Insulation for Refrigerated Trucks

Apart from the chassis and refrigeration unit selections, insulation is a major factor affecting the performance of the vehicle and thus directly affecting profitability of the transporter

Optimum insulation of the box would ensure or affect the product temperatures and the units run in time. Thus directly affecting the fuel consumption also.

Most commonly used material for insulation in transport application is PUF (Poly Urethane Foam) though new materials such as XPS (Extruded Polystyrene Foam) are being slowly introduced in the market.

In conventional box manufactured by injecting PUF between the inner and outer layers for the box body wherein usually the outer layer is MS sheets and inner layer is Aluminum or Stainless Steel as per customer’s requirement.

Newer technology boxes are being manufactured using readymade sandwich panels with both inner & outer layers made of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) or FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic)

These Panel boxes have following major advantages:

1. Light Weight
2. Rust proof
3. Better sealing
4. Uniform Insulation
5. Easy Repairs

As a thumb rule for Indian climates the Insulation selection is as follows:

80 to 100mm with density 42Kg/m3          For Fresh Cargo          Temperatures    +40C to +200C

120 to 150mm with density 42Kg/m3         For Frozen Cargo        Temperatures    -180C to-250C