High bay cold store in the desert uses automatic stacker cranes

Due to increasing demand for deep-freeze capacity, INL has decided to change its warehouse concept and bring the temperature of all 14 aisles down to -28°C.

This is equivalent to doubling the space previously available. As general contractor for the entire facility, Unitechnik is responsible for the technical changeover of all logistics systems in this extraordinary step.

Since its commissioning, INL’s 22 metre high cold-storage facility has featured two automated high-bay racking stores of seven aisles each. To date, the logistics service provider has used one warehouse to store dry goods at +25°C and the other for frozen products stored at temperatures down to -28°C. The company plans on changing the facility over to be able in response to the increasing demand for deep-freeze storage.

As general contractor for the intralogistics, Unitechnik has supervised the project at Dubai Logistics City from the very beginning. The technical changeover of the systems used in the former dry goods section is primarily related to the control technology of the automatic stacker cranes and conveyor systems.

In particular, the sensor systems, power and load handling units are to be adapted to withstand constant cold. New air locks will also be added to minimise the exchange of heat between warehouse and order picking zones.

Additional changes will be made to the UniWare warehouse management system and control cabinet rooms. Work on the extended deep-freeze storage area will be concluded during summer 2014. 

“INL’s decision to bring storage temperatures down in seven aisles is unusual, but it can be implemented in the short term with our flexible comprehensive solution. After all, we fall back on our experience from the first phase of the project,” explains Michael Huhn, sales director for logistics systems at Unitechnik.

German firm Unitechnik Systems produces bespoke systems for internal logistics, cargo and production. Unitechnik conducts business worldwide as a system integrator and single-source supplier. Professional project management as well as customer support of the finished installations are the foundation of long-term business relationships and safeguard the customer’s investment. The group to which also ICM Airport Technics belongs employs 300 engineers, technicians and skilled workers at locations in Germany, England, Dubai, Switzerland, and Australia.

Included among Unitechnik’s references are such well-known companies as BMW, Kostal, Soennecken, LSG Sky Chefs, Spirit Air Cargo and Qantas.