Common Maintenance and

Troubleshooting Issues for

Reefer Containers
Home » Common Maintenance and Troubleshooting Issues for Reefer Containers

 September 21, 2023

 Product Information

Ⅰ.Introduce

Efficient refrigeration shipping containers are an indispensable tool in modern

logistics, ensuring that perishable goods, pharmaceuticals and other
temperature-sensitive goods reach their destinations in optimal condition.
However, like any machinery, refrigeration units come with their own set of
maintenance and troubleshooting issues that require attention. In this article,
we’ll take a deep dive into some of the common issues associated with
refrigerated containers and explore ways to effectively address them.

Common maintenance issues：

A well-maintained refrigeration shipping container is critical to maintaining the
quality and safety of your cargo during transit. Neglecting maintenance can lead
to costly breakdowns and damaged goods. Let’s take a look at some common
maintenance issues:

A. Lack of regular maintenance

Regular maintenance is the cornerstone of a trouble-free refrigeration unit.

Failure to schedule and perform routine inspections and repairs can lead to a
variety of problems.

 The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Properly maintained refrigeration units are more reliable and efficient. Regular
maintenance can identify and correct potential problems before they escalate.

 Consequences of neglecting maintenance

Neglecting to maintain a refrigeration shipping container can result in reduced

energy efficiency, inconsistent temperatures, or even failure of the entire unit.
Additionally, it can lead to costly emergency repairs and loss of cargo.

B. Refrigeration Unit Maintenance

The refrigeration unit itself requires specific maintenance to operate optimally.

 Regular cleaning and maintenance

Regular cleaning of equipment parts, including coils and fans, is crucial.
Accumulated dirt and debris can hinder heat exchange and reduce efficiency.

 Refrigerant leak

Refrigerant leaks not only affect cooling capacity but also pose environmental
and safety risks. It is vital to check for leaks regularly and repair them promptly.

 Proper lubrication of moving parts

Moving parts such as motors and fans require proper lubrication. Insufficient
lubrication can lead to increased friction, overheating and premature component
failure.

 Replace worn parts

Over time, various components can wear out. Wear parts must be replaced
promptly to prevent system failure.

C. Insulation and sealing

The insulation and sealing of the container play a vital role in maintaining the
required temperature.

 Check for damaged insulation

Insulation degrades over time, and damaged insulation can cause temperature
fluctuations. Regular inspection and replacement of damaged insulation is
crucial.
  Solve the sealing problem

Proper sealing is necessary to prevent air leakage. Gaskets and seals should be
inspected and replaced as necessary to maintain airtight conditions.

 prevent air leakage

Air leaks can cause temperature inconsistencies and increase energy

consumption. Proactive measures such as using insulated curtains can help
prevent air leaks.

Ⅱ. Troubleshooting

Despite regular maintenance, your efficient efrigeration shipping container may

still encounter troubleshooting issues during operation. Let’s explore some
common problems and how to solve them:

A. Temperature fluctuations

Maintaining consistent temperatures is critical to maintaining cargo quality.

Temperature fluctuations can be caused by a variety of factors.

 cause of temperature change

Temperature fluctuations can be caused by factors such as insufficient

insulation, refrigerant problems, or compressor problems. Finding the root cause
is critical.
  How to Troubleshoot and Correct Temperature Fluctuations

Troubleshooting temperature fluctuations involves a systematic approach,

including checking insulation, refrigerant levels and refrigeration unit
performance. Addressing the specific issues identified is key to addressing
temperature fluctuations.

B. Power problem

A reliable power source is critical to the continued operation of your refrigeration

unit. Power-related issues can disrupt the cooling process and compromise the
integrity of the cargo.

 electrical connection problems

Loose or damaged electrical connections can cause power outages. It is crucial

to check electrical connections regularly and repair them promptly.

 backup power failure

In the event of a power outage, a backup power system should be available,

such as a generator or backup batteries. Failure of these systems can be
catastrophic. Regular testing and maintenance of backup power is imperative.

 Solutions for Power Related Issues

Employing surge protectors and voltage regulators can help alleviate power-
related problems. Additionally, having a backup power plan in place and
ensuring it is functioning properly is critical to uninterrupted operations.
C. Failure of alarm and monitoring systems

Refrigeration units are equipped with alarm and monitoring systems to alert
operators to temperature deviations or other abnormalities.

 The Importance of Alerting and Monitoring

Alarm systems are the first line of defense against temperature-related issues.
Monitoring systems provide real-time data to help detect problems early.

 Troubleshooting the alarm system

When an alarm system malfunctions or malfunctions, operators may not be

aware of temperature excursions until it is too late. Regular testing and
maintenance of your alarm system is critical to its reliability.

 Implement redundancy

To minimize the risk of alarm system failure, redundancy can be built into
monitoring and alarm systems. This may involve multiple sensors or backup
monitoring systems.

D. Refrigeration unit compressor problem

The compressor is a key component of the refrigeration unit. Compressor

problems can have a significant impact on cooling performance.

 Symptoms of Compressor Problems

Symptoms of compressor problems include unusual noises, reduced cooling
capacity, and increased energy consumption. Recognizing these symptoms
early is crucial.

 Steps to Diagnose and Repair Compressor Problems

Diagnosing compressor problems may require the expertise of a refrigeration

technician. Regular inspections and timely repair or replacement of compressors
can prevent costly breakdowns.

Ⅲ. Precaution

While troubleshooting and problem solving are critical, preventive measures are
just as important to ensure the smooth operation of your reefer containers.

A. Importance of preventive maintenance

Emphasizes the importance of proactive maintenance to prevent problems from

occurring. Preventive maintenance saves time, money and protects the integrity
of your cargo.

B. Routine Inspections and Inspections

All aspects of refrigeration units, including insulation, electrical connections and

refrigerant levels, should be checked regularly.

C. Staff training
Properly trained personnel can detect problems early and perform basic
maintenance tasks. A training program should be developed for container
operators and maintenance personnel.

D. Invest in quality equipment

Investing in a high-quality refrigeration unit with advanced monitoring and control

systems can reduce the likelihood of problems and provide better cargo
protection.

Ⅳ.in conclusion

In the logistics field, efficient refrigeration shipping containers are crucial to

maintaining the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive goods. However,
they are not immune to maintenance and troubleshooting issues. Regular
maintenance, timely resolution of common problems, and preventive measures
are critical to ensuring the smooth operation of reefer containers and the
integrity of the cargo they contain. By remaining vigilant and proactive,
businesses can reduce risk and maintain the reliability of refrigerated
transportation systems.

CIMC Yang zhou Base is a leading manufacturer of refrigeration shipping

container and various other standard and special logistics equipment. With
years of experience in the industry, it focuses on the design, production and
distribution of high-quality innovative products that meet the specific needs of
customers.

If you need high-quality and innovative logistics equipment, including

refrigerated containers, cold chain equipment, containerized equipment
integration, modular buildings, etc., CIMC Yang zhou Base is your best choice.
Welcome inquiries from customers all over the world and look forward to the
opportunity to cooperate with you.