Warehouse frost heave protection

[samiam]

I am considering the following options for a warehouse floor to prevent problems associated with frost heave: So far I have used:

a) Electric heater mat.

b) warm glycol pipes.

c) Natural and forced ventilation.



I have used the electric mat and glycol heater pipes before, but not the forced ventilation.



What are you experiences/comments on the forced and natural ventilation methods?



Thanks

[Grizzly]

I am considering the following options for a warehouse floor to prevent problems associated with frost heave: So far I have used:

a) Electric heater mat.

b) warm glycol pipes.

c) Natural and forced ventilation.



I have used the electric mat and glycol heater pipes before, but not the forced ventilation.



What are you experiences/comments on the forced and natural ventilation methods?



Thanks



Samiam.

I have many years experience with Cold Stores and like you understand the benefits and pitfalls of both A and B.
If by Natural you mean floors built on dwarf walls.
With 6 inch Concrete slabs on Insulation slabs.

Thereby having a thermal gap under the floor.
Then I understand and this is by far the most common for Large areas.

But I am not sure what "forced ventilation" is can you explain?

Grizzly

[smpsmp45]

We generally use Forced Ventilation by embedding the pipes below the Flooring.

If you are interested I can send you a sketch as to how we do it.

Electrical mats is expensive proposal though we use that only for Blast freezers for -40 deg C.

We have used elevated floor in few cases, but again that also is expensive.

[Kh1971]

HI,

The ventlation should be done before doing the cold store it self, if you are interesed send me a mail and I well send you the drawing how you can make the ventaltion for the flooring *** note that it is very good way and Iam using it here.

Khalid

[US Iceman]

The forced ventilation system is when a fan blows the air through the underfloor pipes. The static version of this is the natural convection pipes that are open to the outside air.

I think the method you use depends entirely on the location of the cold storage. In areas where the climate is moderate or cold you would want a positive (heat source) method to provide heating for the floors.

In warm to hot climates the natural convection pipes may provide a suitable alternative. In this climate the ground temperature would remain fairly warm year-round so the underfloor pipes with natural convection air currents should be sufficient.

[samiam]

Hi Gents,

smpsmp45 - please add the scketch to this forum

Thanks for the feedback - US Iceman (thank for the expalantion - it is as per my thinking)

Thanks