At an outside temperature of +30 C, such a semi-trailer lowers it inside the body, and then maintains it in the range from +12 to -20 degrees, depending on the requirements of the cargo, the degree of tightness of the van and the type of refrigeration unit.
Car refrigerators
Car refrigerators are very popular among domestic carriers. They are in demand both in winter and summer . Moreover, it should be noted that the cost of transporting products with such rolling stock is slightly higher than with other types of semi-trailers. For those who do not understand what we are talking about, our website contains photographs of refrigerators, and a video is shown below the article.
In addition to the refrigerators themselves, the semi-trailer can act as a glacier or a heated vehicle. The source of cold in the van is eutectic plates , dry or natural ice, and liquefied gases. Inside the body, the temperature can range from +7 °C to -20 °C . The heating system can raise the temperature inside an insulated van and maintain it at +12°C with an average outside temperature of -20°C for twelve hours.
If carriers need to constantly transport several cargoes at different temperatures, then they can order the production of multi-temperature refrigerators.
Refrigerators are designed for operation at temperatures from -40 to +40 ° C and a relative air humidity of 80 percent.
Operating principle of a refrigerated container
The refrigerated container system is closed and sealed. It contains freon, a cooling gas. In this case, R-134a.
Through the suction line, this gas enters the compressor. The compressor pumps this gas and then it enters the condenser, where it is brought to a boil and becomes colder. From the condenser the gas enters the receiver. The receiver plays the role of an expansion tank. This is where the excess pressure is released. Next, the gas passes through the dryer filter, i.e. the gas is dried and supplied through the expansion valve to the evaporator. Next, the evaporator fans take the cold away from the evaporator, blowing cold air from top to bottom. The air passes through the container, circulates, returns back to the top and, thus, becomes colder with each circle. Due to this, the temperature decreases.
How does a reefer container work in heating mode?
When the container is working at its best, the evaporator fans are activated, only in this case they take warm air from the heating elements - heating elements.
The heating elements are located under the evaporator of the container. The container takes in air at the top and blows warm air down. This causes heating inside.
All processes are controlled by the controller. The controller opens and closes valves, monitors sensors, turns fans on and off, and ensures continuous operation.
Refrigerator device
The walls of refrigerators, as a rule, are made of monolithic sandwich panels having a thickness of 4-8 cm, connected to each other by external and internal framing elements. The joints of these sandwich panels are made hermetically to prevent the formation of thermal bridges. The doors have a seal made of an elastic, wear-resistant rubber profile, which provides reliable thermal insulation.
The heat-insulating layer in refrigerators is polyurethane foam , with a density of 60 kg/m3, which has a low thermal conductivity coefficient (0.035 W/m2). This material has been tested for toxicity and has been found safe to use as a heat insulator. It is also resistant to rot, microorganisms and mold.
Frameless assembly technology, as well as the use of durable and lightweight materials, make it possible to reduce the weight of the refrigerator, while increasing the weight of the transported cargo, but maintaining sufficient body strength.
The following can be used as internal and external cladding:
- galvanized steel sheet, including those with a polymer or enamel coating;
- clad steel sheet;
- laminated plywood;
- plywood covered with reinforced plastic;
- glossy stainless steel;
- clad aluminum sheet "scales".
The floor in a high-quality refrigerator is a sandwich panel, which consists of multi-layer plywood. The floor can be covered with galvanized steel of different thicknesses, corrugated steel, corrugated aluminum, or polymer fillers.
Main components: list, description
Magnetic starter fig. If the main pipelines and common manifolds are located above the compressors (upper wiring), then the suction and discharge pipes from the compressors should be connected to the main pipelines not from below, but from above, as shown in the figure. In this case, the green lamp 3JI lights up through the normally closed contact 1P-3, indicating the presence of voltage in the control circuits of the refrigeration unit. Schematic diagrams of both cooling methods are presented in Fig.
Behind the oil separator, a defrosting pipeline 7 is connected to the line for supplying steam from the discharge side to direct cooling cooling devices to melt the frost and remove the snow coat from their surface.
Generator The refrigeration unit uses a G22 direct current generator, parallel excitation, rated power W. The actual energy conversion coefficient due to the imperfection of the compressor and the presence of friction in the machine mechanism is lower than the theoretical one
Promotional offers based on your interests: Fig. After this, freon, in its new state, under pressure enters through a narrow hole into the internal system of the evaporator, where it again turns into its original liquid state.
In this case, before opening the faulty control valve, it is necessary to close the shut-off valve and suck out the refrigerant from the entire pipeline.
Ethylene steam is compressed in compressors 6 and 7; Between them, the steam is intermediately cooled in heat exchanger 8 with propane, boiling at t. The normal spring pressure on the brushes should be within the limits - G is checked by the spring.
The compressor is equipped with a crankcase heater 21 and two shut-off valves. The contact of the operational thermal relay T0 closes, the relay winding 2P, having received power, closes its contact 2P-1 as described earlier and turns on the PM starter coil, which again turns on the DV electric motor with the PM contacts. We connect the thermostat ourselves, ring the windings, connect the starting relay.
Types of refrigerators
The refrigerator is manufactured in two versions:
- on the chassis of a flatbed semi-trailer (inset sandwich floor panel);
- on a special chassis, which is designed for use with a load-bearing floor panel and is mounted directly on the chassis.
The second option has a reduced curb weight and increased carrying capacity . Sometimes, to lighten the chassis for refrigerators, the structure is made semi-frame. But we should not forget its main drawback - the likelihood of cracks appearing at the junction of the saddle pad with the frame .
To prevent the movement of cargo inside the van and to conveniently sort it, removable mesh partitions can be installed inside the van.
All components of the refrigerator (isothermal van, refrigeration unit and chassis) must correspond to each other, as well as to the selected temperature conditions inside the semi-trailer.
"Business Auto" - high-quality refrigerators from trusted manufacturers
Our company specializes in the sale, installation, maintenance and repair of refrigeration units from the following manufacturers:
- Thermo King (USA);
- Elinzh (Russia);
- H-Thermo (South Korea);
- Rime (Russia).
We are confident in the high quality of the products we sell, which is backed by a 2-year warranty from the manufacturers of refrigeration units. Also, specialists from our service centers, located in most major cities of the Russian Federation, are always ready to come to your aid in the event of a breakdown of this type of equipment.
To purchase a refrigerator, receive additional information or call a specialist, contact our managers in any way convenient for you: by phone (common for all regions); email, (Moscow); using feedback forms. Our specialist will provide all the information you are interested in and help organize the service you need in record time.
Reefer refrigeration units
Refrigeration equipment can be divided into 3 types:
- Direct drive equipment. It is powered by a car engine, so choosing this type only makes sense if the van has a small volume.
- Equipment with eutectic plates. This type is suitable for vans whose doors open quite often and stops are frequent but short. For example, when transporting ice cream. Eutectic plates freeze to approximately -30 °C when they are connected to the electrical network during overnight parking. They maintain a low temperature throughout the workday, no matter how many times the van doors are opened. The first charge usually lasts 12-14 hours, and subsequent charges last approximately 8 hours.
- Autonomous refrigeration equipment. It operates from an autonomous power source, therefore it is most convenient for semi-trailers with a large body volume.
What are refrigerated trucks?
Refrigerated trucks are uniquely designed trucks or trailers (semi-trailers) designed to transport perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, etc.
In fact, refrigerated trucks are similar in appearance to standard trucks, but the design of a refrigerated truck has several important differences:
- It consists of three elements: its own chassis adapted for mounting the panel and a semi-trailer or van body with a refrigeration unit.
- The walls, ceiling and floors are sheathed with metal (aluminum and stainless steel) or fiberglass.
- The insulators are polyurethane foam and aluminum foil with layers of air. This not only improves insulation, but also prevents product odors from being absorbed into the floors and walls.
Where are they used?
It may come as a surprise, but “perishable goods” is a very broad term that includes more than just fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, frozen and dairy products. Today's truck and trailer refrigeration systems also maintain ideal temperatures and humidity for other valuable cargo to ensure it arrives safely at its final destination.
Driven by regulatory requirements and economic considerations, the cold chain has expanded. Now, among other things that are transported in refrigerators, climate control is required:
- Pharmaceuticals. Commonly used medications, such as insulin and seasonal flu vaccine, must be transported and stored at the correct temperature.
- Expensive tobacco products require strictly controlled temperature levels to maintain freshness and quality.
- Fine art and antiques. Climate control is vital when transporting art, antiques, collector cars and other valuable items. These items are often moved long distances in controlled climates.
- Personal hygiene products. Cosmetics, perfumes and other personal care products must be protected from damage during transportation from the factory to the warehouse and back. Lipstick, for example, can easily melt if not maintained at the proper temperature.
- Chemistry and engineering materials. Climate control helps reduce the likelihood of a chemical reaction that could cause a fire/explosion or affect the quality of the cargo.
While refrigerated trucks are often used to maintain cooler temperatures, they can also heat the air inside the truck bed. During the winter, shippers use refs to protect heat-sensitive products from freezing.
Specifications and description
The main purpose of a refrigerated van is to transport perishable food products and goods that require special transportation conditions, namely maintaining temperature conditions. This modification of GAZ models allows you to create a temperature regime inside the van from +12 degrees to -20 degrees, which can be adjusted depending on the requirements for the temperature of the goods being transported. The Gazelle refrigerated van is produced by the manufacturer on the following chassis of this vehicle: GAZ-3302, GAZ-33022, GAZ-33023, GAZ-330232, GAZ-33106, GAZ-2705 and Gazelle Next. Such a wide selection of basic models will allow you to choose the desired version, taking into account all requirements, even the most stringent ones.
The refrigerator van is universal for each model and is made of sandwich panels combined into a monolithic structure, insulated inside with heat-insulating material, most often polystyrene foam boards. The outside of the van is lined with white metal sheets with anti-corrosion coating, and the inside is lined with galvanized steel, safe for transporting food. There are two versions of the refrigerated van depending on the temperature conditions (cooling or deep freezing). The wall thickness of the first option is 5 centimeters, and the second – 10 centimeters. All Gazelle refrigerator models described in the review have rear swing gates.
The main parameters of the Gazelle refrigerator are its carrying capacity, as well as the possible temperature range that the refrigeration equipment can produce. For goods that only require refrigeration, the temperature inside the van should range from 0 to +5 degrees. And for goods that require deep freezing, the temperature should be lowered to -20 degrees. Types of refrigeration equipment to comply with these temperature conditions are described below.
The carrying capacity of the refrigerator based on the GAZ-3302 vehicle is small and amounts to about 1 ton, on the basis of the Gazelle Next - 1.5 tons, and on the GAZ Valdai - 3.5 tons, which is much more than the previous options. The dimensions of vans for different GAZ car models differ from each other and have the following dimensions:
- on the GAZ-3302 family the length is 3000 mm, the width is 2000 mm, and the height is 1900 mm;
- on a GAZ Valdai car the length is 3600 mm, the width is 2300 mm, and the height is 2000 mm;
- on Gazelle Next the length is 3000 mm, the width is 2000 mm, and the height is 1800 mm.
Based on this, in terms of the dimensions of the GAZ Valdai van, it is ahead of other models, as well as in terms of carrying capacity. The manufacturer produces refrigerated vans not only of standard size, but also according to the individual order of the buyer. Moreover, the inside of the van can be divided into several sections for goods that require different temperature conditions.
How to make a refrigerator with your own hands
If you cannot pay for the services of a company that installs refrigeration equipment, you can choose a less expensive option and make the refrigerator yourself. In this case, you only need an old refrigerator from a regular refrigerator and an electric generator that will power the installation. The main thing is to ensure the tightness of the entire system to prevent freon leakage. You can monitor the temperature in the body using a sensor that will be displayed on a thermometer in the cabin.
The disadvantages of self-assembly are the inability to provide too low temperatures; it is only suitable for cooling transported goods, but not for deep freezing. Such a system will not create the necessary mode for long-term transportation; the possibility of high-quality transportation only over short distances will remain. In this case, it is better to contact specialists.
How much can you earn on a Gazelle refrigerated truck?
At the moment, the freight transportation market at the regional and federal level is filled with a large number of customers, as well as performers. This market sector does not experience a particular shortage of truck drivers, but the amount of cargo requiring transportation is constantly growing, so you also have the opportunity to occupy your niche in this area.
If you decide to buy a Gazelle refrigerator or equip an existing Gazelle with refrigeration equipment, then you need to know some of the nuances of this work. Firstly, in addition to maintaining the vehicle itself, it is necessary to monitor the condition of refrigerators and perform timely technical inspections of the equipment. Otherwise, if the cargo you are transporting melts due to a broken reefer, you will have to pay the supplier for the damaged goods. That is, the level of responsibility in this transportation industry is higher than in conventional cargo transportation.
If you are going to work for yourself, that is, look for customers on your own, then you should set the price per hour of work at least 350 rubles, but not more than 500 rubles when ordering at least two hours. At the moment, most refrigerated truck drivers operate in this price range. The main thing in this version of work is to find your customer, with whom you will subsequently enter into long-term cooperation and constant orders from him. Or better yet, several such customers. In this case, you are guaranteed a stable high income.
If you get a job in a freight transportation company, you will have a fixed salary. Its value varies from 1,500 rubles to 4,000 rubles per shift. But you shouldn’t rejoice about this, because these figures do not take into account the costs of fuel, lubricants and maintenance of your car. In general, for a month of working on a Gazelle refrigerated truck with both options, you can easily earn up to 60 thousand rubles without taking into account expenses. Remember that 60 thousand rubles is not the limit, because the level of earnings on Gazelle depends only on your desire to earn money and the efforts made for this!
