Isothermal Van: What It Is and What It’s Used For

Many business owners who have heard of refrigerated trucks may also wonder what an isothermal van is. Here’s a detailed look:

What Is an Isothermal Van?

An isothermal van, or “isotherm,” is a type of vehicle designed to transport perishable goods that need a stable temperature during transit. These vans are ideal for long-distance transportation and can maintain temperatures from +12°C to -20°C. They have a robust structure that protects cargo from external factors, featuring rear stainless steel doors with seals, mounted on a vehicle chassis.

Types of Isothermal Vans

Isothermal vans come in different types based on their insulation:

• Framed Van – with interior insulation made of foam or polystyrene, these vans can carry various goods that don’t require strict temperature control.
• Frameless Van – insulated with sandwich panels, providing a more stable temperature environment for goods that need special conditions.
• Refrigerated Van – equipped with a cooling unit powered by the truck’s engine, allowing for maximum protection against external conditions. These vans are used for frozen and highly perishable goods.

Applications of Isothermal Vans

Isothermal vans are designed for transporting food, pharmaceuticals and other materials that require consistent low temperatures. The design of these vans minimizes heat loss with thicker walls and floors, and the quality of the interior insulation material is essential for performance.

Difference Between an Isothermal Van and a Refrigerator Truck

Some goods require specific temperature conditions for storage and transportation, though refrigeration might not be necessary. Isothermal vans differ from refrigerator trucks in that they don’t have cooling or heating elements. While refrigerators can maintain a set temperature indefinitely (provided fuel is available), isothermal vans can only hold a stable temperature for around 5-10 hours. Refrigerator trucks are generally used for intercity or international routes, while isothermal vans, smaller and more maneuverable, are ideal for city deliveries.

Pros and Cons of Isothermal Vans

Isothermal vans are highly reliable for regular deliveries over short distances, especially in urban areas where large refrigerator trucks might struggle with maneuvering. They are compact, cost-effective and can transport goods quickly. However, with constant use, especially on rough roads, they may experience wear over time, leading to structural issues like rust and corrosion.

Despite these drawbacks, isothermal vans have more advantages: they are lightweight compared to refrigerators, which makes them more maneuverable and unrestricted by weight limits during extreme heat. They offer reliable thermal insulation and are hygienic, especially with regular cleaning, which makes them resistant to microorganisms, rot and mold.

Isothermal vans are also useful beyond food transportation, finding applications in the pharmaceutical industry and agriculture. For arranging refrigerated deliveries worldwide, companies like ETS provide reliable “door-to-door” service with insured and supervised transportation.