Are you transporting temperature-sensitive goods? If you are, a reefer container is an essential tool to ensure your products arrive at their destination in optimal condition. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key features, benefits, and considerations of reefer containers. Discover why these specialized units are indispensable for maintaining product quality and minimizing spoilage during long-distance transportation.
What Is A Reefer Container?
A refrigerated container, or “reefer” is a specialized containtment unit designed to transport temperature-sensitive goods at precise temperatures. It functions as a large refrigerator, capable of maintaining temperatures between -30°C and +30°C.
Reefers are equipped with a refrigeration unit at one end. When connected to a power source, this unit circulates chilled air throughout the container. This constant airflow ensures that the desired temperature is consistently maintained within the unit.
How Does Reefer Container Work?
Refrigerated containers, or reefers, are designed to maintain a controlled environment throughout transit, ensuring the preservation of temperature-sensitive cargo. Key factors to consider when shipping reefer cargo include –
- Temperature
Reefers can typically maintain temperatures between -25°C and +25°C, suitable for both chilled and frozen goods. Some units can even reach -35°C or lower, while specialized “super freezers” can maintain temperatures as low as -70°C.
- Ventilation
Air circulation is essential for removing heat and gases from a cooled cargo. Transport boxes should have ventilation features, and fresh air ventilation is often required for fruits and vegetables. For frozen goods, air should flow around the cargo, with minimal gaps between the cargo and the container walls.
- Humidity
While a lower humidity level may benefit certain products, reefer units typically maintain a relative humidity (RH) between 60% and 85%. Dehumidification functions can be used to reduce moisture levels. And newer units may achieve even lower levels.
- Drainage
Drainage systems are designed to prevent water gathering and insect intrusion within the container.
- Power Supply
Reefer machinery requires an electrical power source, which can be provided by a depot, terminal, vessel, or generator set connected to the units.
- Monitoring and Recording
A microprocessor within the container records temperature data. Including supply and return air temperatures, cargo probe readings, defrost activity, setpoint changes, and power on/off times.
Cargo probes can be used to monitor specific product temperatures, while additional monitoring devices can provide more real-time insights into temperature data.
- Pre-Cooling
It’s important to note that refrigeration units are designed to maintain a specific temperature and not to bring the cargo to any desired temperature.
Therefore the cargo should be pre-cooled to the set point temperature before loading, especially for fresh products. As, this helps to ensure optimal quality and shelf life.
Some Common items Shipped with Reefers
What Is A Reefer Container Used For?
Reefer containers are giant refrigerators that keep food and other things cold. They’re used to ship stuff worldwide, from fruits and vegetables to medicine and flowers. They’re also helpful at parties and festivals for storing food and drinks.
These containers have a built-in machine that keeps things cool, both while moving and sitting still. Making sure all your deliveries remain constantly fresh and usable.
Conclusion
Reefer containers are like giant refrigerators that keep food and other things cold during long distance deliveries. And they are super important for shipping stuff all over the world, especially things that go bad easily (perishable goods).
As we embrace technology and it evolves, reefer containers will probably get even better too. Making it easier to move things around safely while travelling long distances. So, whether you are shipping food or planning a big event requiring you to deliver perishable goods. Understanding reefer containers is important for keeping those items cool and safe.
So, did our blog help you get a clear picture about reefer containers? If not, contact our team at RailGateway and we will give you all the chilly details you want!
FAQ’s
Is A Reefer A Freezer?
The main difference between reefers and freezers lies in the temperature they can maintain. Reefers which are also called “reefer containers,” are designed to preserve perishable goods at a cool temperature. These temperatures typically range from -30°C and +30°C (-22°F to +86°F).
What Is A Reefer Vs Standard Container?
Refrigerated containers or reefers, are specialized shipping containers designed to transport goods that need to be kept at a specific temperature. Unlike dry containers, reefers have built-in refrigeration units that help maintain temperatures between -30°C and +30°C (-22°F to +86°F).
