Refrigerated semi-trailer: how to choose a device, overview of characteristics with photos and videos

A refrigerated semi-trailer is a type of cargo vehicle designed for the delivery of various products that require special temperature conditions. Maintaining climatic parameters within a specific range makes it possible to transport perishable food, plants, medicines, meat, fish, etc. both within the country and far beyond its borders. The temperature in the refrigeration chamber of special equipment, depending on its type, can vary from +12 to -35 °C.

What is a refrigerator

A refrigerator is a commercial vehicle equipped with special climate control equipment, the body of which is a chamber made of thermally insulated materials. These machines can maintain temperatures ranging from +12 to -20 degrees, depending on the model. In addition, there are installations that can lower the temperature in the body to -38C. To transport consolidated cargo, bodies are used that consist of several sections with different temperature conditions.

It is worth noting that refrigerators or HU (refrigeration and heating units) are used not only for cooling air, but also for heating. This is relevant in winter when transporting goods whose hypothermia is unacceptable.

Review of other refrigerated vans on various chassis types

Basic chassis brands used to install refrigerated vans on them.

Isuzu

These chassis are equipped with refrigeration equipment Global Freeze 5100 or more powerful - Global Freeze 5900. The load capacity is up to 3800 kg.

Technical characteristics of various models of Isuzu refrigerated vans

Domestic models

In first place are the GAZ 3302, 33104, 3309 chassis. The frame can be standard or extended upon request. Load capacity – up to 3400 kg. The most commonly installed refrigeration units are Global Freeze GF 35, “Vyuga-standard”. This technique is used mainly for delivering goods on short flights.

Technical characteristics of various modifications of GAZ 3302 refrigerated vans

KamAZ chassis. Demanded for long trips, load capacity – 9 tons and above. Vans on the KamAZ 65117 chassis with dimensions of 7.9x2.54x2.5 m have an internal volume of 49 m3 and a load capacity of approximately 14 tons. Refrigeration units - Thermo King, Global Freeze, Vyuga-Maxima, autonomous ZANOTTI equipment.

The history of refrigerators

Many people know what a refrigerator is these days. The word refrigerator is of English origin - Refrigerator - and means refrigerator. At first, this concept denoted a box patented in 1800, the essence of which was to preserve food using ice cooling. Now this applies more to cars with a refrigerator.

The first refrigerators on wheels belonged to ice cream merchants. However, to cool the entire van, a power source was needed. In the case of a car, this is the battery. So, from an ordinary manufactured goods van they made an isothermal one that could maintain a given temperature inside. The disadvantage of such a van is that it was not cold enough for long-distance transportation.

In addition to the isothermal body, a special cooling unit was developed, which was called a refrigerator. This installation is powered by an engine – your own or a car’s. Electrically driven refrigerators powered by a battery pack are also appearing.

Design options for automotive refrigeration units

The refrigeration unit has two designs - monoblock or separate placement of the condenser and evaporator. Refrigeration equipment installation options:

• all working units are located in the van;
• the evaporator is located in the van, the condenser is located outside;
• roof-mounted, above the driver's cabin.

Refrigeration equipment has an automatic or manual defrosting function. This function is used at set intervals or, if necessary, to frequently open the door of the thermally insulated housing. The refrigeration unit is controlled electromechanically or using a microprocessor controller. The control panel is located in the driver's cabin.

Refrigerator device

The essence of the work of a refrigerated truck is not only to cool the air. The main task of the cold storage facility is to maintain the set temperature throughout the entire period of cargo transportation.

Back in 1854, a cooling method based on heat exchange processes was invented. It was based on a compressor, which, by pumping up pressure, compressed the gas, transforming it into a liquid state through a condenser. The liquid thus obtained was directed through a system of coils, returning to a gaseous state and cooling the surrounding space. Since then, technology has improved, but the operating principle and design of refrigerators have changed little.

The unit consists of four main elements connected by tubes through which the refrigerant circulates:

1. A compressor that compresses the refrigerant gas and sends it to the condenser.
2. The condenser, where the heat exchange process occurs: the incoming refrigerant, moving along the coil, gives off cold and moves back to the compressor to restart the process.
3. The evaporator is designed to maintain the desired temperature. Typically the evaporator unit contains a fan(s) assembly.
4. Fan(s) that circulate air inside the body.

Insulation and air flow distribution play an important role in maintaining the desired temperature inside the body. The body of the body or semi-trailer consists of a sandwich panel 4-8 cm thick, filled inside with polyurethane foam. It has a low thermal conductivity coefficient and allows you to maintain a constant temperature inside the case for a long time. In addition, this material is quite lightweight, which allows it to not greatly increase the truck’s own weight.

It is important to know

that the material for refrigerator panels is certified and can be used for transporting food products.

Technical characteristics of popular refrigerated semi-trailers and trailers SCHMITZ CARGOBULL

The range of the German manufacturer SCHMITZ CARGOBULL includes refrigerated semi-trailers and trailers. This technique, popular in Europe, has improved thermal insulation properties thanks to the use of Ferroplast panels. The peculiarity of these machines is the presence in the design of a large number of components and parts that do not require periodic maintenance during the entire operational period.

Characteristics of SCHMITZ CARGOBULL models

Extended models SKO COOL 24/L – 14.7 FP60 are representatives of the latest, sixth generation of SCHMITZ CARGOBULL refrigerators. Their body is lengthened by 1.3 m, compared to traditional vehicles with a body length of 13.4 m. These dimensions of the van make it possible to transport cargo on 36 pallets at the same time.

Types of refrigerated vehicles

Like any complex equipment, refrigerators represent a huge class of equipment. These include industrial refrigerators, ship installations, railway rolling stock and, of course, motor vehicles. To understand this diversity, different types of installations are catalogued. The result is a classification based on different criteria.

Classification by vehicle type

The classification defines several types of transport refrigerators, depending on the type of equipment. Since we are talking about commercial vehicles, we will consider only those that work with cars. It can be:

• containers equipped with their own refrigeration unit. This allows for intermodal cargo transportation, rearranging containers to different vehicles;
• refrigerated vans on the chassis of trucks, light commercial vehicles or even passenger vans. They look like a manufactured goods van, only with an air conditioning or cooling unit;
• refrigerated semi-trailers, which are the most popular for intercity transportation.

note

, that the most profitable and reliable are machines with CCD operating autonomously, from their own power plant or batteries.

Classification by type of power plant

Based on the type of energy source, there are three types of refrigerated trucks:

1. With dependent power supply from the vehicle's internal combustion engine.
2. Autonomously powered by batteries or its own engine.
3. With eutectic plates. When connected to the electrical network, these plates freeze. They serve to constantly cool the interior space. The truck is connected to power at night, and the charge of the plates is enough for a work shift.

There are also those with combined power supply, for example, with photocells to generate solar electricity to reduce costs. But they are classified as autonomous because they can maintain the temperature for some time regardless of the operation of the car’s engine.

Classification by temperature regime

An important classification of refrigerators is their ability to operate for cooling or cooling and heating. The former can effectively remove heat from the body, but in winter they cannot heat it to the required temperature. The second ones are able to maintain a given temperature at any time of the year.

According to the temperature regime inside the body, refrigerators are distinguished that cool to:

• 0 degrees;
• - 10 C;
• — 20 C.

Climate control units operating for heating and cold also fall under this classification. With the only caveat that they are able to maintain temperatures from the specified values ​​to +12 C degrees.

There are also multi-temperature vehicles with a body divided by lift-and-slide or stationary partitions. They can maintain different temperatures in different compartments.

In addition, vehicles are distinguished by cargo characteristics: load capacity, body volume, power, etc.

Popular manufacturers

Here are examples of the most popular models of refrigerated semi-trailers:

KRONE

KRONA is a European company that produces the most reliable and trouble-free refrigeration units on automobile chassis. The total weight of the refrigerated semi-trailer reaches 37 tons; The minimum temperature provided by the cooling equipment is up to -75°C.

The refrigerator can be operated at external temperatures up to +50°C. The chassis base is high – up to 1150 mm above the road surface.

Detailed information is visible in the video:

STEELBEAR

STEELBEAR's homeland is North America. The manufacturer's refrigerators are capable of carrying cargo weighing up to 25 tons. Moreover, the weight of an empty semi-trailer is no more than 13 tons.

American STEELBEAR refrigerated semi-trailers are standard in their characteristics (along with Wabash National Corporation models). It is with them that other brands in the USA are compared in quality, judging by user reviews on truck driver forums.

Refrigerators here create and maintain an internal temperature of up to -70°C with a maximum outside temperature of up to +55°C without time limits. Raising the platform above the surface – up to 1100 mm.

IMPORTANT: In the USA, refs such as stew trucks are used, ensuring excellent quality of American steaks in all restaurants in the country.

SOR Iberica

Spanish reefs have a high build quality, which is reflected in a long period of trouble-free operation. The minimum temperature inside here is -72°C with a maximum outside temperature of +65°C. The weight of the equipped and loaded semi-trailer reaches 37 tons. Platform height – from 1100 mm.

Lamberet

"Lambert" is a French brand of refrigerators on wheels. They are in demand due to the reliability of freezing equipment, which provides a maximum temperature difference of 150°C! (minimum – -75°С, maximum – +75°С).

Refrigerator Lamberet.

The compressor and evaporator here are capable of producing enough cold, even if the truck is in the sun for a long time.

The total weight of the equipped and loaded 3-axle semi-trailer is more than 37 tons.

Schmitz

"Schmitz" is a reference brand among refs in Europe. Buying a Schmitz means buying the Mercedes of refrigerated semi-trailers. At the same time, their technical characteristics are standard: up to -70°C inside the refrigeration chamber at +50°C outside. The maximum weight of equipped and loaded equipment is up to 36 tons. Refs of this brand are significantly more expensive than alternative brands.

Koegel

Koegel 3-axle reefs are characterized by a low platform height. It does not exceed 1000 mm. The largest weight of a loaded vehicle is 36.5 tons, refrigeration equipment ensures a minimum temperature of -65°C (at an outside temperature of +55°C).

TONAR

The main advantage of the Tonar brand is its economical cost.

And at the same time, quality indicators are at a standard level:

• the largest total weight (cargo plus packaging) – 37 tons;
• platform height – 1100-1150 mm;
• The minimum temperature provided is -60°C.

"MAZ-Kupava"

And this version of the wheeled trailer refrigerator is the most economical of all the listed models. The products of the Minsk Automobile Plant have a favorable price/quality ratio, precisely because of their low cost. At the same time, over time, the quality characteristics of the Belarusian manufacturer increasingly correspond to international standards.

The weight of the loaded semi-trailer is 37 tons; platform height – 1120-1150 mm; The minimum temperature provided is -60°C.

Detailed information is visible in the video:

Transportation Features

Unlike conventional cargo transportation, refrigerated trucks transport perishable goods and goods that require a certain temperature regime. Therefore, it is very important to ensure compliance with transportation conditions.

In addition, most of the goods transported in refrigerators are perishable goods. This means it is necessary to comply with the requirements of sanitary and epidemiological rules and regulations.

Many people think that refrigerated vehicles are necessary for cooling. However, in winter, such transportation is necessary to prevent freezing, for example, sauces, dairy products, eggs, water. For short trips, an insulated van is quite enough, but for long distances you can’t do without a refrigerator.

When delivering a vehicle, especially when transporting a certain category of goods, for example, flowers, medicines, a certain temperature is set in the back. Before sending, its indicators are measured and recorded in a special journal. The cargo is checked for the integrity of the packaging, and the refrigerator itself is sealed. The shipping documents record the time of departure, as well as the period within which the goods must be delivered. Upon arrival, your details are checked.

Most vehicles are equipped with remote control systems, which allows you to track the route, stop times, and temperature conditions inside the body. All this allows you to save the cargo and promptly notify the responsible persons in case of unforeseen situations.

Why using the carrier’s own fleet of vehicles is profitable and reliable

Some carriers hire vehicles from third companies. This practice is fraught with the following possible troubles:

• The lessee (carrier) cannot guarantee the good technical condition of the vehicle. Because it does not control the passage of maintenance.
• The lessee cannot guarantee the professionalism of the driver, since the hire of personnel is carried out by the lessor.
• Renting a car is always an overpayment, since the lessor includes his own benefit in the contract, and this amount can be quite large. Payment, of course, falls on the exporter.

Our fleet

Our transport company owns its own fleet of refrigerated vehicles, as well as other types of vehicles and trailers. If you enter into an agreement with us, everything will be exactly the opposite:

• We carry out vehicle maintenance ourselves, and therefore guarantee their excellent technical condition.
• We recruit drivers ourselves, determine their experience and length of service. Therefore, real international-class professionals will work with your cargo.
• You will not overpay for car rental to third companies.
• Our cars are guaranteed to meet international requirements and standards.

Moreover, we offer a number of free services. You will also be able to monitor the condition and location of your cargo during transportation from your office on our website in real time. This is achieved through our use of modern navigation equipment, communications equipment and up-to-date software.

Refrigerator repair

Like any equipment, the refrigerator is subject to wear and tear. Even a small malfunction can damage the entire equipment. Therefore, periodic inspections and maintenance are essential.

Among the most common breakdowns are system depressurization, refrigerant leakage and compressor failure. You can also note the failure of electronics.

It is worth noting that equipment does not always require repairs. There are situations when a breakdown occurs in the body itself: these can be cracks in the places of attachment to the chassis, the appearance of gaps in the gate, dents and holes on the sides. All this leads to depressurization of the body and a violation of the temperature regime.

Repairing such damage requires replacing the panels. As a temporary solution, sealing the damaged area is possible. However, it is worth considering the quality of the materials used. They must comply with sanitary standards.

Advantages

When assembling the CTTM Cargoline refrigerated semi-trailer, European components from well-known manufacturers are used.

This technique has a number of other obvious advantages:

• Reinforced axle units for operation in Russia
• Full spar frame with cross members made of Swedish steel Ovako or Masteel UK Ltd (Great Britain)
• The side members have no welds and are made of solid rolled strip
• Clad metal for panels produced by Ruukki and Tissen
• Henkel adhesives
• The frame undergoes shot blasting and two-level painting
• Careful control is carried out at every stage of production

Terms of purchase and delivery

In our company you can buy a CTTM Cargoline refrigerated semi-trailer either separately or together with a truck tractor. If a suitable refrigerated semi-trailer is not in stock, it can always be ordered. Production time to order is from two to four weeks.

For information on the availability of ready-made semi-trailers and cars for sale, please contact the sales department!

Our clients receive goods with a quality guarantee. That is why they prefer our company. During production and assembly, only time-tested components and equipment that have received positive reviews are used. Our suppliers of parts and assemblies include only reliable and trustworthy companies.

If necessary, the company can take into account the wishes of the customer. We are ready to select equipment for a specific transport task. Together with the vehicle, the buyer is given a “Thermogarant” test report, which will allow him to easily obtain an ATP certificate in the future.

Universal temperature recorder

An important feature of our refrigerated semi-trailers is that they are equipped with a temperature recorder, which is equipped with a Touch Print printer. This is the simplest and most compact device to use, which allows you to create printouts of reports and download temperature data.

The main advantages of this temperature recorder are as follows:

• Exporting receipts electronically
• Can be installed in any standard dashboard slot or radio slot
• Storage for temporary storage of data
• High speed thermal printer
• Check every two years
• Presence in the list of approved devices of Rosreestr