelves Vs Drawers

In domestic refrigerators, there tends to be a clear preference for either deep drawers or shelves and racking. Many units contain both, but you’ll still need to decide what type of configuration is best for your business. The larger the refrigerator, the more space you’ll get, and the more room there will be for both drawers and shelves. However, do think about what you’ll be storing – whether there are more bottles than food packages, for instance – and then make your decision accordingly.

Added Extras

Ultimately, the commercial refrigeration industry is quite a diverse place. You can get your hands on units of all shapes and sizes, particularly if you work with an experienced provider. For example, there are special ‘roll in’ units which are much larger and tend to be used by companies which produce large amounts of food, on an hourly basis. You can also invest in compact under counter refrigerators, which are great for maximising space in small workplaces.

For information and advice on shopping for commercial refrigeration, visit Welch Refrigeration today. Or, call 01473 425 495 to speak to a representative and request a quote for your business.

Ensure Your Cooling Facilities Are In Order For The Festive Season