In the modern cold chain supply, refrigerated container It plays a vital role as a "link" in the supply chain. More than just a container, it's a complex technical system that helps maintain the freshness of products from the factory to the consumer. So... What is a refrigerated container? And why do businesses need to understand it?
What are refrigerated containers?
In the cold supply chain, refrigerated container It acts as an extremely versatile "mobile cold storage" unit. This is a specialized container equipped with an independent refrigeration system, specifically designed for transporting goods requiring strict temperature control. Thanks to its insulated shell construction... panel With specialized and high-capacity refrigeration, this equipment helps prevent goods from deteriorating during storage or long-distance transportation.
Based on practical experience from projects of Tan LongModern refrigerated containers also incorporate smart technologies to regulate ventilation and humidity. This is especially important for the agricultural export industry, where even small temperature deviations can cause widespread spoilage. Furthermore, to ensure stable operation, these systems are often controlled by electronic circuits. PLC electrical cabinet Modern technology allows business owners to easily monitor product quality 24/7.
Detailed structure of a refrigerated container
To achieve optimal preservation performance and stable operation in harsh environments, the construction of refrigerated containers (Reefer Containers) must comply with extremely stringent international technical standards.
Outer shell and insulation material
The outer shell of a container is usually made from Corten steel Superior strength or high-grade aluminum for optimal weight. However, the key factor determining heat retention is the insulation layer. Polyurethane (PU) The material, which is 70mm to 100mm thick, is compressed under high pressure between two layers of casing.
At Tan Long, we understand that insulation quality is the "key" to saving energy. This PU layer has a high density, similar to the manufacturing technology. Cold storage panel Specifically designed to prevent heat loss and ensure the lowest possible heat transfer coefficient for the goods inside.
Air conditioning system (Refrigeration Unit)
This is the most important component, determining the container's ability to maintain temperature. Popular air conditioning units from leading brands such as Carrier, Daikin, Thermo King, or Star Cool typically include a compressor, condenser, and evaporator.
The difference in our solution is... Tan Long This involves focusing on integrating different lines. PLC control cabinet Modern. This system allows for precise monitoring of every operating parameter, automatically alerts to malfunctions, and helps ensure that food and pharmaceutical storage processes are always in a state of absolute safety.
T-bar aluminum flooring
The biggest difference in the interior of a refrigerated container compared to a dry container is the system. T-shaped aluminum floorThe T-shaped aluminum grooves not only help the floor withstand heavy loads from forklifts but also play a crucial role in directing airflow.
Cold air currents from condenser The air will be blown along the floor grooves from the bottom up, through the cargo, to ensure uniform temperature at all locations in the container, completely eliminating localized temperature changes that can damage goods.
Specifications and classification of refrigerated containers
Depending on storage needs and cargo volume, businesses can choose from the following container sizes:
| Container type | External dimensions (LxWxH) | Set temperature | Popular Applications |
| 10 Feet | 3.05m x 2.44m x 2.59m | -20°C to +20°C | Mini cold storage, mobile events |
| 20 Feet (RF) | 6.1m x 2.44m x 2.59m | -25°C to +25°C | Transporting seafood and fresh meat. |
| 40 Feet (RF/HC) | 12.2m x 2.44m x 2.89m | -30°C to +30°C | Large-scale agricultural exports |
| 45 Feet (HR) | 13.7m x 2.44m x 2.89m | As requested | International intermodal freight transport |
(Note: 40 High Cube (HC) refrigerated containers are often preferred due to their greater height, which optimizes cargo space.)
Operating principle of refrigerated containers with forced convection cold air technology.
What makes the difference in the quality of preservation of refrigerated containers is... Indirect cooling principle This is achieved through forced convection airflow. Instead of directly cooling the surface, the system uses high-powered fans to continuously circulate air.
- Circulation process: The cold air is pushed downwards by the compressor, passing through the T-Bar aluminum floor system. Here, the cold air penetrates into every gap between the packages, absorbing the heat radiating from the products.
- Closed-loop cycle: The warm air is then collected at the top of the container's ceiling and returned. industrial refrigeration for refreezing and moisture removal.
With over 20 years of experience in installing systems. wind tunnel and cold storage, engineers at Tan Long Conclusion: This convection cycle is a key factor in completely eliminating temperature "blind spots." This prevents agricultural products from ripening prematurely due to heat accumulation and ensures that frozen foods do not thaw locally, preserving their nutritional value until they reach consumers.
What are the economic benefits and practical applications of understanding what a refrigerated container is?
Mastering the concept and function of What is a refrigerated container? This will help businesses optimize operational processes, minimize the risk of product damage, and enhance competitiveness. Below are some practical applications that bring high economic value:
- Supply chain for exported agricultural and seafood products: This is the most common application. Refrigerated containers help maintain the freshness of fruits (dragon fruit, durian, lychee) and frozen seafood products. In particular, to meet the stringent export standards of major markets, products are often processed through this system. IQF conveyor or a Tân Long air blast freezer before loading into the container, so the product core reaches the required temperature.
- Storage and transportation of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies: Vaccines, biological products, and specialized medications require extremely strict temperature ranges (typically 2-8°C). Refrigerated containers with precise humidity and temperature sensors are an absolutely safe solution, helping to preserve the pharmaceutical properties of the products throughout their journey.
- Flexible "Mobile Cold Storage" Solution: Rather than investing in fixed industrial cold stores that take time to build, many businesses choose reefer containers as temporary storage. The advantage is mobility, which suits short-term projects, construction sites or added storage capacity during peak season.
In Tan LongWe provide comprehensive refrigeration solution consulting services, helping customers choose the right equipment to suit their specific goods, thereby optimizing investment costs and operating costs (ROI) sustainably.
Important considerations when operating and using refrigerated containers.
To ensure goods are stored in perfect condition and to extend the lifespan of the refrigeration system, the engineering team at Tan Long Customers are advised to strictly adhere to the following technical guidelines:
- Perform a thorough Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI): This is a comprehensive pre-departure inspection process to ensure the compressor, evaporator, and container shell seals are functioning perfectly. At Tan Long, we always support our customers with regular technical inspections, similar to the rigorous maintenance procedures for these systems. industrial cold storage large scale.
- Never load goods beyond the red line: The red line inside the container indicates the permissible limit for convective cold air circulation above the roof. If the cargo is stacked too high, the cold air will be blocked, leading to uneven temperatures – a major cause of damage to goods in the far corners of the container.
- Set precise operating parameters for each type of product: Each product line has different biochemistry. Fresh fruit such as bananas or dragon fruit, for example, needs the vents open to release ethylene and bring in fresh air; seafood coming off an IQF freezer, by contrast, needs the vents closed to hold a stable deep sub-zero temperature.
- Monitoring via intelligent control system: To manage this better, a business should add a PLC control panel or remote monitoring equipment. That catches power problems or abnormal temperature movement in time, keeping the supply chain completely safe.
Tan Long – A comprehensive industrial refrigeration system consulting, design, and construction company.
Affirming its position as the leading company in Ho Chi Minh City in the field of mechanical and electrical refrigeration, Tan Long does not simply supply equipment but delivers a complete solution tailored to each business. From strategic advice and technical design through to refrigeration system installation to international standard, we guarantee full integration and the highest stability.
We understand that, whether goods are stored in warehouses or transported in refrigerated containers, every unit of cargo is a priceless asset to our customers. Therefore, Tan Long's engineering team always focuses on optimizing equipment configurations – from refrigeration compressor unit up to the system industrial refrigeration – to ensure powerful cooling performance, energy efficiency, and maximize return on investment (ROI).
Are you looking for the optimal solution for storing your goods? Let Tan Long be your partner in building a smart, durable, and efficient refrigeration system.
- Hotline: (+84) 28 3849 4943
- E-mail: info@tanlongvn.com
- Address: 86 Dong Den Street, Ward 14, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Frequently asked questions about reefer containers
What are refrigerated containers?
A reefer container is a specialised container with an insulated shell and a built-in refrigeration unit, used to transport or store goods that need to be held at a stable low temperature.
What sizes do reefer containers come in?
The common sizes are 20ft and 40ft, with the 40ft high cube widely used for frozen cargo thanks to its greater capacity.
How does a reefer container work?
On the vapour compression cycle: compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator. Cold air is blown through the T-bar floor and circulates evenly around the cargo before returning to the evaporator.
Can a reefer container be used as a permanent cold store?
Yes. Many businesses use reefer containers as mobile or temporary cold stores thanks to the low up-front cost and quick installation, although the electricity cost per cubic metre is usually higher than a permanently built cold store.
Should you choose a reefer container or build a new cold store?
A reefer container suits quick deployment, small capacity or a need to relocate. A purpose-built cold store is more efficient at large capacity, for long-term operation and where energy cost needs optimising.
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Doanh Nghiệp Đang Cần Khảo Sát, Nâng Cấp Hoặc Thiết Kế Mới Hệ Thống Lạnh Công Nghiệp?
Đội ngũ kỹ sư Cơ Điện Lạnh Tân Long với hơn 18 năm kinh nghiệm thực chiến chỉ đạo hơn 29 đại dự án quốc gia, cam kết tư vấn tính toán phụ tải nhiệt chuẩn xác, tối ưu hóa hệ số hiệu suất COP, chuyển dịch môi chất tự nhiên NH3/CO2 và tiết kiệm 20–30% chi phí điện năng vận hành.
Kỹ sư Nguyễn Toàn Thịnh (Giám đốc Kỹ thuật)
Hơn 18 năm kinh nghiệm thực chiến chỉ đạo tư vấn thiết kế và thi công hệ thống lạnh công nghiệp nặng, kho tự động ASRS và cấp đông IQF qua hơn 29 đại dự án quốc gia.
