FAQ: Climinox products
Looking for concrete answers about our stainless steel equipment? This page consolidates everything you need to understand, operate, and maintain your CirculAir and ModulAir systems.
Explore our product FAQ that answers your technical questions. Review our maintenance guide for complete day-to-day autonomy. Check our glossary to master industrial air treatment terminology
Three sections, one mission: to give you all the keys you need to optimize your Climinox installations.
Everything you need to know about the Climinox line
1. Can I install a CirculAir on the ceiling in my warehouse or my production room?
Absolutely. Our Climinox equipment is designed for easy daily maintenance. The stainless steel construction allows cleaning with a foam gun. You can also use an automated CIP system. Our units feature sloped bowls with no retention zones, eliminating any accumulation of water or residues. Fans are mounted on pivoting doors. This gives you total access to the interior for thorough cleaning. Even IP69 motors can be washed directly. This hygienic design reduces maintenance time considerably. A major advantage when it comes to meeting the strict sanitary requirements of the food industry.
2. What are the advantages of using stainless steel?
Stainless steel delivers essential benefits for demanding industrial environments. As standard, our equipment uses 304 L stainless steel recognized for exceptional durability. The 316 L stainless option is available for even more aggressive environments.
Key advantages include:
- Remarkable durability: corrosion-resistant and non-degrading over time
- Chemical compatibility: withstands acidic and basic cleaning products
- Maximum hygiene: smooth surface prevents the growth of micro-organisms
- Food safety: eliminates the risk of contamination by rust or particles
These features make stainless steel a profitable long-term investment for your facility.
3. What are the operating costs associated with using stainless steel air handlers and chillers
The operating costs of Climinox equipment are optimized in several ways:
- Energy: variable-speed fans that adjust consumption to your actual needs
- Fluids: heat exchanger efficiency that reduces coolant requirements
- Maintenance: material durability that decreases service costs
- Production: shorter cleaning times minimize downtime
- Parts: absence of components requiring frequent replacement
Initial investment exceeds standard equipment. However, the return on investment materializes quickly. These cumulative savings ensure sustainable profitability for your operation.
4. Are your products designed to minimize cross-contamination risks?
Yes, this is a fundamental principle of our hygienic design. Climinox equipment eliminates all retention zones. No contaminants can accumulate in our systems.
Interior surfaces are fully welded with continuous welds. We don’t use silicone joints susceptible to degradation. Triple-slope drain pans ensure complete automatic drainage. The absence of horizontal sections prevents stagnant water accumulation. Non-porous stainless steel construction prevents bacterial proliferation.
Ventilation systems maintain appropriate pressure cascades. This comprehensive approach guarantees protection of your products against any contamination
5. What sanitary and food safety standards do the stainless steel air handlers and chillers meet?
Our equipment is designed to meet the most rigorous requirements. They comply with HACCP principles essential for the food processing industry. The design facilitates implementation of controlled environments. We target elimination of additives and preservation of quality. Materials used are approved for food contact.
Both 304 L and 316 L stainless steel meet all applicable standards. Smooth surfaces without retention meet strict hygiene requirements. IP69 motors are certified for intensive wash downs. This compliance allows you to maintain complete traceability. You can pass all your audits with confidence.
6. How do I determine the air treatment capacity needed for my facility?
Determining the required capacity depends on several key factors:
- Space volume: area and height of your production zone
- Air change rate: desired air renewals per hour
- Thermal load: heat released by equipment, lighting, and operators
- Climate requirements: temperature and humidity levels required for your specific processes
- Product type: degree of ambient air exposure in your manufacturing
Our experts perform precise calculations based on your specific conditions. Contact our technical team for a complete personalized assessment of your project.
7. What are the recommended maintenance protocols?
Regular maintenance ensures optimum performance of your equipment. Here are protocols by frequency:
- Daily or weekly: foam gun cleaning or activation of integrated CIP system
- Monthly: verification of condensate drain pan condition and drainage
- Quarterly: inspection of heat exchange coils and cleaning if necessary
- Annually: control of modulating valves, measurement sensors and proper motor operation; verification of weld integrity and absence of corrosion
Bearing lubrication following manufacturer recommendations. Our teams can provide a complete preventive maintenance program. We maximize availability and prevent unexpected downtime.
8. Are your products compatible with other food processing air treatment equipment?
Yes, our Climinox solutions are designed for seamless integration. They operate with various heat transfer fluids available on the market.
- Chilled water and glycol are all compatible.
- Control systems connect to your existing systems.
- Our conditioners accept various air diffusion configurations.
- Direct discharge, textile and metal ducts are possible.
- They can couple with our CAN pressurization kits.
- HUM Kit humidification systems integrate easily.
- E-Streaming sensors connect without difficulty.
This modularity allows progressive adaptation of your complete installation. Our engineers ensure optimal integration with your infrastructure.
9. Is it easy to control humidity with your equipment?
Yes, our equipment offers precise, reliable humidity control. Climinox conditioners incorporate high-performance cooling coils. They enable dehumidification by condensation of the water contained in the air. For humidification, our systems can be fitted with specialized nozzles. They can also be coupled with our HUM Kit. Mini-foggers generate a highly effective ultra-fine mist. Air Control controllers automatically regulate relative humidity. The system adjusts temperature and air flow according to programmed settings. Temperature and humidity sensors continuously measure actual conditions. This intelligent control maintains stable conditions to within ±1%. This is essential for your sensitive processes.
10. What options are available for controlling humidity levels?
We offer several solutions adapted to your specific hygrometry needs
For humidification :
- HUM Kit with mini-foggers generating ultra-fine fog from 6.7 to 12 microns
- Humidification nozzles can be integrated directly into ModulAir conditioners
- Air washers for simultaneous humidification and purification
For dehumidification :
- Cooling coils that efficiently condense excess moisture
All these systems are controlled by intelligent controllers with hygrometric sensors. Regulation automatically adjusts parameters in real time according to your needs. Our experts will advise you on the optimal solution for your specific process.
Your questions about the circulair
1. Can I install a CirculAir on the ceiling in my warehouse or my production room?
The CirculAir offers remarkable installation flexibility for your space constraints. You can install it on the ceiling in suspended mounting. This is the most common configuration that frees floor space. Wall mounting is also possible to optimize air circulation.
Ceiling installation enables better air distribution. It also facilitates floor cleaning under the unit. The ultra-compact design minimizes vertical clearance considerably. This is ideal for warehouses with limited height.
Our technicians evaluate your installation to recommend optimal positioning. We guarantee homogeneous air circulation throughout your space.
2. Can I put more than one unit in a room?
Absolutely, in fact, it’s a configuration frequently recommended for large surfaces. Installing several CirculAir units allows complete coverage of your space.
This multi-unit approach offers several advantages:
- Homogeneous distribution: complete, uniform air coverage throughout the space
- Redundancy: operation continuity during maintenance of one unit
- Thermal zoning: flexibility to create different temperature zones
- Scalability: adaptability as your production grows
Each unit can be controlled independently or synchronized via a central controller. The compact design facilitates arrangement of multiple units without visual overload. Our engineers determine the optimal number of units according to your area and requirements.
3. Can I generate both cooling and heating with a CirculAir?
Yes, the CirculAir is a multi-purpose unit offering both cooling and heating.
- For cooling: operates with chilled water or a refrigeration system.
- For heating: integrated electric heating elements or hot water as heat transfer fluid.
This flexibility enables us to maintain stable conditions all year round. So you can easily adapt to seasonal variations. Depending on the model chosen, thermal output ranges from 1,200 to 11,000 watts. Variable-speed fans automatically adjust airflow as required. This dual capacity makes the CirculAir particularly economical for your industrial operation.
4. Can I add this equipment to my existing ventilation system?
Yes, the CirculAir can be easily integrated into existing installations thanks to its modularity. It can operate independently or complement your existing system. If you’re already using a centralized system, CirculAir can be used as a back-up. It handles zones requiring additional localized control. It connects to existing chilled water or glycol networks. Direct expansion refrigeration systems are also compatible. Air Control controllers enable seamless integration with your central controls.
Standardized electrical connection greatly facilitates hookups. This compatibility allows progressive improvement of your air treatment. You don’t need to completely replace your current infrastructure. Our technicians evaluate your system to ensure optimal integration.
6. Can I add deflectors on a CirculAir?
Yes, air deflectors are available as an option to optimize distribution. These accessories enable airflow to be directed in specific directions. This is particularly useful when the standard installation doesn’t fit perfectly. Air deflectors help avoid dead zones where air circulation is reduced. They improve homogeneous conditions throughout the production area. You can also protect certain sensitive zones from excessively intense direct flow.
They are manufactured in stainless steel to meet hygienic standards. Adding deflectors can occur during the initial installation. You can also add them later according to evolving needs. Our experts analyze your configuration to recommend optimal type and positioning.
Your questions about the modulair
1. Can I generate both cooling and heating with a ModulAir?
Yes, ModulAir is designed to provide complete conditioning, including cooling and heating.
- Cooling: coils with configurable number of rows operating with chilled water or glycol, depending on your infrastructure.
- Heating: hot-water coils with configurable number of rows or electric resistors with appropriate power supply.
This thermal versatility maintains precisely the desired temperature. You ensure comfort summer and winter without compromise. ModulAir nomenclature clearly indicates installed capacities: for example, 4 F-1C means 4 cold rows and 1 hot row. Capacity can be adapted by adding additional rows even after the initial installation.
2. What is the ideal location to install a ModulAir?
ModulAir offers three main installation options depending on your configuration:
- Ceiling-mounted (PL): maximizes floor space and provides even air distribution from above.
- Floor-mounted (CH): suitable for technical galleries, corridors or where access from above is difficult.
- Wall-mounted (MU): iideal for specific configurations requiring lateral discharge.
The optimum location depends on your architecture and available space constraints. Maintenance access points must also be carefully considered. The desired air distribution greatly influences the final choice of positioning. Our engineers will carry out a complete study of your site to determine the ideal positioning.
3. Can I modify or adapt my equipment once it has been installed?
Yes, this is a major advantage of the ModulAir thanks to its Lego-type modular design. You can add additional coil rows to increase capacity. You don’t need to replace the complete equipment.
Optional accessories :
- Front or rear access doors for easy inspection
- Articulated panels for improved maintenance
- Humidification nozzles for humidity control
- Cleaning ramps for automated maintenance
You can also switch from direct blowing to textile ducting. This scalability means you can gradually adapt your installation as your production grows. Standardized parts make it easy to make any necessary modifications over time. Consult our team to assess possible modifications to your current configuration.
4. What's the difference between single- and dual-flow systems?
The main distinction lies in the operation and configuration of the fans.
Single-flow (SF): uses a single directional air flow. Fans blow treated air in a single direction. Air return is either passive or via a separate system. SF3 and SF6 models feature 1 or 2 coil stacks respectively, up to 12 rows each.
Dual flow (DF): uses two directional airflow. Fans discharge treated air in two opposite directions. Permits better condition control. DF3, DF4.5 and DF6 models offer 2 to 4 stacks of 12 rows each. Dual flow significantly increases equipment capacity. The choice depends on your energy, budget and environmental control requirements.
The choice depends on your energy, budget, and environmental control requirements.
5. Can I install a ModulAir directly on the floor?
Yes, floor installation is a standard option with the chassis-mounted model. This configuration is particularly suitable for installations in technical galleries. It is also suitable for corridors or dedicated technical rooms. Access to the ceiling is sometimes limited by the existing structure. The sturdy welded frame with adjustable feet ensures perfect stability. You can level the equipment even on slightly uneven floors. This installation greatly facilitates access for regular maintenance. Cleaning and technical interventions are simpler to carry out. Ideal when ceiling height is insufficient. Connections to ducts and fluid networks are simplified. Our technicians can advise you on the best choice for your specific requirements.
6. What are the construction options for a ModulAir?
Basic configuration :
- Single flow (SF3, SF6) or double flow (DF3, DF4.5, DF6)
- From 1 to 4 stacks depending on your capacity requirements
- From 1 to 12 rows per stack
- Ceiling, wall or floor frame mounting
Materials :
- 304 L stainless steel as standard
- 316 L option for highly aggressive environments
Thermal systems:
- Coils for chilled water or glycol
- Customizable number of rows according to your thermal load
Available accessories :
- Access doors and hinged panels for easy maintenance
- Humidifying nozzles and cleaning ramps
- Direct blowing or diffusion through textile ducts
- Fans in different configurations to suit your flow requirements
This modularity makes it possible to create a solution perfectly adapted to your technical, budgetary and space requirements.
MAINTENANCE OF CLIMINOX PRODUCTS:
Maintaining your Climinox equipment is simple, fast and autonomous. Designed for Quebec’s food processing industry, our stainless steel systems facilitate daily foam cannon cleaning. Discover how to maintain the impeccable hygiene of your cheese plant in 10 to 15 minutes per day. IP69 motors, access without disassembly, self-draining pans: our solutions make you master of your HVAC maintenance.
1. How long does daily maintenance of my Climinox equipment take?
Daily maintenance of your Climinox equipment is quick and efficient. Routine cleaning generally takes between 10 and 15 minutes. You perform a quick foam cannon rinse after your production day. Visual inspection of condensate drain pans takes only 2 to 3 minutes.
Our equipment is designed to minimize maintenance time without compromising hygiene. All surfaces are accessible without complex disassembly or specialized tools. This simplicity allows you to maintain your cheese quality standards and production. You save valuable time to focus on your production.
2. Can I perform basic maintenance myself?
Absolutely, our Climinox equipment is designed for simplified autonomous maintenance. You can perform all basic daily maintenance operations yourself. Foam cannon cleaning requires no special technical skills. Fans mounted on hinged doors give you complete interior access.
You visually inspect cleanliness condition without disassembling components. Drainage pans are easily accessible for regular verification and cleaning. We provide a simple maintenance guide with clear illustrations. For more technical annual interventions, our technicians remain available. This autonomy ensures complete mastery of your equipment daily.
3. What cleaning products can I use on my stainless steel equipment?
Our stainless steel equipment accepts a wide range of cleaning products. You can use mild alkaline detergents diluted in water. Foaming products specific to the food processing industry is perfectly compatible. Diluted citric acid suits occasional limestone deposit removal. Low concentration chlorine solutions are acceptable for final disinfection. Avoid products containing hydrochloric acid or abrasives that could damage stainless steel.
Diluted bleach at 200 ppm is ideal for daily disinfection. Always rinse thoroughly after any chemical product application. Products you already use for your cheese plant generally suit perfectly. Our team can recommend adapted cleaning product suppliers.
4. How often should I clean my equipment?
Cleaning frequency depends on your daily cheese production intensity.
- Daily cleaning: foam cannon rinse after each production day. Visual verification of condensate drain pans and their drainage.
- Weekly cleaning: thorough cleaning of accessible heat exchange coils. Inspection of hinged doors and ventilation zones.
- Monthly cleaning: complete verification of all interior surfaces with full access. Control of proper water flow in drainage systems.
This routine guarantees impeccable hygiene for your artisanal cheese production. Regular maintenance prevents residue accumulation and maintains optimal efficiency. Our equipment greatly facilitates compliance with these simple protocols.
5. What should I do if I notice stagnant water in the drain pans?
Stagnant water generally indicates a simple problem to resolve quickly.
First verify that the drain pan drain isn’t obstructed. Remove any visible residue or accumulation in the drainage opening. Our drain pan slope design normally favors complete flow. If water persists, verify that equipment is perfectly level.
A few degrees of slope can affect automatic drainage. Inspect the external drainage pipe to detect any fold or obstruction. The triple slope of our drain pans normally eliminates all water retention.
If the problem persists despite these verifications, contact our technical team. We intervene quickly to restore optimal drainage of your system.
6. How do I know if my heat exchange coils need cleaning?
Several signs indicate that coil cleaning becomes necessary for your equipment.
- A cooling performance drop is the first indicator to monitor.
- You notice that the temperature in your ripening room is not being maintained as well as it used to be.
- Excessive frosting on cold batteries suggests dust accumulation.
- Your energy costs are rising while your production remains stable.
- A visual inspection reveals deposits or dust.
- The airflow seems reduced or less uniform than before in your space.
Our coils are designed for easy cleaning with moderate pressure water jet. Quarterly preventive maintenance generally maintains constant optimal efficiency. This simple maintenance considerably extends the life of your equipment.
7. Can I clean the interior of my equipment without complete disassembly?
Yes, this is precisely the major advantage of Climinox design for your autonomy. Fans are mounted on hinged doors that open easily. You access the complete interior without disassembling any mechanical parts. Drainage pans are mounted on hinged brackets for complete access. You inspect and clean all interior surfaces in a few simple steps.
No specialized tools are necessary for these regular maintenance operations. This complete accessibility facilitates HACCP protocol compliance for your cheese plant. You perform thorough cleaning without risk of losing screws or nuts. This unique design significantly reduces maintenance time and contamination risks. Your equipment remains hygienic and high-performing with minimum daily effort.
8. What signs indicate I should call a technician?
Certain signs require intervention from our specialized technicians to guarantee optimal performance.
Contact us if you notice:
- Unusual noises coming from fans or motors
- A coolant leak under the equipment
- A malfunction of the temperature or humidity sensors
- Inability to maintain desired temperature despite thorough cleaning
- Abnormal vibrations during equipment operation
- Persistent coil frosting even after cleaning
Our technical team intervenes quickly to diagnose and resolve any mechanical problem. We maintain spare parts inventory to minimize downtime. An annual preventive maintenance contract ensures longevity of your equipment. This professional inspection detects potential problems before they affect your cheese production.
9. Does the IP69 motor require special maintenance?
The IP69 motor of your Climinox equipment is designed for minimal maintenance. This IP69 certification means the motor perfectly resists high-pressure washing. You can clean the motor directly with your foam cannon without special precautions. No special protection is necessary during daily cleaning operations.
The motor is entirely stainless steel to resist humid environments. Quarterly visual verification suffices to confirm its general good condition. Bearing lubrication occurs annually, according to manufacturer recommendations. This simple intervention can be performed by our technicians during the annual visit. The IP69 motor represents exceptional durability guarantees for your cheese plant. This durability eliminates concerns related to ambient humidity in your aging rooms.
USEFUL TERMINOLOGY FOR OUR SOLUTIONS AND PRODUCTS
Air change rates, Delta T, hygrometry, glycol water: master the essential vocabulary of industrial air treatment. This technical glossary simplifies key concepts to optimize your food processing HVAC systems. From cooling capacity to humidity parameters, understand the terms that enable you to specify, operate and maintain your installations with confidence and precision.
1. Air change rate (volume/hour)
Air change rate represents the amount of air volumes passing through equipment. It expresses how many times the room volume circulates per hour. For example, a 1,000 m³ room with 5,000 m³/h airflow has a rate of 5 volumes/hour. This parameter is crucial for maintaining conditions in your production space.
Requirements vary depending on the application:
- Sensitive production rooms: 20 to 40 changes/hour
- Warehouses: 2 to 6 changes/hour
Insufficient rate creates dead zones and heat accumulation. Excessive rate generates uncomfortable drafts and energy waste. Our engineers calculate optimal rate according to your process, thermal load and applicable standards.Un taux insuffisant crée des zones mortes et des accumulations de chaleur. Un taux excessif génère des courants d’air inconfortables et du gaspillage énergétique. Nos ingénieurs calculent le taux optimal selon votre procédé, votre charge thermique et vos normes applicables.
2. Delta T (ambient/fluid)
Delta T designates the temperature difference between two measurement points. For our air handlers, we distinguish two important Delta T values for performance calculations. Ambient Delta T represents the difference between ambient air and heat transfer fluid.
For example, if ambient air is 20 °C and chilled water is -2 °C, the Delta T is 22 °C. The higher this Delta T, the more efficient and high-performing the heat exchange.
- For chilled water, a typical Delta T of 50 °F optimizes overall performance. Pour l’eau glacée, un Delta T typique de 50 °F optimise les performances globales.
- In direct expansion, we measure Delta T between entering air and evaporation temperature.
These parameters directly influence cooling capacity and coil sizing. Our technical specifications always specify Delta T conditions to guarantee announced performance.
3. Hygrometry (% humidity)
Hygrometry designates relative humidity rates present in ambient air. It’s the ratio between current water vapor quantity contained in air and maximum possible quantity. Seventy percent relative humidity means air contains 70% of its maximum capacity. This parameter is critical in the food processing industry for product quality.
- Excessive humidity: promotes mold growth and condensation on surfaces.
- Insufficient humidity: causes products to dry out and generates static electricity.
Optimal conditions vary by production type and process. Our Climinox air handlers maintain stable hygrometry to ±1% to preserve quality. Precise regulation ensures operator comfort and product protection.
4. Glycol water
Glycol water is a mixture of water and glycol used as heat transfer fluid. Glycol can be ethylene or propylene types according to industrial applications. This mixture lowers the freezing point, enabling work at negative temperatures. For example, a 30% glycol mixture reaches -15 °C without freezing in piping.
This fluid is essential for low-temperature applications like cold rooms. It’s also indispensable for cooling cells or processes below 0 °C. Glycol also offers protection against metallic pipe corrosion.
Typical concentrations vary from 20% to 40% according to specific needs.
All our CirculAir and ModulAir equipment can operate with glycol water. Choice depends on your operating temperature range and freezing risks.
5. Cooling capacity
Cooling capacity represents equipment ability to extract heat from a space. It’s expressed in watts, kilowatts or BTU per hour according to standards. It quantifies thermal energy the system can remove per time unit. This capacity maintains desired temperature in your production space.
Factors influencing capacity:
- Ambient air and heat transfer fluid temperature
- Relative humidity (correction factor from 0.65 to 1.17)
- Air flow and coil configuration
Le dimensionnement correct nécessite un bilan thermique précis incluant tous les gains de chaleur. Une puissance insuffisante ne maintiendra pas les conditions souhaitées. Une puissance excessive entraîne des cycles courts et une surconsommation énergétique. Nos ingénieurs calculent la puissance optimale pour vos conditions spécifiques de production.
6. Heating power
Correct sizing requires precise heat load calculation including all heat gains. Insufficient capacity won’t maintain the desired conditions. Excessive capacity causes short cycling and energy overconsumption. Our engineers calculate optimal capacity for your specific production conditions.
Heating sources:
- Electrical resistors with specified supply voltage
- Hot water coils with configurable number of rows
Sizing depends on volume to heat and building insulation. Minimum external temperature is also an important factor in calculations. Fresh air renewal and thermal losses influence final needs. Our ModulAir and CirculAir offer flexible configurations adapted to your specific heating needs.
7. Power in watts or BTUs (British Thermal Units)
These two units measure thermal capacity but come from different systems.
The watt is the international system unit, where 1 watt equals 1 joule per second. The BTU is an imperial unit defining the energy necessary to raise one pound of water temperature. Conversion is simple: 1 kilowatt equals exactly 3,412 BTU per hour. For example, 10,000-watt equipment equals 34,120 BTU/h thermal capacity.
In Canada, we primarily use watts and kilowatts conforming to the metric system. But BTUs remain common in certain North American equipment specifications. Our technical sheets often display both units to facilitate product comparisons
Ensure comparing capacities under the same reference conditions for fair evaluation
8. Ambient temperature
Ambient temperature designates air temperature in production space. It’s generally measured at room center at standard operation height. Measurement height is between 1.5 and 2 meters from the floor. This is the main parameter our air handlers regulate to ensure optimal conditions.
Typical ranges by application:
- Cold rooms: -25°C to +4°C
- Food processing production rooms: +10 °C to +18 °C
- Work spaces: +18 °C to +22 °C
- Cheese aging rooms: +8 °C to +15 °C
Thermal stability is as important as absolute temperature value. Some processes require ±0.5 °C precision while others tolerate ±2 °C. Our systems maintain the desired temperature by automatically adjusting operating parameters.
Need more information? Contact our experts.
At Soteck Clauger, we combine technical expertise with personalized service. We ensure that your Climinox equipment performs optimally for years to come. Our commitment to innovation and quality makes us your trusted partner.