"CEA environments rely heavily on sensor systems, lighting controls, and motorized equipment to maintain optimal conditions for plant growth. Therefore, managing cables and equipment with flexibility and precision is essential. Roxtec's cable sealing solutions offer a unique way to streamline installation, increase resilience, and simplify maintenance in environments like greenhouses and vertical farms. For food and plant production sites, Roxtec provides the ability to withstand cleaning chemicals and rigorous wash-down procedures. Doug Russel, Regional Sales Manager notes, "Our solutions are built for high-humidity settings, with materials that resist corrosion and support long-term durability without compromising the environment's integrity."
Built-in spare capacity for future growth
Doug explains that Roxtec can accommodate future expansion, allowing companies to be flexible. "Rather than having to rework cable setups to add new equipment or sensors, farms can use our modular openings to add extra capacity. We design our cable seals with flexibility in mind, giving operators spare capacity that can be used as their needs evolve." This adaptability allows, especially CEA operators, to keep up with technological advancements or scale up operations without making big changes in their infrastructure.
Enhancing efficiency and safety
Equipment needs protection from moisture, dust, and cleaning chemicals in a high-humidity environment. Roxtec's corrosion-resistant seals, especially those in stainless steel, ensure that cables remain protected without compromising access for maintenance. As Doug points out, "This can reduce equipment downtime and extend the life of sensitive sensors and control panels. Our openable seals make it straightforward to add or replace cables without disturbing the entire setup, which is especially useful during maintenance or upgrades."
"CEA operators often rely on automated systems with pre-wired controls that require precise alignment to function correctly", says Rich Story, Roxec's National Sales Manager of Infrastructure. "Yet, sealing solutions enable farms to protect pre-terminated cables, minimizing the need for on-site rewiring that could introduce errors or disrupt continuity."
"Our design allows operators to route pre-terminated cables without cutting or altering them, which saves time and risk," stresses Rich.
Roxtec's mechanical sealing system, designed to handle multiple cables in a single opening, reduces installation complexity and keeps equipment easily accessible. "This is particularly beneficial for farms with complex setups, as it minimizes disruption during installation and allows faster setup of sensors and control systems."
"Our seals support effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) management, reducing the risk of signal disruption. This is a particular concern when using equipment like motor controllers or lighting systems. Having a secure seal for each cable not only protects equipment but also ensures consistent performance and safety," Rich concludes.
Mitigating loss in renewables
"We know that energy takes up a big sum of the operating expenses," Rich highlights, "yet, fortunately, the sector increasingly integrates renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Supporting these transitions by enabling secure connections and mitigating energy loss is something we could help operators with, ensuring the process is safeguarded from beginning to end."
Co-locating CEA facilities with other production sites, such as data centers or power stations, presents an opportunity to share surplus energy, especially when equipment like hydrogen-fueled combined heat and power (H2CHP) systems is involved. Doug explains, "Our designs allow operators to safely incorporate sustainable energy sources while maintaining reliable performance, which can be crucial as vertical farming and greenhouse operations grow."
Low-barrier tools to find the right fit
So how would operators know what they need? Roxtec offers an online design tool that helps operators customize cable layouts, generating technical drawings, 3D models, and materials lists, providing a clear overview of setups and even future capacity. The tool lets operators account for up to 20% additional capacity, making it easier to plan for expansion and avoid unexpected upgrades. Rich highlights, "Through this, operators can prepare tailored cable setups and track each component, making maintenance and future changes far more manageable."
For more information:
Roxtec
Sharon Weidner, Marketing Manager
[email protected]
www.roxtec.com