What Is Inside a Refrigerated Container? Exploring Its Features and Functions.

 

The purpose of a refrigerated container, sometimes referred to as a reefer, is to regulate the temperature inside a shipping container that was initially intended to carry climate-controlled goods worldwide. Today, these containers are also re-purposed for home and office use.

Reefer containers are equipped with microprocessors that digitally record cargo temperature using cargo probes. They also control power and provide data on things like fan activity, defrost status, and changes to the setpoint.

 

What Is Inside a Refrigerated Container?

There are many different types and sizes of refrigerated containers available on the market today. Their efficiency requirements fluctuate, and they are frequently made especially for various kinds of cargo and shipping applications. 

Long-distance transportation of food and other perishable goods is the main application for reefer containers. Refrigerated containers play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and freshness of goods by protecting them from spoilage caused by factors such as excessive heat, cold, lack of airflow, or high humidity.

 

Refrigeration System Operation

Refrigerated containers, also known as “reefers,” are vital for transporting perishable goods that require specific temperature control. The refrigeration system within these containers consists of several components working together to maintain optimal conditions for cargo preservation.

• Components of the Refrigeration System

A refrigerator within the container utilizes a thermocouple, evaporator, and condenser. The thermocouple monitors air temperature, while the evaporator adjusts its output to maintain the desired cargo temperature. Heat transfer from the cargo to the refrigerant is facilitated by the evaporator, with condensers removing excess heat to lower cargo temperature effectively.

 

• Power Source and Maintenance

The refrigeration unit is powered by an external source and requires regular inspection and maintenance to prevent leaks or malfunctions. Any indications of a leak or malfunction should be fixed by experts as soon as possible. Regular maintenance should encompass checks on compressors, condensers, pumps, and fans to ensure smooth operation.

• Loading and Temperature Control

When loading a refrigerated container, it’s crucial to avoid cargo overhang and ensure alignment of box openings with vent holes for optimal airflow. This prevents the formation of hot and cold spots within the container, maintaining consistent temperatures conducive to cargo preservation.

 

Electrical System

Refrigerated containers, or reefer boxes, provide a specialized solution for transporting temperature-sensitive goods across various modes of transportation. These containers rely on an electric cooling system to maintain cargo temperatures during transit.

• Cooling Mechanism

The electric cooling system comprises a compressor and evaporator coils. The compressor pumps refrigerant through the evaporator coils, facilitating cooling within the container. Temperature regulation is achieved through computer-controlled compressor operation.

• Versatile Usage and Monitoring

Reefer containers find extensive use in transporting perishable goods like meat, fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceutical products that require temperature control for preservation. They are often stowed above deck on ships, allowing for continuous monitoring of operations during transport.

 

Ventilation System

Ventilation systems within refrigerated containers ensure consistent airflow to maintain cargo freshness and temperature stability.

• Air Circulation Process

The ventilation system facilitates airflow from bottom to top within the container, ensuring uniform cooling of the cargo. The constant flow of cold air during transportation improves in maintaining the quality of perishable goods.

• Customized Ventilation Solutions

Many reefer containers feature custom-fitted ventilation systems tailored to specific cargo requirements. These systems include vents equipped with louvers, exhaust fans, or turbine vents to optimize airflow and prevent moisture buildup.

 

Control System

Refrigerated containers, or reefers, incorporate advanced control systems for regulating climate conditions during transportation.

• Remote Operation and Monitoring

Control systems include remote operator panels for monitoring and controlling refrigeration unit operations. Short-range radio transmission allows for on-shore control station monitoring, ensuring consistent climate regulation within the container.

• Multifunctional Usage

In addition to shipping perishable goods, refrigerated containers serve as onsite coolers or freezers for various industries, including restaurants, farming operations, and packing houses. Proper packaging and airflow optimization are essential to maintaining even temperatures without hot or cold spots within the container.

 

Conclusion 

Refrigerated containers, or Reefer containers, revolutionize global logistics, enabling the safe transport of perishable goods. 

Developed by Refrigerated container manufacturers like Sub Zero, these containers feature advanced refrigeration and ventilation systems, ensuring optimal conditions for food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive items during transportation.

The versatility of refrigerated transport solutions, including refrigerated trucks and reefer containers, caters to diverse segments of the transportation industry. These technologies are essential for maintaining the integrity of perishable items whether traveling across land or sea.

Advancements in refrigeration, such as redundant systems and precise temperature controls, underscore the industry’s commitment to quality and reliability. Systems for regulating ventilation are essential for avoiding spoiling and preserving a constant temperature inside the container.

As global trade expands and demand for fresh goods rises, the importance of refrigerated containers continues to grow. Manufacturers, including cold storage manufacturers in India, drive innovation to meet evolving global supply chain needs. Reefer containers, with their design, functionality, and technological advancements, are indispensable tools in reducing food waste, ensuring food security, and supporting disaster relief efforts.

In this context, Sub Zero capabilities further enhance the value of refrigerated containers. The integration of Sub Zero technology addresses specialized requirements, expanding the applications of refrigerated containers. Whether it’s for transporting highly sensitive medical supplies or preserving delicate gourmet foods, Sub Zero refrigeration ensures precise temperature control and extends the shelf life of perishable goods. Reefer containers, refrigerated trucks, insulated vans, and other specialized transport solutions equipped with Sub Zero capabilities provide reliable and efficient cold chain logistics.