cooling truck

Types of Cooling Trucks

A cooling truck is a road transportation vehicle equipped with a refrigeration system that is used to transport temperature-sensitive goods over long distances. Cooling trucks are widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Cooling trucks are also referred to as refrigerated trucks or reefers. Cooling trucks can be categorized into three main categories based on the type of design and the type of cargo being transported.

• By Design

  Based on design, cooling trucks are categorized into:

  Cooling truck with a central refrigeration system - The cooling truck has a built-in central refrigeration system that is used to cool the entire cargo area of the truck. The cooling system can either be a vapor-compression system or a liquid-thermal system.

  Cooling truck with a split refrigeration system - The cooling truck has a split refrigeration system where the cooling system is divided into two separate sections. One section is located in the cab of the truck while the other section is located in the cargo area of the truck.

• By Cargo Type

  Based on cargo type, cooling trucks are categorized into:

  Cooling trucks for food transportation - These cooling trucks are designed to transport food products such as meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. The cooling trucks are designed to maintain strict temperature controls to ensure the food remains fresh and safe.

  Pharmaceutical cooling trucks - These cooling trucks are designed to transport pharmaceutical products such as vaccines, blood samples, and other temperature-sensitive medications. The cooling trucks are designed with strict temperature controls and monitoring systems to ensure the integrity of the pharmaceutical products is maintained during transportation.

• By Size

  Based on size, cooling trucks are categorized into:

  Full-size cooling trucks - These are large-sized cooling trucks that are designed for long-distance transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. The full-size cooling trucks have big cargo areas and powerful refrigeration systems.

  Mid-size cooling trucks - These are medium-sized cooling trucks that are designed for regional transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. The mid-sized cooling trucks have medium cargo areas and also have refrigeration systems.

  Compact cooling trucks - These are small-sized trucks that are designed for short-distance transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. The compact cooling trucks are suitable for urban transportation of temperature-sensitive goods.

Specifications and Maintenance of Cooling Trucks

There are several specifications to consider when buying a cooling truck, such as its size and load capacity, refrigeration unit specifications, truck body construction, and temperature control system. These specifications impact the truck's performance in temperature control and cargo capacity. Here are the major cooling truck specifications:

• Truck Size and Load Capacity

  The size of a cooling truck determines its load capacity. Cooling trucks come in various sizes, from small vans to large semi-trailers. A small cooling truck has a load capacity of about 2000 pounds, while a large truck can transport over 20,000 pounds. The size of the cooling truck should meet the business transportation needs.

• Refrigeration Unit

  The refrigeration unit controls the temperature inside the truck. It is located on the roof or integrated into the truck's body. The cooling system has different temperature ranges. Some maintain temperatures of about 0 to 4 degrees Celsius, while others have temperatures of 4 to 10 degrees Celsius. The design and power of the cooling system also differ. Some trucks have a front-mounted unit, while others have a roof-mounted or body-mounted unit.

• Truck Body Construction

  The construction of a cooling truck is essential for temperature control and energy efficiency. The walls of the truck are insulated using materials such as polyurethane foam. The thickness of the insulation varies and can range from a few centimeters to over 10 cm. The truck's body should have a tight seal to prevent temperature fluctuations.

• Temperature Control and Monitoring

  Cooling trucks have temperature control and monitoring systems. The system controls the temperature of the cargo. It has digital controllers that maintain the set temperature and temperature sensors that provide real-time temperature readings. Some cooling trucks have data loggers that monitor temperature fluctuations throughout the journey.

Here is a quick guide on cooling truck maintenance:

• Regular Inspection: Perform weekly or monthly inspections to check the refrigeration unit, insulation condition, and truck body for wear or damage.
• Refrigeration Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when maintaining the cooling system. This includes cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, checking refrigerant levels, and servicing the compressor.
• Temperature Monitoring: Monitor the temperature of the cargo throughout the journey. This ensures the refrigeration unit is functioning well and alerts the driver to any temperature fluctuations.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Carry out regular vehicle maintenance. This includes routine oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Maintaining the cooling truck improves its performance and reduces wear and tear.
• Sealing and Insulation: Inspect the truck for gaps and cracks. Damaged seals reduce the truck's energy efficiency. Replace worn seals and repair the insulation.
• Load Management: Properly distribute the load and avoid overloading the truck. Overloading stresses the refrigeration unit and affects temperature control.

How to Choose Truck Cooling Systems

Choosing the right truck cooling system requires considering several key factors. Here are some tips.

• Temperature Control

  Any expert choosing a cooling system for a truck will ensure the system has reliable temperature control. This is done to ensure sensitive cargo remains at the ideal temperature. The system should have features that allow it to be monitored and adjusted easily.

• Energy Efficiency

  Energy-efficient cooling systems are the best choice. They help to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Such cooling systems are designed to use less energy while providing the required cooling power.

• Load Capacity

  The cooling system should be chosen based on its load capacity. This is because it determines the system's ability to maintain temperature for different cargo sizes and types. It is important to choose a system with a load capacity that matches the transport requirements.

• Vehicle Size and Type

  The cooling system should be chosen based on the truck's size and type. This is because it determines the cooling system's installation and performance. For larger trucks, a more powerful system is needed because it has to cover a larger area.

• Reliability and Durability

  It is important to choose a cooling system designed for the truck's size and type. This is because it determines the system's ability to maintain temperature under different conditions. For larger trucks, a more powerful system is needed because it has to cover a larger area.

• Noise Level

  Cooling systems for trucks are known to produce noise during operation. This noise can be disruptive, especially for long-haul trucking. It is important to choose a system designed to operate quietly. Such systems have features that help minimize noise.

• Safety Features

  When choosing a truck cooling system, safety features are an important factor to consider. This is because it prevents cargo from being damaged. Features such as alarms for temperature deviations and monitoring systems are important when choosing a system.

• Cost

  Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing a cooling system for a truck. This is because there are different systems with different features and costs. It is important to choose a system that is within the budget and offers the required features and performance.

How to DIY and Replace Truck Cooling

Here is how to DIY and replace truck cooling.

• Identify the problem

  This involves checking the system to know what the problem is. This is done by visually inspecting the system to see if there are any damages, leaks, or broken parts. The coolant level is also checked to see if it is low. The thermostat is also checked to see if it is stuck in the open or closed position. The fan and belt are also inspected to see if there is a faulty or damaged belt. The air circulation is also checked to see if it is blocked.

• Gather the necessary tools and parts

  Once the problem has been identified, the necessary tools and parts needed to fix the problem are gathered. This includes wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and the parts that need to be replaced, such as the thermostat, water pump, or fan.

• Drain the coolant

  This involves draining the coolant from the system once the old part has been identified and before replacing it. This is done by opening the drain plug or removing the radiator cap and letting the coolant out into a clean container.

• Replace the old part

  After draining the coolant, the old part is replaced. This involves removing the old part using the gathered tools and installing the new part and tightening it.

• Refill the cooling system

  Once the old part has been replaced, the cooling system is refilled. This is done by pouring the coolant into the system until it reaches the recommended level.

• Bleed the cooling system

  Bleeding the cooling system helps remove trapped air, preventing the system from functioning effectively. This is done by running the engine until it reaches the operating temperature and squeezing the hoses to release trapped air.

• Check for leaks

  After replacing the part and refilling the system, the system is checked for leaks. This is done by visually inspecting the system and checking for any leaks or drips.

• Reassemble and clean up

  Once the system is checked for leaks and is working properly, the cooling system is reassembled, and all tools and equipment are cleared.

Q and A

Q1: How does a truck refrigerator work?

A1: A truck fridge absorbs heat from food and drinks and then transfers it outside the truck using a refrigerant. The refrigerant then changes from a liquid to a gas and back again, absorbing and releasing heat.

Q2: What is the difference between a refrigerated truck and a cooling truck?

A2: There is no difference between a refrigerated truck and a cooling truck. The two terms refer to the same vehicle that has temperature-controlled cargo space.

Q3: Can a cooling truck be used for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals?

A3: Yes, cooling trucks can transport temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. They are equipped with precise temperature control systems to meet the required standards for such products.

Q4: What are the typical temperature ranges maintained by cooling trucks?

A4: Cooling trucks typically maintain temperature ranges between 0°C to 5°C for chilled goods and -18°C for frozen goods. These temperatures are crucial to preserving the quality and safety of the cargo.

Q5: Can the temperature in a cooling truck be monitored remotely?

A5: Yes, the temperature in a cooling truck can be monitored remotely. Many modern trucks have GPS and temperature monitoring systems that allow real-time temperature tracking and monitoring.