NEWS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
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MAINTAINING THE COLD CHAIN
Speaking with a passion for the cold chain
industry, Ackermann continued: “All too
often there is a misconception about the
importance of low heat leakage rates
of refrigerated vehicles for long distance
transport or the local distribution of
perishables. It all revolves around energy
usage, low carbon emissions, and food
safety.” The higher the heat leakage,
the more energy (diesel or grid power) is
required to maintain temperature.
Admittedly, if the heat leakage rate is
high, all that is needed is a refrigeration unit
with a higher cooling capacity — but with a
higher fuel bill and larger carbon footprint.
However, in the event of the refrigeration
system failing or the system being switched
off for whatever reason, the higher the
heat leakage rate, be it because of poor
insulation, body manufacturing defects, or
poor maintenance. The increase in cargo
temperature will be rapid. Temperature
variations during transportation influence
food safety, which is of prime concern to
everyone, including each person at the
opening celebration and their
family members.
The export of perishables is a major
contributor to the economy of South
Africa and relies heavily on refrigerated
vehicles and reefer containers able to
maintain cargo temperatures at optimum
levels until the destination in Europe, the
Far East, or Africa is reached. Refrigerated
transport of the best performance also
plays an important role in the distribution
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of pharmaceuticals and vaccines across
Africa. Vaccines are temperature sensitive
and run the risk of being ineffective if
subjected to high temperatures during the
distribution chain.
The chamber at the SABS is a step in the
right direction and is in keeping with the
technological advancement being made
in every aspect of refrigerated transport.
“A test in a chamber is the only foolproof
method to quantify the heat leakage rate
of a new or used refrigerated vehicle,” said
Ackermann during his speech. Random
sample testing of the vehicles presently
operating on South Africa’s highways will
indicate how well equipped they are for
their present duties, which often vary from
chilled loads one way and frozen on a
return trip. GIZ deserves all the praise for the
bold step of investing so much in the local
refrigerated transport industry.
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1. The measurements and calibration of
instruments were done by registered
petrologist, Joshua Msimanga.
2. Michael Schuster of GIZ addressing
those attending the opening of the
chamber, explaining how it works.
3. Joshua Msimanga (left) and Constant
Pretorius of the SABS about to open
the truck in the test chamber.
4. The official opening of the thermal test
chamber by Joshua Msimanga (left)
and Constant Pretorius of the SABS.
Continued on page 15
COLD LINK AFRICA • July | August 2017
www.coldlinkafrica.co.za
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