Restoring Critical Refrigeration Capacity for a Beef Storage Facility
Overview
When American Grazed Beef contacted B.I.M.S., they had an urgent problem. Their refrigerated warehouse was unable to maintain the temperatures required for safe beef storage. Several contractors had previously attempted repairs, but the issues remained unresolved. The customer reported that technicians frequently recommended additional visits that never occurred, leaving much of the refrigeration system inoperable.
Our goal was simple: restore refrigeration capacity as quickly as possible while identifying the underlying causes of the recurring failures.
The Challenge
Upon arrival, our technicians performed a complete evaluation of the refrigeration system and discovered that six of the facility's eight refrigeration units were not operating.
This created several challenges:
- Inability to maintain required refrigerated storage temperatures
- Significant loss of available cooling capacity
- Multiple mechanical and control issues throughout the system
- Equipment that was undersized for the cooling load of the warehouse
The customer needed an immediate solution to protect their valuable beef inventory.
The B.I.M.S. Solution
Our technicians immediately prioritized restoring cooling capacity.
Within just a few hours, we were able to return the majority of the refrigeration equipment to operation. Once cooling was re-established, we systematically diagnosed each refrigeration system and completed numerous repairs to improve overall performance and reliability.
During our inspection, we determined that the refrigeration equipment was undersized for the application. While replacing the equipment was outside the scope of the emergency repair, we implemented improvements that allowed the existing systems to operate far more efficiently.
One of the most significant upgrades was replacing the conventional time-clock defrost controls with KE2 Evaporator Efficiency (KE2 Evap) Controllers.
Unlike traditional defrost timers that initiate defrost cycles on a fixed schedule regardless of system conditions, the KE2 controllers monitor evaporator performance and only initiate a defrost cycle when one is actually needed.
This allowed the refrigeration systems to:
- Reduce unnecessary defrost cycles
- Maximize compressor and evaporator run time
- Improve available cooling capacity
- Increase overall system efficiency
- Better maintain consistent refrigerated warehouse temperatures
The Results
After completing repairs and upgrading the defrost controls, the refrigeration systems were able to maintain temperatures much closer to the customer's required storage specifications.
Although the existing refrigeration equipment remained undersized for the application, the improvements significantly increased the system's ability to hold proper storage temperatures by maximizing available cooling time.
The customer benefited from:
- Rapid restoration of refrigeration capacity
- Six previously inoperable systems returned to service
- Improved warehouse temperature stability
- Smarter, demand-based defrost operation
- Better utilization of existing refrigeration equipment
- Increased confidence in the reliability of their refrigerated storage
Why Smart Refrigeration Controls Matter
For refrigerated warehouses, every unnecessary defrost cycle reduces available cooling capacity. Intelligent demand-defrost controls, such as the KE2 Evap Controller, help refrigeration systems spend more time cooling and less time in unnecessary defrost.
In facilities where refrigeration equipment is operating near its maximum capacity, these improvements can make a significant difference in maintaining critical product storage temperatures.
Why Choose B.I.M.S.?
At B.I.M.S., we specialize in solving difficult commercial and industrial refrigeration problems that others have been unable to resolve. Our technicians focus on identifying the root cause of system issues—not simply replacing parts.
Whether your facility operates refrigerated warehouses, food processing plants, cold storage facilities, or commercial refrigeration systems, B.I.M.S. has the experience to restore performance, improve efficiency, and keep your operation running.
Need help with commercial or industrial refrigeration? Contact B.I.M.S. today to schedule an evaluation and discover how our experienced technicians can improve the performance and reliability of your refrigeration systems.