Reefer / Cool Tank Container
Reefer Tank Containers for Temperature-Controlled Trasport
To keep your product cool, it is essential to consider the use of a highly insulated tank container.If insulation is not enough,reefer tank containers fitted with a reefer unit are a great option.These reefer units provide additional cooling,keeping your product at the right temperature during transport.
Reefer Units on ISO Tank Containers
ISO tank containers are typically built on 20 ft containers and are often fitted with reefer units for temperature control.These reefer units ensure that your product is transported at the right temperature.The maximum capacity of these containers is often limited to 24,000 liters due to insulation requirements.If your shipment doesn’t include deep-sea traffic,an oversized version of the UN portable tank can be considered.
Reefer Units for Deep-Sea Traffic
If deep-sea traffic is required,it is important to check the shipping line to confirm that the reefer unit can be placed on one of ISO tank container, with the control box positioned at the rear of the container.This ensures that your reefer tanks follow shipping rules and provide the best cooling.Our team is here to help with any questions you have about this process.
Cooling Channels and Reefer Unit Placement
Looking at physics: heat rises and is cold goes from top to bottom. A cool or reefer unit can be mounted on a tank container,but the tank requires cooling channels on the top of the tank container.Cooling channels on the sides are generally avoided to minimize the risk of punctures during handling.It’s ideal to have these channels fitted during the manufacturing process,but retrofitment is also possible.
Product-Specific Requirements
To ensure we provide with the best advice,we need to understand your product’s specifics. As a minimum we would like to receive the MSDS sheet, the specific heat of the product, the ambient temperature,the transit time,the mode of transit and the product temperature range during transit. Based on this information,we can determine whether the reefer unit should cool only,or if it needs to both cool and heat the product.
We work with top-class suppliers of the units like Loebbe and Klinge,as well as world-class manufactures of tank containers.With the combined expertise,we can offer the best possible solution for your product.
Reefer Unit Operation and Monitoring
The reefer unit operates with a temperature sensor fitted in a probe to measure the product temperature,as well as a second sensor that tracks the coolant temperature.This ensures that your product is always transported at the optimal temperature.
Control Box Position and Expansion Tank
Regarding the position of the control box and electrical cable,standard placement is at the rear of the tank container,although in some cases as side position may be preffered for better access.Additionally,each water glycol system will have an expansion tank positioned on top of the tank,with options available in both stainless steel and plastic.
Venting System and Installation
Adding a venting system to cool or reefer tank containers can be very useful, especially for controlling temperature during transport. It’s recommended to install vents on the top two cooling channels. This makes filling the tank easier, as it allows air to flow smoothly and reduces pressure buildup.
However, installing a venting system may come with extra costs. To fit the vents, the tank’s cladding and insulation may need to be opened, which requires careful planning.
With a venting system, cool or reefer tank containers can carry temperature-sensitive products more effectively, ensuring safe and efficient transport.
Reefer Tanks for Beer Transport
A key market for reefer tank containers is the beer industry.Reefer tank containers designed for beer transport are eqquipped with additional features to maintain product quality,such as:
- CO2 connection,
- Internal wash line to rinse the interior of the tank after discharge,
- A special manlid below the liquid level to prevent contamination.