Shipping Containers Air conditioning, Heating, and Ventilation
What is container sweat?
Any cool object gathers moisture and starts to sweat in case it is suddenly placed in a hotter ambient atmosphere. The same moisture condensation happens for metal shipping containers to incase they journey from a relatively cold area to a warmer atmosphere. The interior ceiling of the cargo container starts to gather "container sweat" that rains down on the cargo with a rise in temperature.
How does it affect the health of our goods?
"Container sweat" is not to be taken lightly because slight neglect can mean a severe impact on your cargo's health. Unnecessary moisture can cause mold formation on the packaging as well as on the goods. Temperature fluctuation can also lead to undesired side effects for highly temperature-susceptible goods like medical drugs or chemicals. The chemicals could react unfavorably in response to heat fluctuation.
Therefore, it is imperative that you consider any temperature fluctuation for the freight container during transport and take precautions.
How could you control the temperature to protect your goods?
Shippers cannot take control of external factors like weather bringing temperature fluctuations but they can take control of the internal temperature of the cargo boxes. They can either choose to move their goods with temperature-controlled freight units like insulated containers or reefers or install HVAC modification that suits the goods.
What are the factors to be taken into account for HVAC modification?
Temperature control is an imperative precaution to maintain the quality of the cargo placed inside. But a mere HVAC modification doesn't count as a full-proof solution. Before HVAC modification, a number of factors need to be considered closely including:
Primary location or cargo discharge point temperature.
Transport route and possible temperature fluctuation.
Temperature and dew point of the cargo to be placed inside the cargo
Elements of packaging for comprehensive external HVAC modification are mandatory.
This thorough analysis could be a daunting task. Taking expert advice before any modification is always a smart precaution.
Types of HVAC systems for containers
Container Vents
Vents are the primary precaution and modification option to control heat and humidity inside the shipping container. Vents come as accessories that can be added on the basis of requirements. Normal vents can be suitable for basic airflow control, but they do not provide much control over airflow. For better airflow control, there are vents like Louver Vents or Roof Turbine Vents. Exhaust Fans can also work wonders in case the power supply is available. Vents are very handy to prevent dust or debris from entering the maritime container and prevent mold or rust.
Heating system
In case, the temperature reaches a freezing point, it is necessary to modify the temperature inside the cargo box with either a normal heating machine or Baseboard Heater. In case, there is a space shortage inside the freight units after loading.
Air Conditioner
For some of the cargo that is shipped through waterways, it is mandatory to maintain a dry and cool atmosphere. Especially for medicines that react to heat or heavy industrial equipment that emits heat. In these conditions, AC is always a preferable option. For basic AC solutions, Window Air conditioning, and high heat preservation, Through The Wall AC is a better option.
HVAC is commonly installed after buying shipping containers on a requirement basis. However, shippers always prefer to resort to basics. Basics include purchasing cargo containers that come with basic temperature solutions like dry van containers or insulated containers.
With LOTUS Containers, you can choose different container sizes and dimensions under both the aforementioned categories. We provide 20ft and 40ft dry van containers along with 45ft high cube dry van containers and all other container types all over the world.
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