How to Prevent Condensation in Shipping Containers

Condensation in shipping containers can damage moisture-sensitive cargo and spoil food.

How to prevent condensation in a shipping container? Here are seven steps to make sure your shipping container doesn't have condensation problems.

Install ventilation

Ventilation is one of the most cost-effective solutions to reduce condensation and keep cargo dry. Condensation can be reduced or avoided if air is circulated through the shipping container. It balances the air temperature inside and outside.

Checking for Rust and Damage

The shipping containers are mainly made of Corten steel, which has high corrosion resistance. However, they are not completely corrosion resistant. Keep an eye on any contact points during transport and stacking. The underside of doors can rust if water accumulates under them for a long period of time.

Clean and dry interior surfaces of containers

Proper maintenance is the key to preventing condensation in shipping containers. Shipping containers must be properly cleaned. This includes cleaning and disinfecting the container between shipments, as well as removing any foreign objects. The container can become contaminated with harmful substances such as mold, bacteria, fungus, dirt and dust if not cleaned regularly.

Choose the right pallet

Plastic pallets are about three times more expensive than wooden pallets. They are light and waterproof, but not designed for very heavy loads. But unlike wooden pallets, they are non-porous and will not collect moisture. Moisture absorbed by wooden pallets can evaporate and form condensation. Plastic pallets are the best option if your cargo is vulnerable to moisture.

Using Shipping Container

Dehumidifiers Dehumidifiers absorb additional moisture from the air, resulting in less condensation inside the shipping container. The bagged desiccants can be attached to the container wall or applied to the container walls with spray guns. A good rule of thumb is to use about 40 grams of desiccant per cubic meter of container space. A dehumidifier for shipping containers will retain moisture in the moisture containers, but this will require a power source.

Applying Insulation

Although the steel walls of a shipping container are strong and durable, they can get very hot during the day and very cold at night. Sudden changes in temperature can cause condensation to form. This means you will need insulation if you are storing temperature sensitive items such as electronics or perishable foods.

Lining the shipping container with insulation will prevent fluctuations in the internal temperature and keep it above the dew point, preventing condensation from forming.

External Insulation

If you plan to use the shipping containers for residential purposes, installing external insulation can help control the internal temperature to eliminate condensation. Styrofoam insulation is one of the easiest and fastest ways to insulate a container house. This insulating compound can be sprayed directly onto the inner and outer walls of a shipping container.