The functional assurance of a controlled atmosphere storage facility is a crucial consideration in the construction process. In the architectural design of such facilities, safety must also be taken into account. This is because controlled atmosphere storage is an enclosed cold storage, and as the internal temperature fluctuates, so does the gas pressure, often creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the facility. According to information, when the external temperature is 1℃ higher than the internal temperature, the external atmosphere exerts a pressure of 40Pa on the maintenance of the storage panels. The greater the temperature difference, the greater the pressure difference. Therefore, the foundation of a controlled atmosphere storage facility should possess excellent compressive, bending, overturning, and movement resistance capabilities to ensure the stability and durability of the structure in the face of natural disasters such as water damage, snow and ice, and strong winds.
During inventory inspections, two designated personnel must enter wearing oxygen masks (breathing apparatus), and two additional individuals must stand near the entrance, also equipped with breathing apparatus to monitor those inside the storage facility. Immediate rescue is to be carried out in the event of any danger.
Generally, for safety considerations in controlled atmosphere storage facilities, safety valves and gas bags should be installed during the setup. Therefore, the installation of controlled atmosphere storage facilities is quite safe. Ventilation equipment and emergency lights need to be set up within the station. In case of any leaks detected, ventilation should be initiated immediately, followed by repairs.
Air equilibrium bags (also known as modified atmosphere bags) account for approximately 0.5% to 1.0% of the storage room volume. They are made of soft, non-breathable, and aging-resistant materials. The recommended safe pressure values in foreign countries are ±190Pa. Therefore, each storage room should be equipped with an air equilibrium safety valve (also known as a balance valve). When the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the storage room exceeds 190Pa, gas exchange between the two will occur, preventing structural damage to the storage room. The balance valves are available in two types: dry and water-sealed, both of which are directly connected to the storage room. Generally, the air equilibrium bags serve as regulators, and the balance valves only come into play when the capacity of the air equilibrium bags is insufficient to regulate the pressure changes within the storage room.
Additionally, in countries like the Netherlands, regularly replenishing nitrogen in storage rooms helps maintain the semi-inflated state of the modified atmosphere bags, sustaining a constant positive pressure, which aids in reducing atmospheric leakage into the storage area.
