How Super Freezer Reaches Temperatures Down to -70 °C
Ultra-freezing containers utilize cascade cooling technology (Cascade Technology), which enables bridging the enormous temperature difference between the environment and the required internal temperature.
Cascade Cooling System
- Two-stage cooling: The solution is based on two independent cooling circuits, each using a different refrigerant:
- Primary circuit (higher temperatures): Typically R134a, whose task is to dissipate heat from the cascade condenser.
- Secondary circuit (low temperatures): Uses special refrigerant with extremely low boiling point (for example R23), which enables reaching temperatures down to -70 °C.
- Cascade heat exchanger: Between the circuits is a heat exchanger that ensures efficient heat transfer.
- Microprocessor control: Typically Thermo King MP-3000, enables precise temperature setting and monitoring, alarms, remote management and data logging (for example for the pharmaceutical industry).
Key Technical Elements
- Insulation: Polyurethane foam up to 150 mm thick to minimize heat loss.
- Construction: Most often 20′ or 40′ High Cube format for maximum volume and variability.
- Interior lining: Food-grade stainless steel, resistant to brittleness at low temperatures.
- Floor: Aluminum T-profiles to ensure circulation of cold air around the goods.
- Doors: Heavily insulated, with robust seals and lever mechanism for easy opening even in case of freezing.
Main Components and Structural Elements
| Component | Description and Function |
|---|---|
| Cooling unit | Thermo King Super Freezer, two-stage compressor system (scroll and piston), microprocessor control, remote monitoring, telematics. |
| Container box | ISO 20′, 40′ or High Cube, strong insulation (up to 15 cm PUR foam), CSC certification, robust frame for maritime and land transport. |
| Interior walls | Food-grade stainless steel, resistant to brittleness and easily washable. |
| Floor | Aluminum T-profiles for perfect air circulation and even cooling. |
| Doors | Double, heavily insulated, with possibility of opening even when frozen, internal safety button, vinyl curtain against cold leaks during entry. |
| Power supply | 3-phase, 380-460 V, 50/60 Hz, consumption 6–10 kW/h (depending on type), possibility of connection to ship, depot or via Thermo King SG-Series generator (genset). |
Typical Dimensions and Capacity
| Container Size | Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | Volume (m³) | EUR Pallet Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ Super Freezer | approx. 5.45 x 2.29 x 2.27 m | 28–29 | 10–11 |
| 40′ High Cube Super Freezer | approx. 11.56 x 2.29 x 2.54 m | 67–69 | 23–25 |
These values may vary depending on equipment, insulation thickness and type of cooling unit. For maximum utilization of pallet space, it is necessary to consider the height of the cargo and the method of stacking.
Key Applications and Uses
Ultra-freezing Thermo King Super Freezer containers are essential for transport and storage:
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
- Vaccines (including mRNA): Stable storage at temperatures well below zero (e.g. COVID-19 vaccines).
- Biological samples and blood plasma: Stopping cell degradation and preserving sample integrity.
- Medicines and active substances (API): Protection against decomposition and loss of efficacy.
Premium Foods (especially seafood products)
- Sashimi-grade fish (tuna, swordfish): Preservation of freshness, color, texture and taste – enables maritime transport instead of expensive air freight.
- Seafood, shrimp, sea urchins: Prevention of all molecular activity by freezing below eutectic temperature.
Advanced Materials and Electronics
- Semi-finished products for aerospace and automotive industry: Some composites, resins and other materials require deep freezing to prevent premature curing.
- Sensitive electronics and semiconductors: Storage in an environment with precisely controlled temperature and humidity.
Food and Chemical Industry, Research
- Enzymes, cultures, chemicals: Preservation of activity and extension of service life.
- Research and development: Testing of materials and components in extreme conditions (aviation, automotive, energy).
Advantages and Benefits of Using Super Freezer Containers
- Preservation of quality and value of goods: Minimization of risk of spoilage, loss of efficacy or value.
- Flexibility and mobility: Quick deployment anywhere in the world, possibility of short-term and long-term storage.
- Regulatory compliance: Temperature monitoring and recording (GDP, GxP for pharmaceuticals).
- Safety: Robust construction, internal security, possibility of remote supervision.
Comparison: Super Freezer vs. Standard Refrigerated Container (reefer)
| Feature | Thermo King Super Freezer | Standard Refrigerated Container (reefer) |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | -70 °C to -10 °C | -25 °C to +25/35 °C |
| Technology | Cascade, two-compressor | Single-stage circuit |
| Insulation | Extra strong (up to 15 cm PUR foam) | Standard refrigeration insulation |
| Primary use | Cryogenic storage, pharmacy, sashimi fish | Common foods, flowers, medicines, dairy products |
| Price | Significantly higher purchase and operating | Standard price |
| Power supply | 6–10 kW/h, 3-phase, genset option | 3–7 kW/h, 3-phase |
| Designation | Super Freezer, Deep Freezer, ULT | Reefer, Fresh & Frozen, Chiller Container |
Other Important Terms and Concepts
- Cold Chain: Uninterrupted chain of refrigerated transport and storage, where Super Freezer is a key link for products requiring ultra-low temperatures.
- High Cube (HC): Container height 9’6″ (2.9 m), allows greater volume and capacity.
- ISO container: Internationally standardized container for safe and efficient transport.
- Genset (generator set): Portable generator for powering the container in case of absence of grid connection.
- Telematics: Systems for remote monitoring of temperature, location and equipment status in real time.
Energy Intensity and Operation
- Energy consumption: 6–10 kW/h (depending on size and type), depends on required temperature and environment.
- Refrigerant: R134a (primary circuit), R23 (secondary circuit) – more environmentally friendly variants are under development.
- Testing before delivery: Each container is subjected to functionality and tightness test before dispatch.
Certification, Legislation and Safety
- CSC certification: Container must be certified for maritime transport.
- GDP/GxP compliance: For pharmaceutical transport, temperature evidence and monitoring according to directives is required.
- Safety features: Internal emergency opening button, alarms, operational data recording.
Practical Tips for Interested Parties
- Selection of the correct type: Consider the required temperature range, capacity, power supply and certifications.
- Operation and maintenance: Regular checks of the cooling system, seals and temperature records are key to reliable operation.
- Economic aspects: Higher purchase and operating costs are balanced by protection of very valuable cargo and the possibility of cheaper maritime transport instead of air freight.
- Rental options: For short-term needs or trial operation, there are options to rent Super Freezer containers.
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