Are you thinking about exporting food? Before you pick the right kind of shipping container, consider whether the items you’re delivering are moist or dry. Because, if they are moist, ventilated containers are the best alternative. Also called coffee containers there are two broad types, naturally ventilated containers, and passively ventilated containers.

Ventilation in a vented storage box is provided through apertures in the bottom and top rails of the box. Such apertures are created to shield them from rain or precipitation from the outside but allow in light. Lashing rings are affixed to the upper, bottom, and corner posts to secure the contents. They are put in the upper and lower side rails, as well as in the corner posts, to which the cargo may be fastened.

What difference does a ventilated container make from the dry container? 

Ventilated containers look almost identical to normal storage boxes. The primary distinction between a regular dry storage box and a vented storage box is that the latter includes ventilation provisions that the former does not.

Vented storage boxes are typically used to transport goods such as coffee or cocoa beans that have a high moisture content and requires ventilation while in transit. The standard dry storage box transports general dry material.

Natural Ventilation vs Forced Ventilation 

Now, depending on the type of your cargo, you may opt for one or the other type of vented container.

  • Natural ventilation storage boxes utilize the pressure differential between the vessel’s inside and outer air. Warm air rises in the compartment and exits at the top via the rooftop ventilation strips. Cooler outside air enters the box through the floor ventilation strips at that location.
  • Forced ventilated containers use fans, air tubes, and ventilation flaps. Storage container vents are frequently constructed in the shape of a labyrinth to prevent infiltration precipitation.

Often there are apertures in the bottom and top side rails that form standard air ducts. On the outside, tiny perforated walls are sometimes used as well.

Types of container vents 

In general, there are two distinct types of shipping container vents available-

Steel louvered vents, small and large
Vents operate best when installed on opposite sides of maritime containers. This permits the wind to drive fresh and dry air into the unit while simultaneously allowing hot air to exit through the opposite wall’s air vent, resulting in natural air movement and temperature reduction.

Whirlybirds
These turbine vents are mounted on top of a steel shipping container. They either run on wind power or motorized. The turbines suck hot, damp air out of the box, making room for cooler, less moist air to enter.

Exhaust fans
Exhaust fans come in a variety of sizes ranging from 10″ to 36″, with standard fan guards and gravity shutters. Optional variable speed control is available as well.

How much ventilation does a container require? 

A metal shipping container is more than simply a large metal box on wheels. Every cargo boxes can easily endure the rigours of maritime transportation. They can tolerate practically everything that is thrown at them, including extreme weather and tough physical situations, with ease. However, the exact design and structure of the cargo box that makes it excellent for storage can also present issues with your stored things.

For example, if moisture enters the storage box, it cannot escape. While modest pressure vents in shipping containers allow the unit to breathe, they are insufficient to generate practical ventilation inside the box. As a result, making sure you have enough ventilation is critical. Proper ventilation is even more crucial if you are keeping temperature or moisture-sensitive things or if you are placing your container in an area where temperatures change dramatically.

Shipping container air vents for a 20ft storage box is 4′′x 4′′, while a vent size for a 40ft box is 6′′x 6′′. If necessary, you might even utilize multiple smaller vents.

What are different ways to ventilate a shipping container? 

To minimize difficulties, you should engage an expert to build a ventilation system that is appropriate for your unit. You may also pick between a fixed louver, an exhaust fan, and a roof turbine vent. Each of these functionalities will function properly. You’ll still need to determine out how much room you’ll need around the container and which style of vent will give the ventilation your products require inside.

A rooftop ventilation system, for example, will remove the fumes. On the other hand, fixed louvers for shipping containers may be put wherever they are needed to assist you to regulate the airflow as much as possible. However, there are a few different methods for ventilating shipping containers as well.  

Air conditioning, whether fixed or portable or heat pumps 

If you need more than just air ventilation – for example, cooling in a hot environment or heating in a cold one – a permanent or portable air conditioner is the way to go. This will necessitate the use of an electrical supply as well as the services of a professional to install.

Portable dehumidifiers 

Another easy (particularly if just temporary) approach is to utilize a portable dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will need an external energy source or electrical wiring in the storage box, as well as plumbing to deposit any extracted water to prevent it from cycling back into the box.

In what dimensions ventilated containers are available? 

  • 20 ft vented containers
Internal dimension19’35”x 7’7” x 7’8”
  • 40 ft vented containers
Internal dimension 40’x 8’5” x 7’9”

Shipping containers offer a wide range of applications and use. Furthermore, depending on the cargo, each customer has different needs for storing the goods they are delivering. However, if you want to move any of the items listed above in your container, you should consider ventilation.

Appropriate ventilation is necessary when transporting home products, and vented containers are the best option; otherwise, humidity might harm your belongings. Aside from that, vented containers are ideal for transporting machinery, autos, chemicals, and pressured gases.