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Reefer Container 101 – The Mobile Freezer That Keeps Perishables Perfect on the Move

Technical Specs (Typical 40’HC Reefer)

External dims
40’ × 8’ × 9’6” (12 192 × 2 438 × 2 896 mm)

Internal dims
11 590 × 2 290 × 2 550 mm

Door opening
2 290 × 2 567 mm

Tare weight
4 480 kg (machine included)

Max payload
29 520 kg

Cubic capacity
67.7 m³ (2 390 ft³)

Temperature range
-60 °C to +30 °C (±0.3 °C accuracy)

Airflow
4 200 m³/h at 0 static pressure

Refrigerants
R-452A (standard) or R-744 CO₂ (ultra-low GWP)

Power supply
380-460 V 3-ph 50/60 Hz, 15 kW max

Energy use
36 kWh/day at -18 °C with 25 °C ambient

Insulation
90 mm polyurethane, λ = 0.021 W/m·K

Certifications
CSC, ATP, TIR, ABS, BV, DNV, GL, LR, NK, USDOT, ISO 10368

Product Snapshot
A reefer container is essentially a walk-in freezer built inside a steel box. Its integral refrigeration unit controls temperature, humidity and airflow so meat stays frozen, berries stay chilled and vaccines stay potent while crossing oceans, rails and roads. Real-time IoT sensors let shippers prove product integrity to insurers, regulators and buyers.

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Product Details

Reefer Container 101 – The Mobile Freezer That Keeps Perishables Perfect on the MoveHow It Works

• Compressor → condenser → evaporator cycle cools the air.
• Variable-speed fan distributes air evenly through the floor T-rails.
• Return-air sensor tells the controller to adjust capacity, keeping ±0.3 °C.
• Data logger records temperature every minute; alarms sent by 4G/5G if deviation > 1 °C.

Typical Use Scenarios
• Seafood – tuna sashimi blast-frozen at -55 °C prevents histamine build-up.
• Ice-cream – constant -25 °C avoids ice-crystal growth.
• Fresh fruit – 0 °C to +4 °C plus controlled atmosphere (lower O₂, higher CO₂) slows ripening.
• Dairy – yoghurt at +4 °C with high humidity keeps texture.
• Pharmaceuticals – vaccines at 2-8 °C or frozen -20 °C; dual-set alarms comply with GDP.
• Chemicals – isocyanates or adhesives stored at -30 °C to stop polymerisation.
• Flowers – roses at +2 °C, 95 % RH, ethylene filter extends vase life.
Container Types & Options
• 20’RF – 28 m³, good for heavy frozen fish; fits standard truck chassis.
• 40’HC RF – 67 m³, most common, ultra-low -60 °C kit available.
• 40’HC RF CA – Controlled-atmosphere version adds N₂/CO₂ membrane.
• Hard-top reefer – removable steel roof for top-loading of hanging meat.
• Dual temp – partition wall creates two climate zones.
Operational Highlights
• Pre-cool cargo, not container; avoid hot stuffing.
• Continuous power on vessel genset or shore power; clip-on diesel genset for rail/road legs.
• PTI (pre-trip inspection) checks compressor, refrigerant level, door seals and temperature accuracy within 4 hours.
• Auto-defrost cycle every 6 h removes ice from evaporator, ensuring stable performance in humid climates.
Sustainability & Compliance
• New R-452A refrigerant cuts GWP by 45 % vs legacy R-404A.
• Variable-speed drive compressor saves 22 % energy.
• 70 % recycled steel frame, 100 % recyclable insulation foam; meets EU WEEE & RoHS.
Economic Benefits
• Reduce spoilage to < 0.5 % versus 5-10 % in break-bulk reefer ships.
• Insurance premium rebate up to 15 % when live-tracking data is shared.
• Faster customs clearance—temperature log proves cold-chain integrity.