Airbloc air curtains are proving an effective barrier against flying insects and prevailing winds at Asda’s new distribution depot at Chepstow. As a result, food stored in the warehouse can be kept fresher and air temperatures maintained. The supermarket giant’s 45,000m2 facility has nine 4m high loading bay doors, each between 3.5 and 4m wide. The doors are in constant use during the 24-hour operation of the warehouse. Such a large space building is expensive to heat to the required constant 15°C. Asda wants to ensure economies are maintained within its facilities and has used air curtains effectively in other large premises for heat protection.
The Chepstow depot deploys Airbloc AB ambient air curtains positioned vertically beside each of the loading bay doors. The air curtains deliver a sheet of cold air at critical velocity across each doorway. This provides sufficient air turbulence to prevent flying insects from crossing into the building. Winds at speeds of up to 11mph are also effectively excluded.
The air curtains were specified and installed by M&E contractor Encon of Northampton. Mervyn Bull of Encon comments: “Air curtains are an economical solution to maintaining hygienic conditions and the required internal temperatures. The cold air blasting across the doorways is highly effective in preventing wasps and flies getting in and potentially contaminating the food.”
In most buildings, air curtains are installed horizontally above a doorway. In this application, the Airbloc units are positioned vertically because the configuration and operation of Asda’s loading bay doors prohibits anything being fitted over the top.
Airbloc
Ambi-Rad Ltd
Tel: 01384 489700
www.ambirad.co.uk
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