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Feature Loading bays & doors Air curtains show energy loss the door


Within moments of opening a loading bay door, the temperature inside a warehouse can drop by up to 10°C. In today’s economic climate and with businesses looking to keep energy costs to an absolute minimum, air curtains can be a cost-effective, energy efficient solution


lost through open doors which was previously seen as a unavoidable, can actually be reduced by as much as 80 per cent. Air curtains are so effective in separating internal and external environments that doorways can remain open all day with very little effect on the heating system’s energy consumption. Heated or unheated, depending on the warehouse’s require- ments, they can even be configured to re-circulate warmed air within the building and add to the energy effi- ciency and economy of the unit.


he opening and closing of exter- nal doorways is an unpreventable part of the job for warehouse oper- ators. But every time this happens throughout the working day, warm air will escape and allow cold air to enter the building. The heating system must work harder and, over time, this makes a difference to fuel costs.


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As well as the rising energy costs, opening and closing external doors will also affect the internal tempera- tures and reduce the comfort levels for employees – especially those working


close to the doorway. And with many warehouses storing perishable items, temperature-sensitive stocks can also be compromised.


For the all-encompassing solution, without the inconvenience of con- stantly opening and closing doors – air curtains fit the bill perfectly. Comparative temperature readings show a drop of between 4°C and 10°C every time a warehouse door is opened. However, with an air curtain the difference is normally just 1°C. With an over door air curtain, energy


Air curtains, such as those from Airbloc are a cost-effective, energy saving solution for warehouses


Airbloc T: 0161 482 7900 www.airbloc.co.uk Enter 351


ment from dock levellers through modular docks, scissor lifts, industrial doors, dock shelters and mobile yard ramps, has delivered a 9,000kg capacity modular loading dock scheme to Warwick Chemicals. The bespoke modular loading dock scheme is fitted with an electro-hydraulic dock leveller and marshalling area with access onto the modular dock by a static yard ramp. As part of the contract Chase Equipment equipped the modular dock scheme with a 12m safe access on both sides of the loading bay by means of a set of integrated rolling step units to allow safe working practices in secur- ing of load, which was incorporated into the vehicle wheel guides. This design took into account the requirements of the articulated trailers in operation. Chase Equipment’s was able to provide a tailored solution to suit the customer specific parameters and also that of the overall building. Warwick Chemicals says: “Chase has completed a number of projects on the Warwick site. In this case the design of the mechanism to ensure safe access for load trapping required both an intuitive and pragmatic approach. The installation itself was completed on-time to schedule.” Derek Sweeney the MD of Chase Equipment explains, “A modular dock is a great way to convert a building or outside area with no dedicated loading bays to allow it to


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Modular docks increase distribution capability T


he Midlands-based firm Chase Equipment, specialists in the design and manufacture of loading bay equip-


Curtain closes on heat loss Energy efficient air curtains, such as those supplied by Airbloc, can be posi- tioned directly over or down the side of a doorway. When doors are opened in heated buildings, colder external air flows in through the bottom part of the opening, while internal air flows out through the upper part. In air condi- tioned buildings, the opposite applies. Over door air curtains deliver a uni- form flow of air across the full door width that separates the interior and exterior atmospheres.


As well as their energy-saving capacity, the air curtains also have other benefits. Over door air curtains induce warm air down from high level that would otherwise be lost through the roof, thus helping to de-stratify the building and eliminate cold spots. Furthermore, when combined with an energy-saving control unit such as the SmartElec2 from Airbloc, both power consumption and energy costs can be reduced by up to 50 per cent. The unit offers a number of control options to suit all applications including ther- mostats linked to door closed sensors that turn units down or off to increase energy saving. Outside temperature sensors can also turn the elements off in warmer times, while timers will ensure the units only operate when required.


be used for serious distribution. Tailored to your exact needs it provides a robust yet flexible/non-permanent solution for a ground-level operation.” If you want to equip a different location or need to alter the dock size, it's a nuts-and-bolts job to move platform modules, and/or add or remove them as needed. A modular dock is as permanent or flexible as you need it to be. Chase Equipment T: 01902 675 835 www.chaseequipment.co.uk


Enter 352 MARCH 2012 Materials Handling & Logistics


In addition, air curtains are not sub- ject to the same wear and tear as roller- shutter doors so mechanical failures and damage can also become a thing of the past. So, for energy savings or not having to replace worn-out doors, air curtains can help contain overhead costs while preserving comfort for employees and maintaining ideal con- ditions for stock. With air curtains doorways can remain open all day with little effect on the heating system’s energy consump- tion or the comfort of employees inside the building. They can in effect allow businesses to stop their profits from sneaking out the back door.


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