China cold storage solution provider
Project Overview
Jiangsu Jichuan Pharmaceutical Group, a leading national high-tech enterprise and top 100 pharmaceutical company in China, required a foundational upgrade to its raw material logistics. This project involved the design and construction of a 17,500 cubic meter automated cold storage facility dedicated to storing sensitive pharmaceutical raw materials and biological reagents.
The facility was engineered as a GSP, ISO, and EN compliant automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS), transitioning from traditional manual warehousing to a high-density, high-accuracy, and traceable digital cold chain hub. This shift directly addressed critical industry pain points: human error, temperature excursion risks, and inefficient space utilization.
Technical Solution
The facility was designed with two distinct, precisely controlled temperature zones to accommodate diverse product requirements.
| System / Zone | Specification | Key Equipment & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Facility | Total Volume: 17,500 m³ | Automated Storage & Retrieval System (AS/RS), Centralized Siemens PLC Control, Redundant (“N+1”) Configuration. |
| 2-8°C Cold Storage Zone | Insulation: 100mm B1 PUF Panel | High-efficiency screw compressor parallel units, Bucket Pump Liquid Supply system for stable cooling. |
| -20°C Frozen Storage Zone | Insulation: 150mm B1 PUF Panel | Dedicated low-temperature screw compressor parallel units, Enhanced dehumidification system. |
| Control & Monitoring | Standards: GSP/ISO/EN | Fully automated control with dual-temperature sensors, auto-switch on fault/failure, real-time data logging & alarm (SMS/audio/visual). |
Core System Advantages:
- Unmatched Reliability: The “N+1” redundant compressor design and automated failover ensure 24/7 uninterrupted operation, which is non-negotiable for valuable pharmaceutical materials.
- Regulatory Compliance by Design: Every component, from the sealed construction to the audit-trail-enabled control system, is built to meet and facilitate GSP, ISO, and EN certification audits.
- Energy & Spatial Efficiency: The AS/RS system and high-density racking maximize storage capacity per square meter, while the inverter-driven compressors and optimal insulation minimize kW per ton of cooling.
Tangible Outcomes
This automated facility delivered transformative operational and financial benefits:
- Solved Inventory & Accuracy Challenges: The AS/RS system eliminates manual picking errors and provides perfect FIFO (First-In, First-Out) control, ensuring total batch traceability and compliance.
- Maximized Storage in Minimal Footprint: Through high-density automated racking, the 17,500m³ facility achieves an effective storage capacity equivalent to approximately 2,900 – 3,900 metric tons of raw materials (calculated at a volumetric ratio of 4.5-6 m³/ton), a density 40-60% higher than a traditional manual warehouse of the same volume.
- Guaranteed Product Integrity: The redundant systems and precision control (±0.5°C) virtually eliminate the risk of temperature excursions, protecting millions of dollars in inventory from spoilage.
- Project Timeline and Operational Efficiency: A complex project of this scale typically requires a 5-7 month design and construction period. The automation leads to 70-80% lower labor costs for handling and reduces energy consumption per pallet stored due to optimized operation and reduced door openings.
Construction & Completion Photos
Photos of the Jichuan Pharmaceutical Group factory area
Welding and fabricating the bracket.
Cutting C-shaped steel and welding brackets
Workers are lifting cold storage panels
Workers are lifting cold storage panels
Workers install shelves