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REFRIGERATED CANTAINER

Kayrelis Rollizo, Mario Saldaña, Natasha Torrez Y Alejandra Barragan

Universidad de Panamá

Facultad de Administración de Empresas y Contabilidad

Maritime Technical English

Alejandra Cruz

October 11, 2022

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Contents

What is a Refrigerated Container or Reefer Container?..............................................2

What are the measurements and capacity of the Refrigerated Containers?............2

How does a reefer container work?...............................................................................4

Why are these refrigerated containers so important?.................................................5

Differences between refrigerated and semi-refrigerated containers.........................6

Types of reefer containers..............................................................................................7

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What is a Refrigerated Container or Reefer Container?

Refrigerated Containers or Reefer Containers are used to transport goods that require
controlled temperature conditions in transit. Products such as fruits, vegetables, dairy
products and meat are typical goods to ship in this type of sea container. The reefer
containers are equipped with a refrigeration unit that is connected to the electrical
network of the ship, the port terminals and the trucks.

What are the measurements and capacity of the Refrigerated

Containers?
The specific measurements and capacity of the Refrigerated or Reefer Containers may
vary depending on the manufacturer, the age and the owner of the container. However,
the specifications listed below are representative of most Reefer Containers.

20' Reefer Container

tare weight Loading capacity cubic capacity internal length

3.080 kg 27.400 kg 28.3 cubic meters 5,44 m

6.791,4 lbs 60.417 lbs 999 per sqft 17,9 ft

Internal Width internal height Door opening width Door opening height

2,29 m 2,27 m 2,23 m 2,10 m

7,5 ft 7,5 ft 7,3 ft 6,9 ft

 
40' Reefer Container

Loading
Tara Cubic Capacity Internal Length
capacity

4.800 kg 27.700 kg 59.3 cubic meters 11,56 m

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Loading
Tara Cubic Capacity Internal Length
capacity

10.584 lbs 61.078,5 lbs 2,093.3 cu ft 37,9 ft

Internal Door opening High opening

internal height
Width width Doors

2,28 m 2,25 m 2,29 m 2,26 m

7,5 ft 7,4 ft 7,5 ft 7,4 ft

 
High Cube Reefer Container 40'

Loading
Tara Cubic Capacity Internal Length
capacity

4.480 kg 29.520 kg 67.3 cubic meters 11,58 m

9.880 lbs 65.080 lbs 2,380 cu ft 38,0 ft

Internal Door opening High door

internal height
Width width opening

2,29 m 2,40 m 2,29 m 2,57 m

7,5 ft 7,9 ft 7,5 ft 8,4 ft

 
45' Reefer Container
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Loading
Tara Cubic Capacity Internal Length
capacity

4.850 kg 29.150 kg 67 cubic meters 11,57 m

10.694,3 lbs 64.275,8 lbs 2,365.1 cu ft 38 ft

Internal Door Opening High Door

internal height
Width Width Opening

2,27 m 2,55 m 2,29 m 2,26 m

7,4 ft 8,4 ft 7,5 ft 7,4 ft

How does a reefer container work?

The products that are transported in these units are frozen or under specific
temperatures to be able to withstand the transfer from one place to another. This is
especially important when the distances are quite long, where the time factor will affect
the characteristics and properties of the merchandise.
The refrigerated container or reefer container performs the function of preserving the
product not only from the inside, but also from the outside. Let's see.
The inside of the unit:
It has a special system that has elements that act together to achieve its purpose:
 The container is thermally insulated. Its temperature remains constant because it
has a refrigeration unit that generates the circulation of cold air.
 Normally, on the back wall of the unit, towards the bottom, there is a duct through
which the cold air is injected into the container. To collect hot air and allow it to
circulate, it has a grille at the top. In this section, there are also filters that capture
the ethylene emitted by the fruits when they are ripening.
 In view of the fact that sometimes the entry of air from the outside is necessary,
they have a ventilation system in charge of allowing this to be carried out.
 The walls, the floor and the ceiling are made of a special material and are
covered with insulating products that preserve the temperature.
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 For the passage of air to be done properly, it has a marked limit that indicates
how high the merchandise must be stowed.
 The floor is metallic and the grooves it has favor the correct flow of air.
 If there is excess water due to condensation, it has several drains, which can be
kept open or closed.
The outside of the fridge:
In this part of the container are several devices that perform important functions:
 Towards the front are located different motors, the compressor, the ventilation
opening and the control panel. From the latter, you will be able to control the
parameters of temperature, degree of humidity, ventilation, among other things
that will regulate the internal conditions of the unit.
 In order to perform their main function, refrigerated containers have a power
outlet that feeds the autonomous refrigeration of the reefer container. The trucks
or ships where it is transferred must have adequate electrical outlets to avoid
failures that affect the cold chain and, therefore, the merchandise.

Why are these refrigerated containers so important?

These units are responsible for transporting items that, on many occasions, are
essential for many regions. For example, there are products from the pharmaceutical
industry, such as vaccines, which are impossible to transport without one of these
containers, or agricultural, meat, poultry, etc. food products that require a cold chain for
their transport or storage.
On the other hand, there are foods that we consume that we may not even think were
transported in these containers. Without a doubt, they are a strategic piece in the
logistics of various industries, both food and other sectors.
If you have to transport perishable products or products that need certain atmospheric
conditions for their conservation, you must use a reefer container. Only then can
you guarantee that the merchandise arrives in excellent condition.
Keep in mind that these units are managed by specialists, so seek advice from
companies specializing in this type of container, to secure all your items so you don't
have to worry anymore about this important aspect of your business logistics.
Configuration of a reefer container:
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Using specially designed and manufactured 40' container modules, manufacturers

combine the advantages of a standard container with the flexibility of a wide body made
up of storage modules.
Hygienic interiors. Non-slip stainless steel walls. flat aluminum floor the floor supports
forklifts and electric or hydraulic pallet trucks. Capacity of 25 t per module (evenly
distributed). 220 V lighting. Easy internal / external opening doors Doors type 'butchers
door'. Cold curtains on request. alarm equipment.
Hefty body. Stainless steel MFG panels. Corten steel frame. Hempel painting. Self-
extinguishing polyurethane insulation according to ISO 3582.
Refrigeration unit with coordinated defrost cycles. Temperature range from -30°C to
+30°C. voltage 380 / 440 V - three-phase. Economy mode option for cooling. R134a
refrigerant. Built-in data logger (for technician use only). Atmosphere control options.
Programmable temperature range. Possibility of adjusting the temperature down to -30
°C with outside temperatures up to +50 °C and up to +30 °C with ambient temperatures
down to -30 °C.
Containers manufactured in accordance with the latest guidelines and legislation
regarding CFC emissions. Manufactured based on ethical and ecological standards.

Differences between refrigerated and semi-refrigerated

containers.
Once we know the technical characteristics of refrigerated or reefer containers, we
should not confuse them with semi-refrigerated containers.
While the refrigerated ones are used to move all kinds of food, from vegetables, fresh
food and frozen food, the semi-refrigerated ones are only valid for the transport of
perishable products.
That is, fruits and vegetables. This is because the temperature requirements are
different, to move frozen it is necessary to have temperatures below zero, on the other
hand perishable foods that are not stored and are consumed at the moment such as
fruit and vegetables.
Actually, they look alike, but they are not the same.
In addition, depending on the load, similar vehicles can be used, which are tri-
temperature semi-trailers that are capable of storing products at 3 different
temperatures.
This only happens in the case of ground transportation.
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In the case of maritime transport, it is normal to use refrigerated containers and then
when arriving on land, transfer the merchandise in trucks and adapt it according to the
needs of the food in the type of trailer that best suits it.
For this, use is made of refrigerated and semi-refrigerated containers that can be used
for some foods that go in the other containers.

Types of reefer containers

There are different types of refrigerated containers that are used for different types of
merchandise:
Ventilated refrigerated containers: they have thermal insulation that provides high
internal ventilation. It is customary to use it for vegetables, cereals...
Controlled atmosphere refrigerated containers: they have internal equipment that
provides humidity and maintains atmospheric pressure, this makes it possible to control
the ripening of some fruits.
Super refrigerant containers: they have more efficient engines and interior materials,
allowing them to maintain down to -60°C. It is used for frozen and pharmaceutical
products.
Refrigerated temperature control for frozen and refrigerated cargo
Internal air circulation is essential to maintain prescribed temperatures in reefer
containers, therefore temperature-controlled air is constantly circulated throughout the
cargo space.

Airflow inside a reefer container is affected by the type of packaging and the mode of
filling.
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There are different requirements for each product in the movement of refrigerated
cargo, but we generally separate refrigerated cargo from frozen cargo to control
temperatures (achieved by return air).
In the case of refrigerated cargo, air must flow through the cargo to remove heat and
gases, and the cartons used must be ventilated.
This is because the heat inside the container is not only generated from the outside, but
can also be produced by the cargo itself.
The respiration process of fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, requires airflow both
around the product and throughout the load to remove respiratory heat, water, and
gases such as carbon dioxide.
In the case of frozen cargo, the air has to flow around the cargo so that there are no
gaps between the cargo and the walls and the cargo itself.
Only the heat penetrating the insulation from the outside plus the heat from the fan
motors needs to be removed, as there is no need to dissipate heat from the load itself.
Continuous control of the atmosphere and circulation of fresh air
Atmosphere control and fresh air circulation are especially important for most fruits and
vegetables because they respire continuously and produce gases such as carbon
dioxide and ethylene.
These respiratory gases can cause cargo damage such as uncontrolled ripening, aging
and off-flavor and therefore must be removed from the container atmosphere.
That's why every Reefer is equipped with fresh air ventilation that removes gases from
the container to prevent cargo damage and uncontrolled ripening, aging and off-flavour.
The humidity control equipment "opens and closes" the container automatically to
release excess water that could accumulate inside the box and the drains prevent the
entry of water from the outside.
The relative humidity of the air inside a refrigerated container can be especially
important in the transport and storage of refrigerated goods.
Dry air can cause desiccation of fresh fruit and vegetables, which can affect appearance
and will certainly reduce weight at the point of sale.
To make sure the humidity is exactly right, data loggers are being used that monitor
supply air temperature, return air temperature, room temperature and humidity level
continuously thanks to remote modems.

Refrigerated temperature control for frozen and refrigerated cargo

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Internal air circulation is essential to maintain prescribed temperatures in reefer

containers, therefore temperature-controlled air is constantly circulated throughout the
cargo space.
Airflow inside a reefer container is affected by the type of packaging and the mode of
filling.
There are different requirements for each product in the movement of refrigerated
cargo, but we generally separate refrigerated cargo from frozen cargo to control
temperatures (achieved by return air).
In the case of refrigerated cargo, air must flow through the cargo to remove heat and
gases, and the cartons used must be ventilated.
This is because the heat inside the container is not only generated from the outside, but
can also be produced by the cargo itself.
The respiration process of fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, requires airflow both
around the product and throughout the load to remove respiratory heat, water, and
gases such as carbon dioxide.
In the case of frozen cargo, the air has to flow around the cargo so that there are no
gaps between the cargo and the walls and the cargo itself.
Only the heat penetrating the insulation from the outside plus the heat from the fan
motors needs to be removed, as there is no need to dissipate heat from the load itself.

Tips on refrigerated cargo stowage:

Optimal levels of temperature and ventilation must be maintained in the container.
Cargo must not be stowed above the red line.
The weight of the load must be evenly distributed and forced to stay together
The weight of the cargo must be kept below the road limitations in the countries through
which it is transported.
Dehumidification controls should be inspected
Vent settings should be set according to loaded load
The load must be pre-cooled if necessary
Make sure there are no restrictions to airflow and any gaps through decks or doors must
be sealed for proper air circulation.

Cooling system checks:

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1. Before power on:

 General inspection (ensure unit and components are free of physical damage
and not missing (box, contactors, cord, plug, compressor, loose cord, etc.)
 Check for cleanliness: no extra tags, debris/cargo debris, etc.
 Check coolant and lubricant
 Check electrical insulation value (compressor, motors, heaters)
2. After power on:
Make sure phase correction contactors are operational (measure and record
voltage)
Engine serviceability check:
 Make sure there are no abnormal noises from the components
 Make sure the fan and blower are facing the right direction
 Start LPPP (CFII), FPT (Smart), LPP (MHI), AutoPTI (Microlink), or FPTI
(MPC)
 Detect proper unit of work upon reaching set point
 Calibrate sensors
3. Preset temperature setting at –18°C:
 Start and verify unit goes into manual defrost and completes cycle
 Check the cleanliness of the drains
 Record oil level directly after defrost
 On reaching temperature, at –18°C and the unit is operating in full cold
4. Measure the compressor pressure:
 Measure currents (compressor, cond. fan motor, evaporator motor, heater)
 Detect proper working unit upon reaching setpoint –18°C check freon level
 Set temperature to 0°C and run - Shutdown on reaching 0°C temperature
 When the unit reaches 0°C, register and calibrate the sensors