When you step into a supermarket, you expect a cool, comfortable environment with fresh food on display. However, have you ever noticed water pooling on the floor near the chiller cabinets or the black and yellow absorbent strips? This is likely due to condensate drains that are not functioning correctly.
Condensate drains play a critical role in chiller cabinets in supermarkets by removing the moisture that builds up from the cooling process. However, if these drains become blocked, they can cause numerous problems. One of the most common issues is the buildup of biofilm and bacteria in the drains, which can become a breeding ground for microorganisms. Over time, these organisms can grow and block the drain, leading to water overflowing and pooling on the floor.
Water pooling on supermarket floors poses several risks to both customers and employees, as well as to the store itself. The most significant risks include slip and fall accidents, damage to property, absorbent strip costs, and staff time to manage the leaks.
Blocked condensate drains can also cause damage to the chiller cabinets themselves. The overflow of water can damage the electrical components, including the fan motor, thermostat, and compressor, leading to expensive repairs.
To ensure efficient running of refrigeration units and the prevention of water damage to floors and equipment, it is crucial to design, install and maintain supermarket chiller cabinet condensate drains correctly. This is where European Standard EN 12056-2 comes in, which sets out requirements for drainage systems that must be designed, installed, and maintained in such a way that they do not pose any danger or nuisance.
For instance, the pipework should be self-cleansing and designed to minimise the risk and effect of any consequential damage due to leakage, which is especially important for systems with a high risk of consequential damage resulting from leakage, such as those found in supermarkets. Waste water systems must also be designed and installed to protect against escape of odours and water leaks, and pipework must be water and gas-tight against operational pressures.
Consultation between clients, architects, and engineers at all stages of building design is essential to ensure efficient and economic planning of sanitary installations and the discharge system. Alterations or extensions to existing work may require a survey to determine the type of drainage system in use, details and positions of appliances connected to the system, a description of the existing pipework and its condition, and the results of tests.
Finally, sufficient and suitable access should be provided to enable all pipework to be tested and maintained effectively, with access points not located where their use may give rise to nuisance if they are above the spill-over level of the drainage system.
Gel-clear is a company that offers specialised drainage products for the HVACR industry. Their products are designed to reduce operating costs, and improve efficiency of HVACR drainage systems.
The Gel-clear product line includes condensate pumps, drain connectors, supports, drain tablets, coil cleaners, and ancillary products.
Gel-clear’s products are specifically designed to address common problems that can arise in HVACR drainage systems, having won 6 industry awards for products developed, designed and manufactured by Gel-clear in Lancs, UK. Using Gel-clear’s products, HVACR professionals can maintain the efficiency of the system and prevent costly breakdowns and repairs, with data revealing massive cost savings for supermarkets and their contractors.