Build-up monitoring system for refrigerated enclosures

Abstract

A build-up monitoring system in combination with a refrigerated enclosure comprises a refrigerated enclosure having a drain, a drain basin and a refrigeration unit adapted to maintain refrigerating conditions in the refrigerated enclosure. A build-up detector is positioned with respect to the refrigerated enclosure so as to monitor a level of build-up in the drain/drain basin. A condition analyzer receives detection data from the build-up detector, the condition analyzer identifying from the detection data a build-up in the drain/drain basin requiring an intervention. An interface indicates the requirement for the intervention. A method is provided to identify a build-up requiring an intervention in a drain/drain basin of a refrigerated enclosure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This patent application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 890,290, filed on Feb. 16, 2007, by the present Applicant.BACKGROUND OF THE APPLICATION[0002]1. Field of the Application[0003]The present application relates to refrigerated enclosures of the type used in supermarkets and the like to score foodstuff and, more particularly, to a draining of liquid in such refrigerated enclosures.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]In supermarkets, grocery storages, and industrial storage, amongst other applications, refrigerated enclosures are commonly used to maintain foodstuff at suitable temperatures, or to freeze the foodstuff in order to preserve its freshness.[0006]Referring to FIG. 1 of the prior art, a refrigerated enclosure is generally illustrated at 10. The refrigerated enclosure 10 is defined by a casing 11 that forms an outer shell of the enclosure 10, and within which specific temperature conditions are maintained. ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Because of the low temperatures associated with refrigerated enclosures, there is a risk that the residual liquid to be drained by the drain basin 13 will freeze.

A solid build-up can damage the refrigerated enclosure.

For instance, coils of the refrigeration unit 16 have broken because of ice build-ups in the drain, resulting in refrigerant leakage, emergency transfer of foodstuff, and even temporary store closure for maintenance of the refrigeration system.

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