Isotec® TBX insulated containers
Do you need to transport goods at a constant temperature without breaking a secure cold chain during transportation? The Isotec® TBX insulated container from GEBHARDT is your guarantee of freshness!
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions regarding GEBHARDT insulated containers
Why choose a GEBHARDT insulated container?
Our innovative and well thought out thermal container is the lightest in its class and gains approval through its extremely light weight and the ergonomic design of all its handles. From an economic and ecological perspective, our reusable containers have been designed to provide many years of efficient use.
What temperature ranges and products is the Isotec TBX suitable for?
Our containers can cope with (almost) any temperature range. They can be used to transport fresh products such as fruit or vegetables as well as frozen goods. In addition to fresh goods and goods from the freezer, our thermal containers are also used in butchers, bakeries, wholesale fish markets, catering, gastro as well as to transport dry ice. Medicinal products which require refrigerated transportation can also be transported using the Isotec® TBX without any problems. The quality and easy handling of our GEBHARDT insulated containers means they can be used in many different application areas.
What box sizes can be transported?
Standard Euro containers (e.g. E1, E2, E3) can be accommodated in every TBX size. The size of the tub has been re-engineered in our new generation of containers to make handling even easier for our customers and to increase the efficiency of their transportation processes. The internal dimensions of the container have been adapted to match common box sizes and thus allow you to transport your goods securely and efficiently.
What colours do the insulated containers come in? Can I add my company logo to the design?
Our isocontainers come as standard in blue. Obviously we can accommodate your specific colour requirements and match the bodyshell of the container to your corporate livery. Add your logo to the thermal container? No problem. We can produce your container to match your corporate identity.
What options are there for different tubs or variants on the internal design of the thermal container?
There are no limits to the flexibility of our GEBHARDT insulated containers. If you need a GEBHARDT insulated container with eutectic cooling, slide bars are almost essential to support the eutectic plates. The stable slide bars made from hot-dip galvanized steel are located at the top of our isothermal containers and can accommodate up to six eutectic plates. If you decide to include a shelf for the eutectic plates, it is inserted in the top of the container and provides support for the eutectic plates together with eutectic cooling. This type of shelf is not for use as storage: its sole function is to support eutectic plates You can cool our thermal containers with either eutectic plates or dry ice. If you decide to use dry ice cooling for your logistics processes instead of eutectic cooling, this shelf is the perfect solution for your dry ice. Further load-bearing shelves can be added as an extra storage level. Depending on the size of the container, inner tubs are available with several storage levels.
How easy are the thermal containers to repair?
As our insulated containers have a lifespan of many years, it is important to us that our insulated containers are easy to repair. We offer our customers a 24-month guarantee on purchased containers. Significant damage is, however, extremely rare due to their stable design. If you have a few minor problems with your containers despite this, any repair services will be assessed within a few days. Many components can be easily replaced due to individual seam and screw fastenings. Our focus is always on quick, customer-oriented problem solving.
What are the cleaning requirements for the insulated container?
Cleaning our containers is extremely easy. Whether by hand, with a pressure washer or in an automated washing system, dirt deposits are easily removed from our isocontainers at very little cost. The cleaning material best suited to our containers is CF315 from Calvatis which easily removes deposits without attacking the container’s tub. It also does not alter the appearance, even after multiple cleaning operations. Water ingress into the insulation layer is prevented by the container’s unique construction.
What is the duration of secure cold chain transportation? Is a tracking solution available?
The duration of cooling depends on a range of factors and cannot be categorically stated. Product composition, filling degree and precooling of the container are decisive factors for the duration of cooling. We would be happy to complete a calculation of the temperature profile specifically for you based on your data and discuss it with you further. Opening the doors frequently or leaving them open for extended periods during transportation has an effect on the temperature in the container. The number of times doors are opened and the temperature profiles this produces can be captured and documented with an intelligent tracking system from 4smartlogistics. An ideal scenario for complete digital data capture to analyse and optimise your logistics processes.
How and for how long should thermal containers be precooled?
The duration of precooling for our insulated containers depends on the goods to be transported. For fresh goods, the temperature is from 0°C to 2°C, while for frozen goods, it is between -21°C and -25°C. We recommend a precooling time of 12 to 20 hours to our customers in order to meet the high quality standards of your products. GEBHARDT insulated containers allow you to transport goods for up to 24 hours without breaking the cold chain – this is our freshness guarantee!
What are the benefits of eutectic plates compared to dry ice?
Our eutectic plates (cold packs) represent significant cost savings compared to dry ice. The eutectic plates are reusable and inexpensive to purchase. You will be amazed at the savings potential compared to dry ice. Our eutectic plates are available in a range of melting points and sizes and are therefore suitable for many different purposes in cold chain logistics.
How do eutectic plates work? How do you know how many eutectic plates to use to ensure a secure cold chain during transportation?
Here is a brief explanation of how they work: the eutectic plates (cold packs) must be deep-frozen for them to function correctly. It should be noted that the cooling capacity is only achieved if the plates are completely frozen. Freezing the eutectic plates stores cold energy. The cold is continuously released during transportation and thus prevents the internal temperature of the insulated container rising. This keeps your goods fresh for longer and you can transport your goods in a secure cold chain until the threshold temperature is reached. GEBHARDT insulated containers guarantee a secure cold chain is maintained for up to 24 hours. Our thermal specialists will happily complete a specific thermal analysis for you to determine the precise number of eutectic plates for your application and the relevant transportation time.
How long do eutectic plates have to be frozen for?
The freezing time depends on the melting point of the eutectic plates and the freezing temperature. Depending on the temperature, the freezing time can be from 15 to 21 hours. For example, a eutectic plate with a melting point of -21°C needs 19 hours to freeze completely at a temperature of -26°C. We generally recommend you select a freezing temperature at least 5°C less than the melting temperature of the eutectic plate.
What accessories are available for the thermal container?
Our insulated containers can be fitted or retrofitted at any time with a range of accessories. In addition to slide bars to support eutectic plates, we also offer individual shelves to carry goods or support eutectic plates or for cooling with dry ice. There is also an option to order containers with a tub with grooves to accommodate shelves. In addition to this, you can also supplement your order with transparent pockets, an extra lever or an external thermometer to display the internal temperature.
What certifications does the insulated container have for logistics processes and what do certifications such as ATP or HACCP mean for food transportation?
The manufacturing processes and our insulated containers are regularly certified by an external testing body of our partner DNVGL in accordance with ATP and HACCP requirements. This ensures that you can use our isocontainers to safely transport your loose and packaged foodstuffs. Our GEBHARDT insulated containers ensure foodstuffs are transported safely and to high quality standards.