Use of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants in Cold Stores and Recommendations on Fire Protection Systems

Cold stores and controlled atmosphere stores are used for long term preservation of fruits, vegetables, grains and dry fruits. Suitable fire fighting systems are required for safe operation of these facilities. Storage structure, chemicals used as refrigerants, fruit packing materials are the major source of fire accidents. Based on a technical study in fifty cold stores/controlled atmosphere stores, analysis is done to show the status of these stores from fire safety point of view. Technical equipment, refrigeration systems, type of refrigerants used for cooling compressors, fire fighting arrangements available in existing cold stores are discussed. Recommendations are made for making cold stores safe from fire hazard in the light of global change in adopting hydrocarbon refrigerants.