Reefer container maintainace

COMPANY GAPESCO REEFER MAINTEANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES:

-        Whyreefer maintenance is important :  

1.      Everything needs maintenance, from cars and ships to roads andbuildings. Reefers are no exception. With their expensive and intricate coolingequipment, upkeep is even more important than for other kinds of containers.

2.      Reefers have a very important job. They transport temperature-sensitivegoods, without breaking the cold chain once. They’re responsible for gettingfruit, vegetables, dairy products and medication to stores and markets fresh.

3.      Reefers are expensive to run, as well as to maintain. However, they’re alot more expensive to fix if damaged or malfunctioning. Plus, the consequencesfor a broken reefer can be far-reaching.

4.      If a reefer container’s cooling equipment is not working correctly,temperatures inside the container will fluctuate. This can cause items tospoil, thaw, rot or melt, costing shippers tons of money in lost produce.

5.      At GAPESCO we are Maintaining your reefers and ensure that they workoptimally, for as long as possible. We  perform regular checks and repairs to keepthem in ship-shape.

-        Our regular reefer  maintenance  services in GAPESCO

Availability of a comprehensive maintenanceand support program, including preventive maintenance plans, emergency responsecapabilities, and spare parts availability.

Ability to provide timely service andsupport, including response times, service level agreements (SLAs), andavailability of technical support personnel. Maintaining reefer containers  involves several essential steps to ensuretheir proper functioning and longevity. In GAPESCO  Heres some  and not limit to outline of the maintenancesteps for reefer containers:

v Pre-Inspection:

Before conducting any maintenance activities, visually inspect the reefercontainer for any visible damage, such as dents, leaks, or loose components.

v Ensure that the containeris in a safe and accessible location, free from any potential hazards.

v Power Off and Isolation:

Disconnect the power source to the reefer container and isolate it fromthe electrical supply to prevent any accidental start-up or electric shockduring maintenance.

v Cleaning:

Thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the reefer container,removing any dirt, debris, or residue. Use appropriate cleaning agents andtools to ensure cleanliness. Clean the reefer coils by either hosing or aircleaning.

v Air Filters:

Check and clean or replace the air filters to maintain proper airflow andprevent dust or debris from obstructing the cooling system.

v Condenser and EvaporatorCoils:

Inspect the condenser and evaporator coils for any dirt, dust, orblockages. Clean the coils using a soft brush or compressed air to remove anydebris that may hinder heat exchange efficiency. Clean circulating fansregularly to make sure there’s continuous circulation inside . Defrost reefersregularly. To remove ice on the evaporator coil, put on a defrost cycle at9-hour intervals. For chilled cargo with closed ventilation, the defrost cycleis 12 hours. For chilled cargo with open ventilation, the defrost cycle is 6hours.

v Electrical Connections:

Inspect all electrical connections, terminals, and wiring for any signsof damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Tighten or repair as necessary toensure a secure and reliable electrical connection.

v Refrigerant Levels:

Check the refrigerant levels in the system using appropriate gauges andequipment. Add or remove refrigerant as needed, ensuring it is within themanufacturers recommended levels.

v Control Settings:

Verify and adjust the temperature and other control settings according tothe cargo requirements and manufacturers guidelines. Check digital readoutslike thermostats and temperature sensors to ensure the unit is operating at thecorrect temperature at all times.

v Documentation andRecord-Keeping:

Maintain a comprehensive record of all maintenance activities, includingdates, findings, repairs, and any parts or consumables used. This documentationhelps track maintenance history and facilitates future inspections.

Loadthe reefer at the correct temperatures to ensure cargo remains fresh.

Pre-trip inspection for reefer container maintenance

v A pre-trip inspection isdone on an empty container, before it’s loaded with cargo. This must take placebefore a container leaves the port. It’s important to note that this is not anofficial, technical test for a certificate. It simply checks whether thecontainer is in a good condition, and doesn’t need any repair work done beforeshipping goods.

v Pre-trip inspection of areefer container includes:

v Cleaning (dirt and odorremoval).

v Inspection of containerinterior (to make sure it meets food-grade criteria).

v Checking of all machinerysuch as cooling equipment.

v  Checking door seals and locks are in a good condition.

After the inspection, the time and date, as well asthe inspector’s name are documented and attached to the container’s label.

Let us first state common damages we faced during our services and thepossible reasons:

-         Container floor repairs

Container floors areusually plywood, which wears down over time. This happens because of theconstant loading and unloading of goods. Floors get scratched, scraped, gougedand dented on a regular basis. Constant pressure due to heavy items can causefloors to crack or become uneven. If any obvious cracks become visible, replacethe floors immediately. Regular inspections can help to detect sneaky cracksbefore they become a major issue.

-         Rust removal

-         Shipping containersare prone to rust, as they’re constantly exposed to harsh elements. Rust canlead to holes in the container walls. A very common container repair is rustremoval. For surface level rust, sandblasting will do the job. If the rust isunderneath the paint, it will need to be cut out and welded with a new piece ofsteel.

-         Repainting the containerbody

Paint a special coat onto your container’ssurface to protect the body. Bear in mind that you’ll need to reapply thislayer regularly, as it loses its effectiveness over time. Even a small dent cancause the paint to start to chip away, leaving walls vulnerable to rust andholes.

-         Fixing holes and cracks:

Holes and cracks allow bugsand rodents, as well as the elements into cargo box. We identify and repairholes and cracks as soon as you notice them.

-         Reefer-specific repairs

We Make sure that all doorseals are effective on reefer, otherwise cold air can seep out. Refrigeration unitsinspected regularly. This will reduce the running costs and ensure thateverything is working optimally.

-         Replacing door seals and Gaskets:

Door seals that keepcontainers airtight or watertight are made of rubber, which disintegrates overtime. We Inspect the door seals and gaskets for any wear, tears, or gaps.Replace any damaged or worn-out seals to maintain proper insulation and preventtemperature leakage. replace the door seals when they start to look worn.

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