Refrigerated Trucks: How Transporting Ice Cream Requires Extra Precision

Mon Oct 2024 | Uncategorized

When it comes to transporting perishable goods like ice cream, using an ordinary refrigerated truck won’t cut it. Ice cream is highly sensitive to temperature changes, and even the smallest variation can affect its texture and quality. So, what makes a specialized ice cream refrigerated truck different from your average refrigerated vehicle? Let’s dive into the details and explore the key factors to ensure successful ice cream transportation.

Types of Refrigeration Units for Ice Cream

There are two primary types of refrigeration systems used for transporting ice cream:

1) Independent Refrigeration Unit:
This system is designed to maintain temperatures as low as -18°C, which is sufficient for transporting ice cream in most regions around the world. It’s a reliable option and widely used in countries with moderate climates. These trucks offer efficient cooling but may struggle in regions with extreme heat.

2) Cold Plate Cold Storage System:
For hotter climates, like those in the Gulf countries or tropical regions, a more robust system is required. The cold plate refrigeration unit can maintain temperatures as low as -30°C, providing a more secure solution for ice cream transport in regions where temperatures soar. However, this option is more costly due to its advanced technology and stringent cooling requirements.

Key Precautions for Ice Cream Transportation

Transporting ice cream is more than just using the right truck. Careful handling and thoughtful preparation are crucial to maintaining product integrity during the journey. Here are some essential precautions to keep in mind:

1) Pre-Cooling the Vehicle:
Before loading any ice cream, it’s important to pre-cool the refrigerated truck to ensure that the compartment is already at the necessary temperature. This prevents a sudden temperature rise when the ice cream is loaded, which could compromise its quality. Additionally, the truck should have ventilation slots on the bottom to ensure even cooling. Ice cream should be packed in protective materials, like cartons, to prevent direct exposure to cold air that could pull moisture from the product, affecting its texture.

2) Proper Loading Techniques:
One of the most common mistakes in transporting ice cream is overloading the vehicle. Stacking ice cream products too high can block the air outlets of the refrigeration unit, which disrupts the flow of cold air. This not only increases the local temperature around the ice cream but can also trigger defrost cycles in the refrigeration unit, which should be avoided. To ensure proper air circulation, the loading height should not exceed the plane height of the air outlet.

3) Ventilated Flooring Matters:
Refrigerated trucks are often equipped with ventilated aluminum rail floors, which allow cold air to circulate from beneath the products. However, some trucks might use flat, non-slip floors—especially those used by third-party transportation companies. If that’s the case, it’s essential to load the ice cream using double-sided pallets to ensure airflow. Direct stacking on a flat floor can result in uneven cooling and potential spoilage.

4) Avoid Blocking the Evaporator Outlet:
The evaporator outlet is responsible for circulating cold air evenly throughout the truck’s compartment. Blocking this outlet with goods can cause a short circuit in the airflow, preventing proper cooling and leading to uneven temperatures. It’s critical to maintain a gap of at least 225 mm between the top of the cargo and the roof of the truck to allow air to flow freely.

Conclusion: The Right Truck for the Job

Transporting ice cream requires specialized equipment and precise loading practices to ensure the product arrives at its destination in perfect condition. Whether you’re dealing with moderate climates or extreme heat, having the right refrigeration system—along with careful attention to how the ice cream is loaded and transported—is key to preserving its quality.