Appoint someone to take temperature readings at least twice per day. Keep a record of these temperatures on a chart and if the temperatures being recorded deviates by more than a few degrees from your set-point, contact the Almar technical office for advice. (082 5700345) (Please note that doors may have been opened or a defrost cycle may also have affected the temperature in the container when taking your temperature readings.)
It is crucial to ensure that no product falls between the "T" bar flooring of the container, as this can obstruct airflow and compromise the container's ability to maintain the correct temperature. To optimize airflow and temperature consistency, load the products with small gaps between pallets, allowing air to circulate freely around the product. This will prevent warm spots from developing in areas with stagnant airflow.
Do not pack product higher than the load levels indicated by the red tape on the upper interior walls of the container.
Do not pack food directly on the floor, try to use pallets as this will increase the successful airflow around the product and allow airflow down the entire length of the container.
Do not switch off the reefer when entering the container. Instead, use the manual defrost button on the controller's keypad, which can be activated before entry. To initiate the defrost, press and hold the button for approximately 5 seconds. This will automatically start the defrost cycle and restart the unit after about 30 to 45 minutes. The key benefit of this approach is that it prevents interruptions to the defrost cycle if multiple entries are needed throughout the day, and it ensures that the unit automatically restarts, eliminating the risk of someone forgetting to turn the machine back on.
