From frozen food storage to pharmaceutical preservation, cold storage facilities are the hidden engine behind the global supply chain. In these temperature-critical environments, failure is not an option—product integrity, shelf life, and regulatory compliance all depend on consistent and reliable refrigeration.
That’s why so many operations in this sector trust shell and tube ammonia water chillers to keep things cold, efficient, and safe. At Genemco.com, we supply facilities with high-performance used ammonia chillers built to meet the demands of large-scale refrigerated warehousing.
Image from Genemco
Link to Shell & Tube Ammonia Water Chillers
Why Ammonia?
Ammonia is one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerants available. It has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and zero global warming potential (GWP), making it ideal for companies aiming to meet environmental and sustainability goals.
When combined with a shell and tube design, ammonia systems offer unmatched thermal performance—making them a cornerstone of large refrigeration systems.
Benefits of Shell and Tube Chillers in Cold Storage Facilities
1. High Capacity for Large-Scale Operations
Cold storage warehouses often span tens of thousands of square feet and store products that require temperatures as low as -20°F or lower. Shell and tube ammonia chillers are specifically designed to handle:
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Large refrigerant loads
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Extended operating cycles
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Multiple cooling zones or chambers
Their robust construction and high capacity make them a natural fit for long-term, high-volume cold storage needs.
2. Consistent Temperature Control
In a refrigerated warehouse, even small temperature fluctuations can lead to product degradation or loss. Shell and tube ammonia chillers provide:
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Steady and reliable cooling 24/7
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Excellent heat exchange efficiency
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Fast recovery times after door openings or product intake
This ensures that stored goods—whether frozen food, dairy, or pharmaceuticals—stay within strict temperature ranges at all times.
3. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Energy is one of the biggest operating costs in cold storage facilities. Fortunately, ammonia-based chillers are known for their efficiency. The shell and tube configuration further enhances this by:
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Maximizing surface area for heat exchange
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Reducing the need for oversized compressors
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Supporting advanced control systems for load optimization
Over time, this leads to significant energy and operational cost savings.
4. Easy Integration with Central Cooling Plants
Shell and tube ammonia chillers are highly adaptable and often used as part of centralized refrigeration systems in multi-chamber or multi-facility warehousing setups. These chillers can support:
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Glycol loops for secondary refrigerant systems
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Blast freezers and pre-coolers
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Dock cooling areas
Their compatibility and scalability make them ideal for modern, multi-zone cold storage complexes.
Image from Genemco
Link to Shell & Tube Ammonia Water Chillers
Common Applications in Cold Storage & Warehousing
These chillers are frequently used in:
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Frozen food distribution centers – Long-term storage of frozen vegetables, meats, and pre-packaged meals
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Pharmaceutical cold storage – Maintaining temperature-sensitive vaccines, drugs, and biologics
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Dairy storage facilities – Preserving milk, cheese, and yogurt before retail distribution
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Produce warehouses – Extending shelf life of fruits and vegetables through chilled environments
Regardless of the industry niche, maintaining cold chain integrity is mission-critical—and these systems are built to deliver.
Final Thoughts
Cold storage and refrigerated warehousing facilities rely on shell and tube ammonia water chillers because they offer the power, efficiency, and durability these environments demand. From keeping food safe to protecting pharmaceuticals, these chillers are a foundational part of industrial refrigeration infrastructure.
Looking to upgrade or expand your facility? Browse Genemco’s wide selection of quality used shell and tube ammonia chillers—or contact our team to help you design the right system for your needs.
