Munters IceDry Controls Humidity at Europe’s First -80°C Cold Store

As the world leader of innovative energy efficient air treatment, Munters has installed more than 1,000 IceDry desiccant dehumidification solutions in cold stores world wide. By attacking the source of the problem, the high water content in the air, Munters’ dehumidifier energy efficiently reduces the risk of problematic condensation.

The new 350m² storage at Odense University Hospital (OUH), Denmark, is the first -80°C cold store to store blood and tissue samples in Europe. The ultra-low temperature cold store for long-term storage of blood and tissue samples was recently inaugurated. The cold store is designed to keep a constant temperature at – 80°C. Tissue samples, cell samples and blood tests, mainly stored for scientific research purposes have so far has been stored in more than 100 chest freezers scattered across hospitals throughout South Denmark.

All frozen samples from the region are now brought together in this central cold store at OUH, which attracts a lot of attention from hospitals in both Denmark and abroad. By installing a Munters desiccant dehumidifier type ML1100 in the -5°C ante room, the water content in the air is kept as low as possible.

That reduces considerably the formation of ice and frost that would appear when the door to the -80°C cold store is opened. As this very cold air is not able to hold as much water as the -5°C air, the water would condensate, at these temperatures as snow, ice and frost. Ice build-up on evaporators would reduce its efficiency and require frequent defrosting cycles, the floor would become icy and slippery and massive fog formations would hinder visibility in the cold store.

Munters desiccant dehumidification ensures optimal operation of refrigeration system, decreased need of defrosting improved visibility and safe working conditions for employees.