At a time when shipping lines are under increased pressure to curb operating costs, Carrier Transicold’s new TripWise diagnostic software option can help significantly reduce expenses related to routine inspections of refrigerated shipping containers.
Introduced at Intermodal Europe 2017, the TripWise software option runs Carrier Transicold refrigeration unit diagnostics in the background while refrigerated assets are in transit. The software monitors the operation of fan motors, sensors, the compressor, valves and more to see if the unit is running within normal parameters.
By performing diagnostics during voyages, TripWise software reduces the need for standard, manually activated pre-trip inspections (PTIs) when refrigerated containers are in port before being placed into service. PTIs can require several hours of run time, consuming energy and tying up service personnel and equipment.
“TripWise software determines whether a unit should be checked with a full off-line PTI or can be run on its next trip without that, because all systems have passed testing,” said Jim Taeckens, senior product manager, Global Container Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold. “A PTI typically costs from $30 to $100 (U.S.) per unit so the potential savings from using the TripWise function can be significant.” As an example, for a fleet with 10,000 refrigerated containers making four turns per year, conducting PTIs manually at $50 per unit, per turn adds $2 million in annual expense.
Once installed in the Carrier Transciold refrigeration unit’s Micro-Link 3 controller and activated, the TripWise feature runs throughout a voyage, seeking optimal times to test components, such as when they are not being used. Some items may be tested multiple times over the course of a trip.
Before putting units into service again, operators conducting visual inspections of refrigerated containers can simply press the Pre Trip button on the controller keypad. The TripWise software will indicate either Pass or Check. The latter will occur if the software identified a reading outside normal parameters. In that case, running a traditional PTI will provide direction for service technicians.
Since containers may sit in a yard for extended periods, customers can also set a period ranging from 1 to 365 days for TripWise results to expire. For example, if a customer sets the expiration period for 42 days, the TripWise diagnostic report will display EXP after six weeks, signaling the need for a manual PTI.
“TripWise diagnostics help improve shipping operations by requiring PTIs to be done as the exception rather than the rule,” Taeckens said. “In doing so, TripWise software can enable savings of a significant amount of energy, manpower, time and money.”
The TripWise option is initially available for PrimeLINE refrigeration units.
