Warehouse Temperature Mapping Explained

Temperature Mapping is the process of recording and mapping the temperature in a 3 dimensional space. You may think that in a small fridge, large cool room, freezer or warehouse that the temperature would be the same everywhere, but you may be surprised to learn that the temperature can vary by as much as 10A�C from one location to another.

Temperatures in the corners will most likely be different to the centre of the space being measured. We all know cold air sinks, and hot air rises – so it goes without saying that the temperature at the bottom of a cool room will most likely be different to the temperature at the top of the cool room.

There are also “specific areas” within the cool room where the temperature also will differ such as: next to the cooling fans where the temperature will be at its coldest or close to the doors where it likely to be at its warmest.

Why is it important to Temperature Map your cold storage area?

Product efficacy relies on goods being stored correctly. Fruit and vegetable that has been stored in an area that is too cold can freeze and damage them; Vaccines that are stored in a fridge may get too warm or too cold and reduce/destroy the medicines efficacy. Ensuring that all locations within the refrigerated area are within the correct temperature range is critical to maintain the quality of the products.

Temperature Mapping and Temperature Monitoring are integral to the storage of goods such as foods and medicines.

How to conduct temperature mapping?

Data loggers need to be strategically placed within the 3 dimensional space to map temperatures along a horizontal, vertical and depth plain as well as in locations that are likely to have temperature variations.

Temperature monitoring should be conducted within a normal working day rather than on a weekend as the internal temperature of the space will vary depending on how many times the coolroom or warehouse doors are opened and closed. Ideally you should use an experienced company in temperature mapping to make sure that your temperature controlled storage area is mapped correctly followed by the placement of data loggers and sensors in the correct locations (warmest and coldest) for ongoing monitoring.

CoolPac specialises in Temperature Mapping and helping companies install a quality data logging system that complies with the requirement of the authorities such as HACCP or TGA.