The cold supply chain logistics ? knowing it all

Posted by Crystal Group on February 22nd, 2019

The cold chain supply logistics involves the transportation of temperature sensitive products. They supply the chain through thermal and refrigerated packaging methods and logistic planning to protect the integrity of these shipments.

Cold chain

There are goods that are damaged by shocks while there are some others that can be damaged by the undue temperature difference. Particularly food products undergo chemical changes with lower temperatures. There are several means by which cold chain products can be transported, including refrigerated trucks and railcars, cargo ships as well as air cargo.

It is a process in which preparation, storage, transport and monitoring of temperature sensitive products can be done. This science requires an understanding of thechemical and biological processes. Different products require the maintenance of different temperature levels to maintain the integrity of the product. The most common temperature standards are banana (13degree centigrade), chill (2 degree centigrade), frozen (-18 degree centigrade) and deep frozen (-29 degree centigrade). Staying within the temperature range is vital and for perishables it enables to ensure an optimal shelf life

The major cold chain technologies are

1. DRY ICE

Solid carbon dioxide, is about -80 degree centigrade, it does not melt instead it sublimates when it comes in contact with air. This is used for transporting pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods and food stuff.

2.GEL PACKS

They are stored at the temperature range between 2 and 8 degree centigrade. They can change from solid to liquid state. The substances that can go from solid to liquid state while at the same time capturing escaping energy and maintaining internal energy.

3.EUTECTIC PLATES

Also known as cold plates which are filled withliquid and can be used many times. They have a wide range of applications.

4.LIQUID NITROGEN

-196 degree centigrade is used to keep packages frozen from a long period of time. Biological cargo like tissues and organs are considered for transportation.

5. QUILTS

Insulated pieces are placed over freight to act as a buffer to maintain temperature fluctuations. They can be used to keep temperature sensitive andrelatively constant while outside temperature may vary.

6.REEFERS

Van, small truck, standard ISO container or a trailer with temperature control transport unit. They are insulated and are designed to allow temperature controlled air circulation. They maintain the cargo temperature cool and warm depending on the necessity

REFRIGERATED CONTAINERS

Most of the refrigerated cargo is transported through refrigerated containers. Proper air circulation must be maintained. It requires an electric power source during transportation and is designated to maintain the temperature

1.WHEELED STORAGE

Reefers placed on chassis where each parking slot has electric reefer plug

2. RACK STORAGE

20 TO 30 reefers stacked into a rack system. It has higher capital costs.

Cold chains are a high cost in maintenance and operation. Since each cargo unit has different requirements in terms of demand, load and integrity, there will be going to be great increment and demand for perishable goods and cold supply chain logistics. It is solelydependent on supply chain logistics. The highlight was technological changes, helping in more efficient production of data to drivers and coordinators alike. Cold chains are becoming global and are focusing on quality and product sensitivity.

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