Nov/Dec 2005

How do you keep a check on the temperature of goods in refrigerated trailers that are waiting in the yard for unloading or despatch? Most operators probably do it by getting a member of staff to walk round periodically, making a visual check on the readings on the refrigeration units.

Now Secureseal has launched a wireless temperature monitoring system for refrigerated trailers. The trailers automatically report their temperature to the office by means of low-power radio frequency technology, so no one has to go and check them in person.

The transmitters have a range of up to 200 metres, and are said to offer a five-year battery life. In the office or warehouse, the system is linked to PCs to provide an instant check on which trailers are in the yard, which are being chilled and at what temperature.

It also monitors temperatures during loading and on departure to ensure compliance and load protection whenever the trailer is on site.

The system is an enhancement of Secureseal's existing SecureTemp product, which has a different purpose. In this case, a wireless link transmits temperature data from the trailer to the driver's cab while the vehicle is on the road, obviating the need for a physical link between the two.

It takes its reading from RFID-enabled sensors in the load compartment. In the cab, the driver is alerted to out-of-temperature readings by a receiver with an audible warning and a visual LED display.