Temperature and humidity levels need to be carefully controlled by facilities that store and distribute food, particularly perishable foods like meat, dairy, seafood, and produce. A properly maintained environment ensures quality control and compliance with regulations from agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Temperature control in large, industrial buildings can be a challenge. Heating and cooling systems, of course, play a key role, but businesses are challenged to maintain different sections of the facility at different temperatures. Thermal insulated curtains offer an effective solution to creating discrete temperature zones in food storage and distribution facilities. How do these industrial curtains work? How can they be put to work in your business?
Thermal curtains are made of vinyl and interior insulation. Depending on the R-value of the curtains, they can offer a temperature differential of 22 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Any facility that handles and stores foods likely has varying temperature and humidity requirements. Temperature control curtains can be used in:
Temperature and humidity control is the primary benefit of thermal curtains, but insulated curtains also offer:
Insulated curtains can either be retractable or stationary, customizable based on the needs of the individual facility. When it comes to temperature control needs, a higher R-value translates into higher thermal resistance. Facilities that handle food can choose from curtains such as:
R-10 and R-12 insulated curtain walls. R-10 and R-12 insulated soft wall curtains have an inner insulation thickness of three inches and offer a max temperature difference of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
R-16 insulated curtain walls. R-16 insulated semi-rigid curtain walls have four inches of inner insulation material. These curtains have a max temperature difference of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
R-25 insulated curtain walls. R-25 insulated rigid curtain walls have six inches of inner insulation: two inches of rigid material and four inches of soft compressed material. With this higher R-value, these curtains are able to maintain a maximum temperature difference of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
