Pharma

Sanofi

New -35°C External Freezer

The scope of this project is to increase the available capability for a -35°C Freezer storage to ensure increased business opportunity.

Client Challenge

External Deep freeze enclosure to be controlled at -35°C +/- 5°C inclusive of a -20°C link corridor to the existing Ante Chamber, located external to the manufacturing warehouse due to internal space restrictions.

The specialist contractor was responsible for the supply of all necessary labour, materials, consumables, resources, tools, equipment and devices required for the complete design, commissioning, support to Sanofi, validation to meet HPRA requirements, training & handover package.

Complete Structural integrity of the freezer room envelope was a 90 min fire rated envelope. This was to include a roof level in rack sprinkler design to be installed into the new freezer room to be connected into the existing system on site.

The specific challenge we had was external remote location of the freezer room, design of structural steel frame for 90 minute fire rating.

Specific considerations we had were noise restraints requiring all plant to be low noise and to blend in with the external surroundings.

Our Solution

CTS were deemed to be an expert in delivering this type of solution and were ultimately responsible for equipment operation to meet N+1 requirements for all aspects of equipment supplied, regardless of source.

Approach

It was the responsibility of CTS to investigate all avenues of design in order to provide the most efficient cost effective solution to meet the clients requirements & expectations.

The approach was to consider equipment to deliver a constant -35°C environment 100% of 24 hours x 365 days per year under an entire range of operating, climatic & site conditions and form the completion of a successful site acceptance test. CTS successfully provided a full validation package inclusive of temperature mapping & Functions operation testing to meet HPRA requirements.

The system plant compromises of low GWP refrigerant R448a 2 stage reciprocating compressor plants and energy efficient evaporators with EC fan technology and multi section duty/standby control panels.

Specification and Implementation

100% Duty/Standby facility to meet strict -35°C close temperature controlled environment throughout the entire freezer environment from FFL to ceiling including all of the 5 tiers of specialist bespoke stainless steel racking also provided by CTS.

Based on CTS previous vast experience of low temperature environments & the solution was formulated from extensive knowledge of temperature controlled environments & in specific with previous low temperature fit outs of similar stature.

Outcome

CTS complied with all provisions within the construction specification.

This includes site facilities, EHS requirements, work planning & progress management, equipment & materials management, equipment installation, access & egress, permitting, provision of scaffolding, construction safety, quality assurance planning & control, mechanical & electrical completion & site procedures during the project to deliver the successful project.

CTS have continued to service & maintain the site in Sanofi regularly since hand over in December 2024. Regular service & maintenance is provided by in house CTS engineers on a quarterly basis offering continuous support to the Sanofi utilities team on site.