Product Guide
An Introduction to Refrigerated Containers in BC
From farm to festival, reliable cold storage is critical. Discover how refrigerated containers, or reefers, offer a flexible and powerful solution for BC businesses.
For many businesses in British Columbia, from agriculture and fisheries to restaurants and event organizers, precise temperature control is not a luxury but a necessity. Refrigerated shipping containers, commonly known as reefers, are self-contained, portable cold storage units that provide a robust and scalable solution. Let us explore what makes them so valuable.
How Do Reefer Containers Work?
A reefer is not just an insulated box; it is an active temperature-control system. Here is a simple breakdown:
- The Genset: The large unit on one end of the container is a generator set (genset). It houses the compressor, condenser, and evaporator much like a home air conditioner.
- Air Circulation: The unit pulls air from within the container, cools or heats it to the set temperature, and then circulates it through the T-shaped flooring, ensuring even temperature distribution from bottom to top.
- Insulation: The walls are filled with high-density polyurethane foam, which provides excellent insulation to minimize temperature fluctuations and reduce energy consumption.
Maintain, Not Create: A Key Distinction
A reefer is designed to maintain a set temperature, not to rapidly cool down warm cargo. For best results, goods should be pre-chilled to the desired temperature before being loaded into the container.
Power Requirements: What You Need to Know
This is the most critical consideration when planning for a reefer. These are powerful machines that require a significant electrical supply.
- Voltage: Most reefers operate on 3-phase power, typically 460V. Some can be configured for 230V 3-phase, but single-phase residential power is generally not sufficient without a special transformer.
- Professional Installation: You will need a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet and wiring to power the unit safely and reliably.
- Generator Option: For remote sites without access to the grid, an external diesel generator can be used to power the reefer unit.
Common Uses for Refrigerated Containers in BC
The versatility of reefers makes them invaluable across many of BC's key industries.
Agriculture and Wineries
Perfect for storing harvested produce like cherries in the Okanagan or berries in the Fraser Valley, maintaining freshness from farm to market. Wineries also use them for precise temperature control during fermentation.
Restaurants and Breweries
An excellent solution for extra cold storage during peak seasons, special events, or as a permanent walk-in cooler or freezer expansion without the cost of traditional construction.
Festivals and Events
Food vendors at events like the PNE or local music festivals rely on reefers to keep ingredients and beverages safely chilled for the duration of the event.
Fisheries and Game
From the coastal fisheries to hunting lodges in Northern BC, reefers provide a critical solution for preserving valuable catches and game in a food-safe environment.
A refrigerated container is a specialized piece of equipment that offers unmatched flexibility for on-demand cold storage. If your business depends on temperature control, a reefer could be the most efficient and scalable solution you can invest in.