This overview of REFRIGERATED CONTAINERS, PARTS, AND SPARES is to provide information and recommendations for ensuring that your refrigerated container is functioning optimally, and can safely store temperature sensitive goods.
Cold circulating air is a vital part of the refrigeration performance, and the reefer is designed to produce and distribute airflow to maintain the required temperature setpoint of the product.
A reefer can also provide fresh air ventilation, and the ventilation settings assist with controlling Water Vapour, C02, and ethylene released by the product being stored. In addition, the dehumidification settings can assist with maintaining relative humidity and ensuring that the moisture level in a reefer container is optimal for the product being stored.
To ensure that your experience working with Reefer Containers is assured, we recommend that the Installation requirements are observed as follows.
Before dispatch, a Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) is conducted by qualified reefer technicians. This includes:
Avoid operating the Reefer Container with the doors open, to avoid ambient air exchange.
Ensure that the doors have been closed and the locking rods engaged, before powering ON.
When opening the container to enter, it is recommended that you do not power the unit OFF.
Instead, initiate a Manual Defrost cycle by pressing and holding the MD button on the keypad for 5 seconds. This will assist in clearing the coil of ice and restrict ambient air being pulled into the container when entering the unit.
The defrost cycle on a refrigerated shipping container can be set to cycle on intervals of 3,6,9,12,24 hours and an Auto or Pulse mode for certain product storage circumstances. The defrost cycle is an automatic process to defrost any ice on the evaporator coil and maintain good heat transfer between the refrigeration system and the product.
An AUTO Defrost setting is recommended.
A proactive maintenance schedule is essential for reefer container operations.
Daily: Perform daily visual inspections of critical components, looking for refrigerant leaks, unusual noises, or vibrations from the compressor, and checking the Temperature Setpoint is being maintained.
Monthly: Clean condenser coils monthly to prevent efficiency reduction and check door seals for damage or wear.
Quarterly: Check refrigerant and compressor oil levels. Check and Test electrical connections, calibrate temperature sensors.
Regular maintenance by a qualified technician ensures efficient performance and operation, and preventative maintenance will assist in minimising downtime and repairs.
RMM, Remote Monitoring Modems can assist with the management and monitoring of supply air and return air temperatures, defrost activity, setpoint, power on and off time, for individual reefers.
Quick identification and resolution of problems is vital.
Temperature fluctuations are a frequent issue. Inspect the evaporator and T-Bar floor area for ice buildup, which can reduce airflow.
Mechanical, electrical or electronic failures present another common concern. If a compressor or fan motor fails to start, check the main electrical connections.
The key components in your reefer’s cooling system:
The compressor serves as the engine of the refrigeration system. It pressurizes and circulates refrigerant throughout the system, initiating the cooling cycle. High-efficiency scroll compressors reduce energy consumption by up to 30% compared to reciprocating models. When you select a compressor, consider its Coefficient of Performance (COP) or cooling power per unit of energy consumed.
Evaporators absorb heat and moisture from the container’s interior, assisting in creating the cooling effect, and removing the warm air and heat load.
Regular inspection and cleaning of evaporator coils improve cooling efficiency by 20%.
Ensures heat dissipation and ensuring that the incoming airflow can cool to the desired temperature.
Regular cleaning is vital for condenser maintenance A dirty condenser can reduce overall system efficiency by up to 30% and push up the power bills.
Expansion valves regulate refrigerant flow into the evaporator ensuring efficient cooling. Electronic expansion valves offer superior control and precision.
A malfunctioning expansion valve can cause inefficient cooling in the evaporator and product.
Thermostats and sensors provide the network to monitor and control the internal environment. They provide real-time data on temperature, humidity, and other critical factors. Advanced systems can detect temperature fluctuations as small as 0.1°C, triggering immediate adjustments to maintain ideal conditions. Some sensors even predict potential issues before they occur, reducing downtime by up to 70%. When you calibrate sensors, accuracy is paramount. A deviation of just 1°C can lead to significant energy waste or compromised cargo quality.
Provides the electronic controls and options to Set and Adjust the temperature, humidity, ventilation and atmosphere, depending on the requirements for the product, including the diagnostic and ability to performing onboard checks and tests. Reefer Containers are self-analysing, and most Refrigerated Container Alarm Codes can be reset with simple instructions.
Many of our reefers are used for cold storage in challenging locations, and although they are field proven to handle the rigors of container refrigeration, your refrigerated cargo deserves the best possible protection, and equipment downtime is serious business.
High-quality replacement parts are non-negotiable for maintaining reefer container performance. Cheap, substandard parts might save money initially but can lead to frequent breakdowns and inefficiencies.
When sourcing OEM or equivalent quality parts, prioritize reliability over cost.
