Temperature monitoring for refrigerated transport and cold chain distribution
Ensuring that produce is maintained at the correct temperature during transit from warehouse to client is imperative. Temperature excursions that occur during transport lead to damaged produce and decreased shelf life. Ensuring the environmental conditions are maintained for refrigerated cargo is essential. When dealing with food stuffs there are specific food standards that must be adhered to. These can require audited trail and data logging of the storage temperatures both during warehouse and in transit.
There are certain industry best practices and standards that should be followed for the storage and transportation of temperature sensitive products. Specialist logistics company engaged in cold chain transportation have the necessary transportation vehicles and climate controlled vessels. These can take the form of refrigerated vans, trucks and shipping containers. The receiving and dispatch points should also be suitably equipped to handle refrigerated and chilled storage products.
Pre Trip Preparation
Pre-trip preparation for refrigerated transportation can help to limit temperature excursions. Pre-cooling the trailer to the required temperature minimizes excursions when loading. As air is likely to escape during loading, the preload cooling set point is generally lower than required. After loading and the vessel is closed, the set point can be adjusted to maintain the required temperature.
In Transit Protocol and Monitoring
During transit, multiple stops could be made for deliveries. Each time the temperature-controlled compartment of the refrigerated delivery vehicle is accessed warm air is drawn inside. If the cooling system is running during unloading warm air will be drawn inside elevating the temperature. It is a good practice to install door switches so that the cooling system can be controlled and turned off. Sensors, such as those provided by AKCP, give wireless data logging of the temperature of the compartment, include a dry contact switch for doors. This door contact will record each time the refrigerated trailer is accessed and can be used as a signal to shut off the cooling system.
Refrigerated Transport Monitoring
Wireless monitoring systems can be deployed in refrigerated transport to give realtime details on the vehicles location, temperature status and door status. This live tracking is consolidated in a centralized management software like AKCPro Server, that displays on a map all vehicle locations and environmental sensor status.
For those who do not require live updates, data logging wireless dual temperature and humidity sensors from AKCP are capable of logging data during transport and synchronizing that data once the vehicle is back at the warehouse. These data loggers have an internal memory that can record days worth of data. This is a lower-cost solution than live tracking, for those who only require an audited trail of temperature during delivery.
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