How to Install a Cold Storage Room with Cam-Lock Panel Construction

Cold storage facilities constructed with interlocking panels rely on internally embedded eccentric locking hooks (cam locks) to join the panels together; this method eliminates the need for extensive external riveting and offers flexible assembly and disassembly, making it widely popular for small-to-medium-sized cold storage projects, as well as renovation and expansion initiatives overseas. However, many overseas projects simply replicate domestic installation practices, leading to issues such as improper locking engagement, cold air leakage at panel joints, lock corrosion, and thermal expansion-induced cracking. These problems are significantly exacerbated by challenging environmental conditions-such as high humidity in Southeast Asia, salt spray in Latin American coastal regions, and extreme temperature fluctuations in Africa. Long-term thermal insulation and sealing performance can only be guaranteed by adapting installation techniques to suit local operating conditions. 

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1. Base floor inspection: Floor flatness deviation must be controlled within 5mm; unevenness can cause misalignment of the cam-lock panels, preventing the locking hooks from fully engaging and leading to persistent cold air leakage at the joints. For island locations with high rainfall, a moisture-proof vapor barrier is recommended to prevent ground moisture from rising and corroding the bottom of the panels.

2. Panel and accessory verification: Distinguish between metal and plastic cam-locks; metal hooks are typically used for 100–150mm thick panels, while plastic hooks are selected for 175–200mm thick panels. Ensure the use of the corresponding Φ8 or Φ10 hex key; using the wrong size can easily crack the locking mechanism assembly.

3. Panel selection based on region

• Southeast Asia (high temperature and humidity): Prioritize 304 stainless steel panels, as standard color-coated steel panels are prone to condensation and rusting;
• Latin American coastal/island areas (salt spray environment): Upgrade to 316 stainless steel panels to resist corrosion from airborne salt;
• Inland Africa (high temperature and arid): Use thickened Al-Zn (aluminum-zinc) coated panels; this offers cost-effectiveness while withstanding extreme diurnal temperature fluctuations.

1. Floor Panel Installation: Begin laying floor panels from one corner of the cold storage unit. Align the tongue-and-groove joints and ensure the panels lie flat. Firmly shim any gaps at the bottom; panels must not be left unsupported or suspended.

2. Wall Panel Assembly: Position the corner panels first, then assemble the wall panels sequentially. Ensure the tongue-and-groove joints of adjacent panels fit perfectly. Lock them by rotating the eccentric cam-lock clockwise; stop turning as soon as increased resistance is felt-do not force or overtighten them. The cam-lock is designed to pull the panels together; excessive force can crush the foam insulation around the lock housing, causing localized panel deformation.

3. Ceiling Panel Installation: For high-ceiling cold storage units, steel structural supports must be prepared in advance for the ceiling panels; the structure must not rely solely on the wall panels for load-bearing. Ceiling panels are also secured using eccentric cam-locks. Leave a small expansion gap at the junction between the wall and ceiling panels to accommodate thermal expansion.

4. Panel Joint Sealing: Once all cam-locks are secured, apply low-temperature-resistant sealant to both the interior and exterior of all panel joints. Proper sealing is critical for cam-lock panel cold storage; without sealant, moisture from high-temperature, high-humidity environments can penetrate the core material through tiny gaps, causing the foam insulation to absorb water and fail, thereby ruining the thermal insulation performance.

5. Door and Corner Finishing: Align corner panels and door frame panels before locking the cam-locks; apply additional sealant at the joints to reinforce the seal.

6. Final Inspection: After assembly, inspect every cam-lock to ensure it is fully engaged and locked. Check for panel warping or gaps. Proceed to the refrigeration unit commissioning phase only after confirming there are no issues.

Southeast Asia (High-Temperature, High-Humidity Regions)

Significant diurnal temperature differences lead to severe condensation both inside and outside the cold storage unit.

1. The locking hook housing is a vulnerable point; panel joint sealant must be applied in a continuous, unbroken bead rather than in intermittent spots.
2. Avoid cutting panels on-site whenever possible; cutting damages the protective metal coating, making the exposed area highly susceptible to rust in humid environments.
3. Schedule installation to avoid the rainy season to prevent moisture from entering the panel interior during assembly.

Latin America (Coastal/Island Regions with Salt Spray)

Airborne salt particles accelerate the corrosion of metal components.

1. Use 316 stainless steel for all locking hooks and housings; standard carbon steel or galvanized hooks will rust and seize within 1–2 years, making future disassembly impossible.
2. Use salt-spray-resistant EPDM sealant for all panel joints; standard sealants age and crack rapidly in island environments.
3. Prevent direct contact between dissimilar metals-such as steel structural supports and panel locking hooks-to avoid galvanic corrosion.

Inland Africa (High-Temperature Regions with Large Temperature Fluctuations)

Extreme diurnal temperature differences cause panels to undergo repeated thermal expansion and contraction.

1. Apply moderate tightening force to eccentric locking hooks; do not overtighten or crush the connection, leaving slight clearance to accommodate deformation.
2. Use low-temperature-resistant sealant capable of elastic deformation for panel joints; rigid sealants will crack or delaminate as panels expand and contract.
3. After on-site panel cutting, apply an anti-corrosion coating to the cut edges to prevent the formation of rust.

 

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