In the cold chain supply, refrigerated container temperature Temperature control is a crucial factor determining the quality of goods from the point of origin to the consumer. Controlling temperature is not simply about setting numbers on a control panel, but a rigorous technical process requiring an understanding of the equipment and the biochemical characteristics of the product.
At Tan Long, with over 20 years of experience in designing and installing refrigeration systems, we understand that even a small temperature deviation can lead to losses of billions of VND. This article will provide the most comprehensive overview of standards and expert-level methods for monitoring the temperature of refrigerated containers.
What is the temperature of a refrigerated container?
Reefer container temperature refers to the stable temperature maintained inside the container's cargo compartment by an integrated refrigeration system. The core objective is to inhibit bacterial growth, slow down the respiration of agricultural products, or maintain the physical state of frozen goods.
Unlike conventional warehouses, refrigerated containers operate on the principle of convection airflow. Cold air is blown from the floor (usually a T-shaped floor) through the goods and back to the top. Therefore, maintaining a stable temperature depends heavily on the efficiency of the container. industrial refrigeration and how the goods are arranged.
What temperature should a refrigerated container maintain to meet technical standards?
The setup refrigerated container temperature There isn't a single fixed number; it depends entirely on the physicochemical properties of each type of goods. Typically, the temperature range of modern container refrigeration systems varies flexibly. -30°C to +30°C (Some specialized containers can reach temperatures as low as -60°C).
To ensure effective preservation, goods need to be maintained within the following standard temperature ranges:
Deep Freeze temperature range
This temperature usually remains within this range. -20°C to -30°CSpecifically for sensitive goods, medical specimens, specialized pharmaceuticals, or freeze-dried products. For export shipping companies, controlling ultra-low temperatures requires a system. refrigeration compressor It must operate extremely stably to avoid quality degradation during long journeys.
Freezer temperature range
For items such as seafood, livestock, and poultry, the ideal temperature is usually at a certain level. -18°C to -20°CThis is the international standard temperature threshold that helps prevent bacterial growth and preserve nutritional value. If your business needs an on-site storage solution equivalent to refrigerated containers, installing a cold storage system for food preservation will be the optimal and more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Note: You can learn more about frozen meat preservation techniques to understand the standard freezing process.
Cool temperature range (Chilled)
Temperature range from 2°C to 8°C (or up to 15°C depending on the type of fruit) is applied to fresh food, vegetables, milk, and dairy products. At this temperature, food is kept fresh by inhibiting plant respiration without breaking down cell structures due to freezing. To maintain a uniformly cool temperature in large spaces, the efficiency of industrial refrigeration systems plays a crucial role in coordinating convective airflow.
Special temperature control for the laboratory
In refrigerated containers used for scientific research or transporting high-grade vaccines, the temperature can be precisely adjusted to within a range of one degree or more. -30°C to +30°CThese systems are often integrated. PLC control cabinet Intelligent monitoring and real-time temperature deviation alert system, ensuring absolute safety for high-value research samples.
Key factors affecting container temperature stability
To maintain refrigerated container temperature To ensure consistent quality throughout the journey, the mechanical systems and physical structure of the container must meet stringent technical standards. Here are three key factors:
Compressor and evaporator unit performance
Often referred to as the "heart" of the system, the cluster refrigeration compressor The compressor plays a crucial role in regulating the refrigerant flow to maintain the set temperature (setpoint). If the compressor is inefficient, aging, or the system is low on refrigerant, the cooling capacity will be significantly slowed down, especially in the harsh weather conditions of Vietnam.
In addition, choosing an industrial refrigeration unit with a capacity suitable for the container volume is a prerequisite to ensure that the cold air flow is evenly distributed to every location of the goods.
Quality of container shells and insulation panels
The structure of a refrigerated container shell typically uses cold storage panels (commonly high-density polyurethane – PU) covered with stainless steel or aluminum to prevent heat loss.
- If the insulation layer "ages" or is punctured, external heat will penetrate inside, causing condensation (sweating).
- This not only reduces preservation efficiency but also forces the refrigeration system to operate continuously at maximum capacity, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced equipment lifespan.
The tightness of the door and rubber seal.
Container doors are the area with the highest risk of heat loss. A leaky or inelastic rubber seal will cause cold air to escape, leading to constant temperature fluctuations inside.
In Tan LongWe not only undertake construction but also provide in-depth solutions. cold storage door With its absolutely airtight design, it helps businesses optimize operating costs and protect goods from damage risks due to temperature fluctuations.
Standard technical procedures for checking and monitoring the temperature of refrigerated containers.
Temperature control is not just about monitoring numbers on a screen, but about ensuring the stability of the entire indoor cooling system. Tan LongTherefore, we recommend that customers and technicians follow the two-step inspection procedure below to thoroughly prevent bacteria and mold and protect the value of the goods.
Step 1: Prepare specialized measuring and monitoring equipment.
For the most accurate results, you need to equip yourself with measuring devices that have low error rates and high stability. Instead of just using conventional thermometers, transportation businesses now prefer to use:
- Data Logger (Self-recording thermometer and hygrometer): Devices like the Elitech GSP-6 or Extech RH101 help record a continuous temperature history, which is crucial for verification in case of product defects.
- Remote monitoring system (IoT): This is an advanced solution often integrated into modern PLC control panel systems, allowing for instant alerts to be sent to mobile phones if the temperature exceeds the permissible limit.
Step 2: Measurement techniques and sensor placement determination.
The way the measuring device is positioned will determine the accuracy of the data. You should follow these technical instructions:
- Machine placement: Don't just place the device at the door. Place the measuring device at at least 3 points: Near the evaporator (supply air measurement), the center of the container, and near the door (where heat is most likely to escape).
- Check for tightness: Before taking measurements, ensure that the cold storage door system of the container is tightly closed and the rubber seal is intact to avoid interference from ambient temperature.
- Record and compare: For non-automatic systems, a log of operations should be kept every 2-4 hours. If there are significant temperature fluctuations, the performance of the refrigeration compressor unit should be checked immediately to avoid overloading the cooling system or causing a refrigerant shortage.
During the measurement process, if you notice that the temperature is not decreasing even though the machine is running, check the evaporator coil for excessive frost buildup. Regular maintenance of industrial evaporator coils is the best way to ensure the accuracy of this monitoring.
Tan Long offers optimal industrial refrigeration solutions.
If your business is struggling to maintain itself. refrigerated container temperature stable or seeking professional storage system design solutions, Tan Long They are a leading strategic partner in Vietnam.
With extensive experience in the field of HVAC, we provide a comprehensive service from consultation and design to installation, ensuring compliance with the strictest technical standards.
- Installation of specialized cold storage facilities: Design and construction cold storage Preserving agricultural and seafood products to international standards, helping to maintain optimal temperature ranges and save energy.
- We supply genuine refrigeration equipment: We are a distributor of industrial refrigeration compressors and evaporators from globally renowned brands such as Bitzer, Mycom, Guntner, etc.
- Smart monitoring solution: Integrating PLC control panel systems and IoT technology enables businesses to remotely monitor temperatures 24/7, optimizing operating costs and minimizing the risk of product damage.
Control refrigerated container temperature Efficiency is the perfect combination of modern equipment and precise operating procedures. Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful knowledge to protect your cold supply chain in the most sustainable way.
Are you looking for the optimal solution for your industrial refrigeration system or need a quote for cold storage installation? Contact our team of engineers today! Tan Long To have the site surveyed and receive advice on the most optimal technical solution.
- Address: 86 Dong Den Street, Ward 14, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: (+84) 028 3849 4943
- E-mail: info@tanlongvn.com
- Website: https://tanlongvn.com/
Frequently Asked Questions about Refrigerated Container Temperature
During the operation of a cold supply chain, technicians often encounter situations related to temperature. Below are answers from our experts. Tan Long:
Why is the temperature displayed on the screen correct, yet the goods are still spoiled?
This phenomenon is usually due to two common technical reasons:
- Airflow blockage: Overcrowding or exceeding the red line prevents cold air from circulating to the floor and through the cargo. As a result, the temperature at the center of the container is much higher than the temperature displayed on the sensor.
- The evaporator coil is covered in frost. If the defrosting system is not working effectively, a thick layer of ice will hinder heat exchange. Regular maintenance and cleaning of industrial refrigeration units is the only way to completely resolve this problem.
How should I set the ventilation mode correctly?
The ventilation system plays a role in controlling the concentration of biogas inside the container:
- For frozen goods: Absolute closed Ventilation is necessary to prevent heat loss and stop moisture from entering, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze and overload the compressor unit.
- With fresh fruits and vegetables: Need Open the ventilation. (at a rate of CBM/hour) to remove CO2 and ethylene – factors that cause agricultural products to ripen and rot quickly. For long-term storage of agricultural products in the yard, you should consider a cold storage solution for fruits to have better flexibility in ventilation and humidity.
How can we save energy when operating refrigerated containers?
Electricity is the biggest operating cost. To optimize it, businesses need to consider:
- Ensure tightness: Carefully check the rubber seals on the cold storage door of the container. Even a small gap can cause the compressor to run continuously to compensate for the temperature.
- Regular system maintenance: Regular cleaning of the outdoor unit helps dissipate heat more quickly, thereby reducing starting current and consuming less electricity.
- Insulation quality: Ensure the container shell uses panels. Cold storage panel Standard, the inner PU layer will not rot or age.
