Pharmaceutical coldrooms are walk-in, insulated enclosures

In the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, precise temperature control is vital for maintaining the safety, effectiveness, and longevity of medicines, vaccines, raw materials, and clinical products. From compact medical fridges to expansive coldrooms the size of football pitches, and ultra-low temperature freezers, every refrigeration solution plays a crucial role in protecting the integrity of the cold chain.

Pharmaceutical coldrooms are walk-in, insulated enclosures built using PIR or mineral wool panels. These rooms are temperature-controlled via direct expansion refrigeration systems, where internal evaporator coolers circulate cold air and extract heat from the space, while external condensing units discharge the heat into the surrounding environment. Given the value and sensitivity of the stock stored in these rooms, it’s common practice to install backup refrigeration systems for contingency in the event of equipment failure.

Pharmaceutical coldrooms generally fall into two categories: chillstores and freezers.
Pharmaceutical Chillstores are typically maintained between 2°C and 8°C to comply with MHRA guidelines. The ideal setpoint is 5°C, with alarm thresholds configured at 3°C and 7°C, allowing early intervention if temperatures drift out of the acceptable range.

Pharmaceutical Freezers are used for storing materials at temperatures below -20°C. Most are set to -25°C, with alarms usually triggered at -21°C and -29°C. These units are critical for storing products that require freezing to retain efficacy.

While new pharmaceutical coldrooms can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to install, the risk of getting this wrong can cost millions. Designing a pharmaceutical coldroom is vastly different to designing a coldroom to store food items or general produce. Without correct mapping and validation, licences may be denied, stock can be lost, and production can be delayed, resulting in significant financial and reputational damage.

Industrial Cooling Equipment Ltd brings expertise in this field. Our team understands the technical, regulatory, and operational demands of pharmaceutical refrigeration. We offer full lifecycle support, from installation to maintenance. Partnering with experienced contractors who can respond rapidly to breakdowns and provide critical documentation is essential for pharmaceutical operations.