Refrigerated/reefer containers are containers used for the transportation of commodities with a high risk of deterioration and in which heat balance is provided with the help of a generator. The main thing here is to be able to balance and maintain the internal temperature of the container. Therefore, the inside temperature of the container is designed according to certain standards and measurements and positioned accordingly.

Containers are crates produced for transportation, product storage and housing purposes. Containers are produced in various classifications depending on the material used in their production, their dimensions and their intended use. There are international standards in this production and when you go to any port in the world, you can find identical or similar containers. Although it is built on the main unit of measurement in containers, the purpose of use is just as important. The quality of the transported product is one of the essential elements for the production of the container. In this context, we come across refrigerated/reefer containers.

Refrigerated containers are often used to transport goods that require cold conditions, especially fruit, meat, fish, vegetables and dairy products. In addition, reefer containers are also used to keep food and beverages cold at events and festivals.

A refrigerated container is a special type of container designed for the commodity that needs to be transported in a cold environment. Refrigerated containers are also called frigo containers and abbreviated as RF containers.

By definition, refrigerated/reefer containers are shipping containers equipped with a generator to cool the goods they carry. Here, cooling is carried out during transport as well as during storage.

How Reefer Container Works?

One of the most important points here is to know that cooling is done with air. Air cooling means that the generator placed on one side of the container blows air into the container and this blowing is usually done from the bottom or the side.

The floors of refrigerated/reefer containers are usually T-shaped. T-style floor decking allows air to flow from the floor into the container by the generator, cooling the load from the bottom up

Before the loading process, the temperature of the generator is adjusted and this container, which is specially produced for its use, adjusts the temperature in the rest of it. Even if the outside temperature suddenly rises or falls, the internal temperature can be maintained. One of the most important points here is to set the temperature before loading the goods into the container. Refrigerated/reefer containers maintain their internal temperature even if the outside temperature suddenly rises or falls.

Although air cooling is generally carried out, in some cases, water is also among the products used for cooling. A water cooling system is used to ventilate the outside of the container and the storage area of ​​the heat generated when the refrigerated/reefer container is stored under deck or in a tight-stacked method. Water cooling is not a preferred method because of its high cost.

WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN REFRIGERANT/REEFER CONTAINER TRANSPORTATION?

Heat

All standard reefer/reefer containers are manufactured to provide a temperature between +25°C and -25°C for refrigerated and frozen cargoes. Apart from these dimensions, it also has a cold storage feature up to -35°C and more. Specially manufactured reefer/reefer containers can maintain temperature down to -70°C.

Ventilation

In this type of containers where the cooling process takes place, air flow should be provided to remove the heat and gas accumulated inside. That’s why this type of container is always produced in a way that allows air flow. Especially in the transportation of products such as fruits and vegetables, fresh ventilation is required. Commodities should be stacked in blocks and no large gaps should be left between the cargo and the walls.

Moisture

Some products transported by refrigerated/reefer containers take advantage of the low humidity level in the air. Therefore, a certain humidity level must be maintained to ensure the freshness and safety of the products.

Drainage

A drainage system is used to drain the water that may accumulate in the container. This design prevents water or insects from entering the container as well as draining the water. During shipment, reefer/reefer containers are typically moved using ship or shore power.