DRYING EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS
There have been a few significant events around the globe in the past two years. The COVID-19 outbreak, the Russo-Ukrainian War, and the constant climate change. These issues have severely crippled global logistics and maritime transportation. Conditions like port closures and rerouting gave rise to many delivery delays. Here comes a huge issue - are the goods inside a shipping container going to make it to their destination and in good condition? Since shipping containers are metal, which is a thermal conductor, there could be significant temperature changes inside the metal walls throughout the day. When there is a drastic drop in temperature inside, the air reaches its dew point, and water drops will collect on the walls and roof. This condensation process, also known as container rain or cargo sweat, could only get worse when we transport goods across various climate regions.
When heat escapes and the shipping container cools over temperature shifts, especially at night, the water in the air condenses and becomes water droplets. They will accumulate on any surface where heat is evaporating. If not taken care of properly, condensation in a shipping container could cost you a lot of money.
In the short term, water droplets will drip on the goods, ruining the whole shipment. It doesn’t matter if they are thousands worth of fabric or millions worth of cars. The moisture will increase the chance of forming rust and corrosion. Mould and mildew will even devastate organic goods, along with bugs and bad odours. Significant monetary losses could incurre.
In the long run, the damaged cargo would ruin your relationship with clients. This cost equates to more than the goods themselves. The deterioration of the container’s interior could be hard to reverse, even if you remove the damp goods.
Condensation is closely linked to humidity and temperature changes. To look for the best solutions to tackle condensation, we need to have a better understanding of all the contributing elements. Here are five “HUMID” factors that account for unwanted droplets.
We know it’s impossible to completely get rid of the container rain. But, we do have some ideas for reducing and preventing container sweat. In view of the huge impact of moisture in condensation, you may want to consider a dehumidifier. There is a wide range of dehumidifiers that may be of use.
Shipping containers have standard air vents to allow a certain volume of air in. It may be effective in preventing insects and pests, but it is far from effective in preventing condensation from forming. High-capacity industrial dehumidifiers are tough enough to withstand harsh conditions on the sea. They also regulate the moisture content in a closed area.
To ensure a moisture-free interior for months on the sea, desiccant dehumidifiers are preferable to refrigerant models. They remain effective at a lower temperature, even well below 0 degrees, where refrigerant dehumidifier technology struggles. They absorb moisture from the air in the container and minimise the chance of condensation.
Different from domestic and commercial dehumidifiers, some models of industrial-use desiccant dehumidifiers, such as the Ecor Pro DH800 INOX, provide for 24/7 moisture control on boats and marine environments.
Desiccant dehumidifiers feature desiccant material on a rotary wheel. When the machine draws air in through its vent, it passes through the wheel, and the desiccant material absorbs moisture. Dry air is then blown out via a second vent, while moisture evaporates from the material and expelled through another vent as water vapour.
When ducted, you can place portable dehumidifiers in a corner or mounted on the wall or ceiling. You can duct the humid air and vent it outside of the container, maintaining a moisture-free condition inside. A desiccant machine also eliminates the need to empty traditional dehumidifiers of water. So, you don't have to open the shipping container regularly, which in turn allows more humid air in.