Control the drying and storage process
Are you still dependent on air from outside to dry and cool your crops? Because of climate changes and a ban on the chemical sprout inhibitor chlorpropham, you can no longer store your products through the winter without sacrificing quality. For these reasons we have developed a range of mechanically cooled storage techniques.
Whichever storage method you choose, our extensive product knowledge enables us to automatically adjust the storage conditions to match your product requirements. This provides stable storage conditions and provides you full control over the drying and storage process. The result is impressive. You become more marketable, provides high-quality products, achieves maximum energy efficiency and, as a result, obtains much higher yield.
The right cold storage for every agricultural product
We offer short, medium and long term storage solutions to suit every budget. Whichever solution you choose, we will ensure that the solution meets your requirements, your product-specific characteristics, energy capacity requirements and product quality preservation. We have a proven track record of success with customers at home and abroad.
Storage with natural refrigerants
Since 2022, no new cooling installations may be built with commonly used synthetic refrigerants. We offer various suitable and safe applications of a more sustainable alternative utilising natural refrigerants. With the switch to natural refrigerants, you not only secure your own production process, but you can also take advantage of interesting tax benefits.
Read how natural refrigerants contribute to better operating results
Storing potatoes with less weight loss and higher yields? Choose our mechanical storage.
Request a free information brochureCentral control
You can control your entire system from a single panel. Equans has developed this central control with in-house PLC technology. The panel provides a schematic view of all rooms and installations. It gives an overview of the operating status of all components, providing temperatures, whether the installation is cooling, heating, drying or humidifying, and what the energy consumption is.
The intelligent controller regulates the temperature, relative humidity and CO₂ levels in the rooms by controlling fans, cooling, heating, air intake or exhaust, lighting and shutters. It allows you to change the settings at any time and to the nearest decimal. Need to change products in your warehouse or on your production line? At the touch of a button you can switch to the appropriate settings for that product, locally or remotely via a smartphone, tablet or PC.
Do you want to control the conditions for drying, heating and storing onions? Then choose condensation drying.
Request a free information brochureA personal and specialist approach
Our specialists combine their professional knowledge with years of practical experience. What sets us apart is our personal approach. This means you have a single point of contact for each question and project, with specific knowledge of your product, market developments and environmental legislation. This results in a smart solution that suits your company and budget and contributes to better operational result.
Which regulations do I need to take into account?
Installations that run on synthetic refrigerants, known as (H)CFCs and HFCs, are subject to the F-Gas Regulation. This European legislation aims to reduce emissions of F-gases, as they contribute significantly to global warming. As well as phasing out these gases, the amount of F-gases entering the market is also being reduced.
Other rules and standards affecting storage systems are also changing. These changes help determine what is technically and practically possible.
- PSG 13 for the use of ammonia imposes stricter requirements on the design, installation, management and maintenance of systems.
- New practical guidelines: NPR 7601 for CO2 and NPR 7600 for flammable refrigerants.
- The European standard EN 378, which forms the basis of refrigeration technology, is also being revised. This will have consequences for leak detection and filling limits, among other things.
Why are synthetic refrigerants a risk to my business operations?
European agreements are accelerating the phase-out of synthetic refrigerants. This is resulting in a sharp decline in availability and rising prices. In the event of events, refilling can become extremely expensive or even impossible. From 20230, many synthetic refrigerants will be prohibited, meaning installations may come to a stillstand in the event of malfunctions or leaks.
Investing in natural refrigerants is therefore not only sustainable, but also a way to prevents risks, high costs, and unexpected downtime. Climate impact, safety and energy consumption are becoming increasingly important factors. These factors complicate decision-making and increase the pressure on you to make sustainable choices.
What are the main refrigerant options available for arable farmers?
The three most commonly used natural refrigerants in arable farming are:
- Ammonia (NH3): Suitable for larger installations and longer storage times. This refrigerant offers good fire safety, especially when used outdoors.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): Non-flammable, but requires a heavy power connection and additional safety measures as it can ccause suffocation in the event of leaks. CO2 operates transcritically, providing efficient performance in winter but reduced efficiency in summer.
- Propane: Highly efficient, but flammable, which limits its use. Additional safety measures and careful installation are necessary.
Natural refrigerants have a low climate impact (low GWP, or Global Warming Potential). However, these refrigerants are often flammable, meaning additional fire safety requirements apply to the design and use of the refrigeration system.
How can natural refrigerants help to improve operating results?
Natural refrigerants, such as CO2, ammonia, propane and butane, are energy efficient and can deliver energy savings of between 25% and 40%. They also help to minimise quality loss of cooled products, ensuring higher yields and lower (processing) costs.
Furthermore, using refrigeration technology with natural refrigerants makes you eligible for the Energy Investment Allowance (EIA), which makes part of the investment costs tax-deductible: 40% (2026). On average, the EIA provides a 10% tax benefit.
Which storage solution is best for my agricultural business?
The right choice depends on your cultivation plan, how you intend to use the storage facility, its location, and your future plans for the business. Safety, regulations and energy supply are just as important as return on investment. By working closely together, we can find a solution that is technically sound, future-proof and safe.
Important technical and practical questions include:
- What product are you storing? For example, potatoes require a different climate to onions or grass seed.
- How long will the product be stored for? Short-term storage requires a different system to long-term storage.
- In which seasons will the installation be used? If mainly in summer, the installation must remain efficient even at high outdoor temperatures.
Other factors that play a role include:
- Indoor or outdoor installation
- Distance from ignition sources
- Available power connection
- The possibility of utilising residual heat
- The business’s future and expansion plans
Will I need a larger power connection when I upgrade my storage facility?
Modern cooling systems that use natural refrigerants are often more energy efficient. This means that a more powerful and reliable system can run on the same power connection. Sustainability improvements are often possible without expanding the grid capacity, which is good news for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. This makes the switch more feasible and cost-effective than expected.
Is it expensive to make cooling or storage more sustainable?
Fortunately, sustainable cooling technology is now being produced on a larger scale, making it more affordable. In addition, modern installations consume up to tens of percent less energy. Traditional storage facilities with ‘free outside air’ are proving expensive due to high ventilation losses.
Storage facilities without outside air systems are often simpler and cheaper to build, as there is no need for complex and expensive roof construction. You can put the money you save to good use by investing in sustainable cooling technology and multifunctional storage, enabling you to respond better to market demand.
How long does it take to renovate a cooling or storage system?
On average, the turnaround time for renovating a system is 20 to 25 weeks, from order confirmation to commissioning. For completely new construction, the turnaround time is usually one to two years, depending on when we are involved.
The step-by-step plan is as follows:
- After the initial meeting, we translate your requirements into a concept plan. We then discuss this with you and determine the overall budget.
- Do you agree with the plan and the budget? The final engineering phase will then follow. Please note that the budget price will not differ significantly from the final price unless prices for parts and services change along the way.
- Once you have approved the plans, we will order the materials, carry out the engineering work, hold construction meetings, consult with other contractors such as electricians and plumbers, and then start construction.
- Upon completion, the installation will be inspected, after which you can start using it.
Can I see examples of new, sustainable agricultural storage?
Equans has implemented various sustainable storage systems. For practical applications, please refer to the customer cases. Would you like more information? Request a free information brochure.
