Radical cryogenic truck refrigeration launched by BOC 16 May 2012

Industrial gases specialist BOC has begun trials of an in-transit refrigeration system, dubbed Frostcruise, which, it says, provides an environmentally friendly, efficient and reliable alternative to diesel-powered fridges.

Developed by BOC's parent company Linde Group, it uses the cryogenic effect of liquid nitrogen at -196°C to produce rapid and evenly-distributed temperature drops. Frostcruise does not rely on conventional engines for compressor cooling, so is much quieter than diesel systems, reduces fuel usage and can run independently in the event of a mechanical breakdown.

BOC business development manager Cedric Hanson says it comfortably maintains accurate product temperature throughout a truck compartment, even during multiple delivery stops, and offers a much lower carbon footprint than conventional kit.

"Frostcruise represents a major development for the food distribution industry," comments Hanson. "[It] could transform refrigerated transport of chilled and frozen perishable items by road."

MacFood Services, a food processor and distributor to the quick service restaurant industry in Malaysia, has recently taken delivery of a fleet of 14 Frostcruise equipped trucks to deliver frozen food products.

"Frostcruise has proven to meet our very demanding specifications on temperature," comments Viktor Sim, deputy managing director. "It has also coped admirably with the demands of maintaining very cold temperatures despite multiple delivery stops ... in extremely hot and humid climate conditions."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
BOC Ltd

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