Reefer Container Inspection Checklist

Standardized Performance Testing & Technical Guidelines

Regular performance inspection of refrigerated containers (reefer containers) is essential to ensure cargo safety, temperature stability, regulatory compliance, and long equipment lifespan—especially for food-grade and pharmaceutical cold chain transportation.

Below is a standardized inspection workflow, organized by functional modules and aligned with international best practices.

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1. Temperature Control Performance Verification

1.1 Temperature Accuracy Validation

• Use multi-point calibrated thermometers to simultaneously measure:

  • Supply air outlet

  • Return air inlet

  • Center of container

Acceptable temperature fluctuation:

• ≤ ±1°C for food cargo

• ≤ ±0.5°C for pharmaceutical cargo

Extreme Condition Test

• Operate continuously for 24 hours at ambient temperature of 35°C

• Verify the container’s ability to maintain -30°C under full load conditions

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1.2 Refrigeration System Efficiency Assessment

• Measure refrigerant pipeline pressure using pressure gauges:

  • High-pressure side: ≥ 14 MPa

  • Low-pressure side: ≤ 0.3 MPa

📌 If pressure deviation exceeds ±15%, refrigerant replenishment or leakage inspection is required.

• Monitor compressor start-stop cycles:

  • Normal condition: ≤ 6 starts per hour

  • Excessive cycling indicates control or load issues

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2. Key Component Condition Diagnosis

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3. Structural Safety & Energy Consumption Monitoring

3.1 Energy Consumption Analysis

• If monthly energy usage increases by more than 10% compared to baseline:

  • Prioritize inspection of insulation foam (FOAM) integrity

• Use infrared thermal imaging to scan container surfaces:

  • Temperature difference > 5°C indicates insulation damage requiring repair

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3.2 Compliance & Structural Integrity Verification

• Conduct periodic inspections in accordance with the CSC Convention:

  • Every 5 years / 30 months

  • Focus on:

    • Corner castings

    • Bottom rails

    • Load-bearing structures

• Verify:

  • BIC code validity

  • Inspection certificates

  • Compliance with IMO, ISO, and GB standards

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4. Intelligent System & Data Function Testing

4.1 Alarm System Testing

• Manually trigger alarm thresholds:

  • High temperature: +5°C

  • Low temperature: -35°C

Alarm response time: ≤ 30 seconds (audible & visual)

Power Failure Simulation

• Test UPS or generator switchover:

  • Pharmaceutical transport requirement: ≤ 5 seconds switching time

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4.2 Data Traceability & Audit Compliance

• Export temperature & humidity recorder data:

  • Verify continuous 90-day data storage

  • Ensure compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity requirements

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5. Recommended Maintenance Schedule

• Monthly basic inspection

  • Cleaning

  • Door seal testing

  • Visual checks

• Annual deep maintenance

  • Lubricant replacement

  • Sensor calibration

  • System performance tuning

• Mandatory 5-year safety inspection

  • Structural strength testing

  • Regulatory certification renewal

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Conclusion

A systematic and standardized inspection program can:

• Reduce equipment failure rates by over 30%

• Extend service life to 85% or more of the designed lifespan

• Ensure compliance with international cold chain regulations

For high-value or temperature-sensitive cargo, reefer container inspection is not optional—it is a critical risk control measure.