In the world of logistics and cargo transportation, there are many specialized vehicles, each of which has its own strictly defined name. When it comes to the delivery of food, medicine or flowers, you can often hear the question of what exactly the refrigerated machine is called. In a professional environment, the term refrigeratoris used to designate such transport, although there are other variations depending on the design of the body.
The main difference between such a car and a regular van is the ability to maintain a given temperature regardless of external conditions. This is achieved through the use of special refrigeration equipment, which can operate autonomously or from the car engine. Understanding the difference between body types helps customers choose the right transport, and drivers use the equipment correctly.
In this article we will look in detail at how different types of refrigerated transport differ, how their internal structure works and what nuances you should pay attention to during operation. You will learn why isothermal van is not always a full-fledged refrigerator and what standards exist for transporting perishable goods.
Basic name and terminology
The correct technical name of a vehicle equipped with a refrigeration unit, — refrigerated vehicle. This term comes from the Latin word "refrigerare", which means "to cool". It is refrigerators that are capable of not only maintaining the temperature, but also actively lowering it, freezing cargo or maintaining a precise range of degrees for a long time.
You can often come across the name “thermos” in everyday life, but this is not entirely correct from a technical point of view. “Thermos” in professional jargon is usually called isothermal van, which does not have its own refrigeration machine, but only retains heat or cold thanks to the thick walls of the body. The difference between these concepts is critical for logistics.
- 🚛 Refrigerator —a vehicle with an active refrigeration unit (RU) that consumes fuel or electricity.
- ❄️ Isotherm —a passive body with thermal insulation that is not capable of cooling on its own cargo.
- 🌡️ Thermal container —a removable container with a phase-transition material (dry ice, eutectic plates).
It is important to distinguish between these concepts when ordering transport, since the cost of renting a refrigerator is much higher than ordinary isotherm. If you simply need to deliver frozen food a short distance during the warmer months, a pre-chilled insulated van may be sufficient. However, for long flights or transportation of fresh flowers, it is necessary to autonomous refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: When ordering transport, check whether the vehicle is an active refrigerator or just an isotherm. Confusion in terms can lead to damage to cargo due to the lack of active cooling en route.
Design features of refrigerators
The design of a refrigerated vehicle is more complex than that of a standard truck. The key element is refrigeration unit, which is mounted on the front wall of the body. It consists of a compressor, condenser, evaporator and piping system. The compressor is driven either directly from the car engine or from a separate diesel generator.
The refrigerator body itself is a sandwich panel. Between the outer and inner sheets (usually galvanized steel or plastic) there is a layer of effective insulation, most often polyurethane foam. Wall thickness can vary from 50 to 100 mm depending on the class of the machine. The floor is also reinforced and insulated, since significant heat loss occurs through it.
What is the body “sandwich” made of?
Layers of the refrigerator body: 1. Outer skin (plastic or aluminum). 2. A layer of high density polyurethane foam. 3. Internal lining (food grade stainless steel or plastic). 4. Reinforcing frame made of fiberglass or metal for strength.
Inside the body, air must circulate freely so that the temperature is distributed evenly. For this purpose, the floor is often made corrugated or special ones are installed, and the cargo is placed on pallets. A gap must be left between the load and the ceiling for the evaporator to operate. railsand the cargo is placed on pallets. A gap must be left between the load and the ceiling for the evaporator to operate.
Modern models are equipped with electronic controllers that allow the driver to set the exact temperature. The system automatically maintains the mode, switching between cooling and heating, if provided for by the design. This is especially important for multi-temperature transportationwhen different types of products need to be delivered in one flight.
Types of refrigerated transport
Classification of refrigerated machines is made according to several parameters: type of refrigeration unit, dimensions and temperature conditions. The most common vehicles are based on the Gazelle chassis, Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter for urban transportation and large Euro trucks for intercity routes.
By the type of compressor drive, they distinguish diesel and electric installations. Diesel units are completely autonomous and can operate even when the car engine is turned off, which is convenient when parking under unloading. Electric models require connection to an external network of 220V or 380V, which limits their mobility, but reduces noise and emissions.
There is also a division according to the international agreement of the Asia-Pacific Region (ATP), which determines transport classes depending on the minimum temperature:
- 🅰️ Class A — from +12°C to 0°C (refrigerated foods, flowers).
- 🅱️ Class B — from +12°C to -10°C (frozen foods).
- 🆎 Class C — from +12°C to -20°C (deep freezing).
For the transportation of particularly sensitive cargo, such as medical vaccines or organs for transplantation, special farm refrigerated trucks with enhanced climate control and a monitoring system are used. They often have dual cooling circuits and backup power supplies.
Table: Comparison of characteristics
To better understand the differences between the main types of transport for transporting temperature-sensitive goods, consider their comparative characteristics. These parameters will help you decide on the choice of equipment for specific tasks.
| Parameter | Refrigerator | Isothermal van | Thermal container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold source | Refrigeration unit (engine) | Pre-cooling of cargo | Dry ice / Eutectics |
| Autonomy | High (works in motion and on parking) | No (save only) | Limited by melting time |
| Temperature accuracy | High (±1°C) | Depends on external conditions | Average |
| Transportation cost | High | Average | Low / Average |
As can be seen from the table, the refrigerator is the most versatile, but and the most expensive solution. Isotherms are suitable for short distances when travel time does not exceed several hours. Thermal containers are often used for the “last mile” or air transportation.
Rules for operation and loading
The effective operation of a refrigerated machine depends on only on the serviceability of the equipment, but also on the correct loading. Violation of cargo stowage rules can lead to the formation of “heat pockets” and damage to products. The driver and loaders must strictly adhere to the regulations.
The first step is always pre-cooling body. An empty refrigerator must be started in advance to freeze the walls and floor to the desired temperature. If you load warm cargo into a warm body, the installation will wear out, and the quality of the products will suffer.
☑️ Rules for loading a refrigerator
The cargo must be stowed so that cold air can circulate throughout the entire volume. The evaporator blow-out area must not be obstructed. If different types of products are transported, they should be separated by partitions, since meat, fish and dairy products have different requirements for humidity and temperature.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to load the refrigerator above the “red load line” (Load Line), if such markings are on the front wall. This blocks air circulation and disables the equipment.It is also important to consider the compatibility of odors. Strongly smelling products (fish, spices) cannot be transported together with products that absorb odors (butter, cheese) without sealed packaging. After each flight, the body must be washed and disinfected.
Maintenance and problems
A refrigeration unit is a complex mechanism that requires regular maintenance. The main components that need attention are: compressor, belt system, condenser and evaporator radiators. Contamination of radiators with fluff, dirt or insects is the most common cause of overheating and system failure.
The driver should check the operation of the installation daily, paying attention to extraneous noise, vibration and thermometer readings. It is important to monitor the fuel level in the XU tank if it is diesel. Stopping a refrigerator during a flight can lead to huge losses.
Common problems include refrigerant leakage, evaporator freezing and thermostat malfunction. If you notice that the temperature in the body has ceased to meet the set temperature, you must immediately stop and carry out diagnostics.
Repair of refrigeration units requires qualifications and special equipment. Independent intervention in the freon circulation system without a license is prohibited and dangerous. If serious breakdowns occur, it is better to contact a specialized service.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to heat cargo in a refrigerator?
Yes, many modern refrigeration units have a heating function. They can maintain temperatures up to +20...+25°C, which is necessary for transporting chocolate, bananas or types of chemicals in winter. However, they do not know how to “heat” cold cargo, only retain heat.
How much fuel does a refrigeration unit consume?
Consumption depends on the power of the unit and the temperature difference. On average, a small-tonnage refrigerator consumes from 1.5 to 3 liters of diesel per hour of operation at full power. When maintaining the temperature, the consumption is significantly lower.
Do you need a special license for transportation in a refrigerator?
To drive a car, you need a license of the appropriate category. To transport certain cargo (for example, medicines or hazardous substances), additional permits and certificates for the vehicle (ATR certificate) may be required.
What is the danger of depressurization of the body?
Violation of the tightness (cracks, holes) leads to a constant influx of warm, moist air. This forces the installation to operate continuously, which leads to excessive fuel consumption, evaporator freezing and eventual compressor failure. In addition, the products may dry out or become covered with frost.