INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN |
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correctly . The pre-trip inspection is critical to ensure that the temperature is maintained at the required level ( at least -20 ° C ). It can be disastrous to discover any issues with the system while on the road – therefore , it ’ s essential to conduct a pre-trip inspection before embarking on any journey .
E-COMMERCE AND NEED FOR REGULATION
E-commerce is driving new shopping trends , but is the product still in a temperaturecontrolled state at the destination point ? Distributors need to be mindful that refrigerated bodies are designed to maintain temperature , so loading at the correct temperatures is critical as well as control of required temperatures during multiple offloads in a round trip .
Clinton Holcroft , CEO of Serco , says : “ The pandemic was the trigger to increase consumers ordering for home deliveries in South Africa . This has seen an explosion of motorcycles and scooters taking to the road with various storage box configurations being fitted for transporting groceries and perishable foods .
“ This is where the purpose-built vehicles with multi-temperature capabilities can come into play . Benefits include preventing food spoilage and keeping the integrity of chilled items intact to prolong shelf life and minimise waste and returns . So , if fresh produce retailers are serious about taking advantage of this trend and offering a quality delivery model , they should gear up with the correct delivery setup to ensure maintained quality of the products .”
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Holcroft suggests that while it is convenient for short distances and minimal goods , “ it is not ideal for maintaining cold chains as there is no refrigeration or adequate insulation .”
He notes that from a refrigerated body-manufacturer perspective , it hasn ’ t been easy for customers to differentiate between the thermal performance of one insulated body versus another , but the difference can make a substantial difference over the life of the body in terms of fuel consumed by the fridge , CO 2 emissions and maintaining product at the correct temperature .
Holcroft says : “ A simple pull-down test can be done , to compare performance between bodies , but this isn ’ t always possible or convenient for customers to carry out but would give an indication where significant variances exist . We have done our own informal testing and have discovered up to 50 % differences in the time it takes to get to temperature and then to maintain temperature . This has a direct impact on perishable goods , especially when there are multiple deliveries , which is why we have invested in a state-ofthe-art PU foam injection process for manufacturing our insulated panels .”
One key difference , he says , is that in Europe transporters of perishable foods are required to obtain an ATP certificate which is an independent rating of the body ’ s thermal compliance to set standards . This is valid for six years and can be extended by a further three years on retesting .
“ In South Africa there is no such requirement , so being a voluntary
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Image supplied by Serco
Protec dryliner with reinforced rear end .
process has not seen much support for clear standards to be set and hence performance can vary significantly . When it comes to food , hygiene and the general cold chain management , implementing formal certification for the transport of perishable goods could potentially raise local standards ,” says Holcroft .
On the subject of regulation , he adds : “ Particularly in urban areas , noise pollution is becoming a growing issue as transporters look to improve efficiencies and distribute at night or early in the morning to avoid peak traffic . Newer equipment is coming out with enhanced features and accessories to minimise noise pollution .”
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Serco builds a wide range of truck bodies and trailers to suit transporters ’ unique requirements from long distance to short haul to last mile distribution . “ We offer single and multi-temperature solutions , and our range covers one-ton bakkie bodies up to 30 pallet trailers .
“ Improving thermal performance directly impacts energy efficiency and running costs . New innovations available include using solar panels to power the refrigeration units and tail lifts to reduce environmental impact ,” he adds .
“ In addition , temperature telematic systems are constantly advancing and can effectively identify problems using early warning systems to improve the cold chain .”
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REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT : THE LIFELINE OF THE DISTRIBUTION COLD CHAIN
By John Ackermann
Refrigerated transport serves as a vital link – though one of many , and indeed the refrigerated truck itself , typically represents several links of the chain within the logistics chain . It enables the transportation of perishable products while maintaining their quality and freshness . Refrigerated transport encompasses a diverse range of vehicles and modes of transportation .
Various types of vehicles contribute to the seamless movement of perishables : road vehicles in the form of bakkies , rigids or articulated , marine containers , rail wagons and ships – depending on the product and size of consignment . The ability to transport products efficiently relies on having all these links in place , ensuring a smooth journey from the source to the end user .
Energy efficiency is a crucial consideration in the design of a refrigerated vehicle . These vehicles use energy to maintain the desired temperature of the products – an energy consumption influenced by several factors , including the temperature of the loaded products , the thermal efficiency of the insulated structure of the cargo space and the nature of the products being transported .
Different products have different characteristics that impact their refrigerated transportation . For instance , frozen products do not generate any heat , while fresh produce , like grapes or avocados , produce heat through respiration .
Consequently , the refrigeration system must have the capability to handle the heat generated by such products .
Furthermore , if a product is loaded into a refrigerated vehicle at a temperature higher than the required temperature , the refrigeration unit must be able to rapidly reduce the temperature . Problems often arise when products are not loaded at the correct temperature , emphasising the importance of proper temperature management .
In addition to temperature control , airflow within the vehicle is crucial for maintaining the desired temperature . Since the dimensions and mass of the road vehicle is restricted by road ordinance sufficient space must be allocated for proper airflow .
Without proper airflow , maintaining the desired temperature becomes challenging . Thermal efficiency is another critical factor that impacts the energy consumption of refrigerated vehicles . The insulation quality , door seals , and other construction aspects directly influence the thermal efficiency . By testing the thermal efficiency in a dedicated chamber , the effectiveness of insulation can be assessed . Unfortunately , there is lack of such thermal test chambers in the industry , which is a matter of concern .
In 2017 the cold chain industry received a massive boost when a bilateral agreement between the German development agency , the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit ( GIZ ), and the dtic resulted in the funding of such a test chamber at the South African Bureau of Standards ( SABS ) facility in Pretoria . The SABS thermal test chamber , which is fully operational and is equipped to conduct tests to ‘ SANS 1744 – Insulation for special equipment used in refrigerated transport ’ has disappointingly since been sitting idle for many months on .
R & D FOCUSED ON THERMAL EFFICIENCY
Refrigerated transport has witnessed several developments and trends over the years , improving the efficiency and sustainability of the cold chain . One crucial aspect that impacts on the lifecycle costs of a refrigerated vehicle is the thermal efficiency . The wear and tear of the insulated cargo space , such as damage to the seals or insulation , can affect its ability to maintain temperature , leading to increased energy consumption .
In the context of local distribution , where rigid vehicles are commonly used for shorter distances , temperature management becomes even more critical . Every time the vehicle door is opened and closed , the temperature inside fluctuates , and the refrigeration unit is tasked with recovering that temperature as quickly as possible . Minimising temperature fluctuations is key to preserving the quality of perishable products during transportation .
Ensuring a smooth transfer of products from one vehicle to another plays a vital role in maintaining temperature control . Ideally , the loading and unloading process should be swift and efficient , reducing the time during which the product is exposed to changing temperatures . The use of docking seals and temperature-controlled loading areas helps limit temperature fluctuations during transfer .
Refrigerated transport control systems have become more sophisticated over time . The introduction of advanced control systems has enhanced the efficiency and ease of maintenance of refrigeration units . These systems provide notifications for servicing requirements and enable diagnostic checks to identify and address problems promptly . The incorporation of electronics into the refrigeration systems has made maintenance and pre-trip procedures more straightforward .
CHOICE OF SYSTEM
When selecting a refrigerated vehicle , it is essential to consider the specific requirements of the job and choose the appropriate vehicle accordingly . Efficiency and energy consumption should be taken into account to minimise costs and environmental impact . Monitoring and controlling energy usage are key factors in optimising the operations of refrigerated vehicles .
The choice of refrigeration systems for a refrigerated vehicle depends on various factors , including the application and the type of product being transported . One common method is the self-contained system , which typically has a built-in diesel engine . This
COLD LINK AFRICA • January / February 2024 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 11