What are isotherms?
What are isotherms? This term refers not only to meteorology but also to a specialized body used in road transport. An isotherm is a superstructure for transporting goods, which guarantees a specific temperature at a specific time. Such trailers or superstructures are not equipped with aggregates - this means that the temperature inside is constant and cannot be decreased or increased. The load should be at the same temperature from the starting point to the destination. This is a type of specialized transport that is readily used when transporting medicines or food. In national and local transports also this type of superstructure is used when delivering bread and sweets to pastry shops and bakeries. The specificity of walls and their rigid structure is also appreciated in the transport of valuable materials. Isothermal transport is quite common and allows the use of vehicles without aggregate, and the tight construction of the walls makes it possible to maintain the temperature inside at a constant level.
Isotherm - how does it work?
How does an isotherm work? How does it happen that the temperature inside remains constant? It is due to very rigid construction and maximum sealing of the whole structure. Additionally, the floor, all walls, and the ceiling are lined with special thermo-insulating materials, which block the escape of air to the outside. The exchange of air mass between the inside and the outside is minimal - you just have to remember to close the door properly. What is important, isotherms provide air temperature above 0oC, lack of aggregate makes it impossible to descend to minus temperatures. A temperature of a few degrees above zero is sufficient for many medications and foods and keeps baked goods fresh.
Is isothermal effective in transportation? Yes, and many carriers use this cost-effective and proven solution. To keep the temperature at the right level, the inside of the superstructure should be lined with a thermal insulation layer. It is accepted in the industry that this must be about 40 millimeters of material. We also distinguish between two types of isotherms:
Type N;
Type IR.
They are distinguished by their heat transfer coefficient. Type N is the standard model that we see most often on the road. The second Type IR is a superstructure with reinforced parameters, where the coefficient reaches k=0,4 W/(sq.m.). Type IR has a much lower level of heat exchange with the environment and is suitable for more demanding cargo.
Isothermal - how does the transport look like?
Isothermal - is such transport profitable? Yes, and this is indicated by the massive use of this type of body, especially in the baking industry. Some bakery products, especially those from chain stores, cover a considerable distance before they reach a bakery, a store, or a restaurant. This type of transport allows the cargo to remain fresh and there is no need to freeze it. Moreover, some goods should not even be frozen, because it negatively affects their properties. This is specialized transport, which requires maintaining the temperature around 0OC. Isothermal bodies are a very effective solution that facilitates part of logistics, especially in national and local transports.
Can the isotherm become unsealed? Of course, it can. This is not only a matter of the technical condition of the body structure but also of the thermal insulation layer coming off. Even the formation of small holes in the lining causes the escape of air, and depending on the temperature outside it can increase or decrease inside. That is why in the isothermal type of bodies it is so important to take care of the condition of the heat-insulating walls, which block the exchange of air with the environment. Contrary to appearances, this is a very demanding transport and some products are extremely sensitive to temperature jumps and also lose their freshness quite quickly. Before ordering this type of transport, it is worth making sure that the vehicle meets the appropriate technical requirements, and its box is well insulated.
Are there any isothermal bodies in Poland?
What kind of isothermal vehicles can we meet in Poland? Basically, the same vehicles as in other European countries are driven on our roads. All vehicles must meet not only the basic safety requirements specified by Polish legislation. In the case of isothermal vehicles, the heat transfer coefficient is also important, which means how much air can escape to the outside. In this type of body, it is important to keep the temperature on a constant level, that is why its structure must be tightly lined with an additional insulation layer.
What kind of isothermal body can we meet? It can be a typical box mounted on a chassis, which can be easily mistaken for a refrigerated body. However, these are vehicles produced by external companies. They buy ready-made bodies from the automotive company and then create a box body with an additional insulation layer by themselves. There is also a second type of vehicle with a uniform body - the driver's cab and the rear part of the vehicle form a single body. This second type of vehicle is already built by automotive companies, which lining the rear part with a special insulation layer on request. Is a used isotherm a safe choice? Everything depends not only on the technical condition of the car but also on the box and the insulation layer. Before buying a used vehicle, it is best to inspect it thoroughly.
What do I need an isothermal body for?
Where is an isothermal body useful? It is a great alternative to refrigerated vehicles and does not require an additional refrigeration unit. If your cargo does not need refrigeration, but you will need a constant temperature for its safety - then the choice of the isothermal body will be obvious. It is widely used especially by bakers and confectioners, who care about delivering fresh and fragrant products to bakeries, confectioneries, stores, and restaurants. An isothermal truck will also work well for transporting less durable products such as food and light. It is a type of transportation that is willingly used especially for short national or local distances.
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