GB2440162A

GB2440162A - Apparatus for controlling the thermal conditions of perishable goods stored within an aircraft loading container

Info

Publication number: GB2440162A
Application number: GB0613956A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chris Catto-Smith; Robert Delamare; Neil Kennedy
Original assignee: COOLCARGO; EIP Ltd
Current assignee: COOLCARGO; EIP Ltd
Priority date: 2006-07-13
Filing date: 2006-07-13
Publication date: 2008-01-23
Also published as: WO2008006887A1; GB0613956D0

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for controlling thermal conditions in an aircraft Unit Loading Device container [4], particularly during ground handling activities. The apparatus includes an insulating cover [2] and means for locating the cover [2] in an engaged position so that the cover [2] fits around the Unit Loading Device [4] container to thermally insulate it. When the cover [2] is in an engaged position around the Unit Loading Device [4], there is a cavity [13] between the cover [2] and the Unit Loading Device [4]. The cover [2] has conduit means capable of receiving a fluid and permitting circulation of the fluid within the cavity [13].

Description

Apparatus for Controlling Thermal Conditions of Perishable Goods

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a device that provides thermal protection for perishable and temperature sensitive products being transported in Air cargo Unit Loading Devices (ULD) either carried on transportation dollies or positioned in a free standing mode during ground handling operations prior to or following air transportation.

Background of the Invention

A majority of perishable air cargo is packed in (or on) Unit Loading Devices (ULD) containers for the purposes of ensuring efficient loading and transportation of the goods into the aircraft. There are many variants of Unit Loading Devices (ULDs), including flat pallet or containers upon or in which cargo is packed for air transportation, and the sizes and configurations of ULDs are controlled by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These ULDs are usually constructed from aluminium and, accordingly, are poor thermal insulators. As a result, the ULDs provide minimal thennal protection for the cargo carried inside when exposed to extreme temperatures (Hot or Cold), and during ground handling activities these ULDs are normally moved to and from aircraft on transportation carts (Dollies) without effective thermal protection (from direct sun or exposure to extreme ambient temperatures).

As a result, air cargo can suffer significant losses and damage during carriage of temperature sensitive cargo due to inadequate thermal protection whilst on the tarmac either prior to loading or following unloading from aircraft.

Losses in the form of thermal damage, reduced shelf-life, or reduction in product quality are estimated to be 15% of the total value of the products being shipped globally. It will therefore be appreciated that some form of thermal control for perishable and temperature sensitive air cargo during ground handling activities is necessary to minimize damage or loss of quality resulting from temperature abuse or out of tolerance temperature control.

One solution that has been manufactured and trialed by Emirates Airlines in Dubai is a portable refrigerator that is manufactured as a single unit.

The solution is called Coo1dolly and is manufactured by a company called Van Riemsdijk Rotterdam www.riemsdijk.nl. The CooldollyTM solution is constructed as a single refrigeration unit with solid walls and it is not transportable on a standard air cargo dolly; accordingly this solution is considered expensive, impractical operationally and is not being adopted by other airlines.

A related IJLD cooling solution is the EnvirotainerrM, (www.envirotainer.com) which is actually an insulated ULD pallet that travels inside an aircraft. The cooling system makes use of dry ice and the system is powered by means of batteries. As the EnvirontainerTM is a modified ULD, it is loaded onto the aircraft and travels to the destination. A replacement EnvirontainerTM will need to be positioned at the airport for subsequent use and it cannot be used at the airport to protect other ULDs.

A general problem with these known arrangements is that the majority of perishable air cargo is packed in normal uninsulated ULDs that provide minimal thermal protection for the cargo earned inside when exposed to extreme temperatures (Hot or Cold), and during ground handling activities these ULDs are normally moved to and from aircraft on transportation carts (Dollies) without effective thermal protection (from direct sun or exposure to extreme ambient temperatures).

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved protection for perishable and temperature sensitive cargo located inside a ULD.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for controlling thermal conditions to which temperature-sensitive goods are exposed in an aircraft Unit Loading Device (ULD) container during ground handling activities, the apparatus comprising: an insulating cover; and means for locating the cover in an engaged position such that the cover is located around the container so as to thermally insulate the container.

In one arrangement the insulating cover (or sleeve) is a portable, lightweight hood which is designed to fit over a ULD and the means for locating the cover relative to the container so as to thermally insulate the container can be provided by a support frame.

In a preferred arrangement the container, or ULD, is carried on a conventional transportation dolly (e.g. by means of a pallet base), and the support frame can be attached directly to the transportation dolly. Alternatively the insulated cover can be mounted directly on the transportation dolly. The cover can be added to, and detached from, a ULD when the ULD is loaded on a transportation dolly or when the ULD is positioned on the ground.

In one configuration the cover comprises four side walls and a top portion, and one of the side walls can be opened so as to facilitate loading or unloading of the ULD from the dolly; with such a configuration, containers can be loaded and unloaded without requiring removal of the cover from the ULD, while also providing thermal protection to the container via the remaining (closed) walls of the cover.

The insulating cover provides protection for perishable and temperature sensitive cargo located inside a ULD from the effects of both direct sunlight and extreme ambient temperatures using two independent methods. Thermal insulation from radiant heat (such as the sun) is provided by a combination of reflective materials on the external surface of the cover. Suitable materials include lightweight closed cell foam with a solar reflective film. Preferably the external surface is enclosed in a tough, clear vinyl casing for weather protection.

The side walls and top portion of the cover comprise lightweight insulation material, which is enclosed within the interior of the cover, embedded within the walls and top portion of the cover.

Preferably the cover is foldable and at least some of the side walls are attached to one another using either Velcro or industrial zips. This enables easy replacement of insulating material and/or damaged side walls or top portion. The bottom edges of the side walls can include lifting toggles for use in securing the cover to the transportation dolly in the event of high winds. As described above, ULDs come in various sizes which are specified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The insulating cover can be manufactured in different sizes according to the particular ULD variant being protected.

The insulating cover can be fitted with a transparent panel to allow visibility of the ULD identification number; for example, one of the side wall panels can include an inspection panel. This is useful to enable identification of the ULD during ground handling activities.

Thermal protection from conductive and convective temperature extremes is preferably provided by the use of temperature controlled forced air being delivered from a fluid delivery unit (or Air Delivery Unit (ADU)) within the cavity between the cover and the container via the conduit means. In one arrangement the ADU is embodied as an air-conditioner (either refrigeration or evaporative) configured to deliver either cold or hot air through the conduit means (in the form of an inlet pipe or transfer hose) to the cavity. The conduit means can also comprise an optional outlet (or return) pipe, which carries the fluid from the cavity to the Air Delivery Unit for improved thermal efficiency.

The Air Delivery Unit can be powered by either generator or mains supply and, when powered by a generator, the Air Delivery Unit and generator are preferably both mounted on a pallet base. In one arrangement the pallet base has the same dimensions as those of a ULD pallet base as defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), allowing the pallet base to be loaded and locked in place then carried on an air cargo transportation dolly.

It will therefore be appreciated that the combination of insulating cover and fluid delivery unit provides thermal protection to the contents of a ULD whilst being carried on an air cargo transportation dolly or when positioned on the ground, while the insulating cover alone can provide interim protection from radiant and conductive heat for the contents of a ULD.

Conveniently the apparatus can cooperate with existing air cargo ground transportation dollies and standard ULDs. When the unit is carried on transportation dollies, it can be moved as part of a normal train of dollies to and from the cargo shed, perishables center or aircraft loading area. The transportation dollies canying the ULD containers can be linked up (including the dolly carrying the ADU and Power unit) to form part of a normal train of dollies.

The complete unit is compatible with the air cargo transportation dollies being used in nearly all air cargo ground handling operations.

The aspect of portability allows the Air Delivery Unit and insulating cover to be used on ULDs containing perishable goods by maintaining desired temperatures and reducing damage to product through heat stress in various locations at an airport. In addition, the complete unit and cover can be transported as part a of fully mobile cooling system protecting palletized cargo during ground handling -the cover can also provide thermal protection independently of the ADU.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing apparatus for controlling thermal conditions to which temperature-sensitive goods are exposed according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an insulating cover according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 shows a fluid delivery unit (Air Delivery Unit (ADU (1)) arranged to provide force drafted temperature controlled air to an insulating cover (2) via an air transfer duct (hose) (3). The ADU (1) is a mechanical refrigeration system containing all heat transfer components within the same housing. The insulating cover is positioned so as to enclose a standard air cargo unit loading device (ULD) (4) being carried on a transportation dolly (5). Air can be returned from the cavity (13) between the ULD (4) and the insulating cover (2) using a return air duct (8) for greater efficiency of the ADU (1).

The Air Delivery Unit (ADU) (1) is mounted on a standard ULD pallet base (6), which can be transported and carried on a standard transportation dolly (5). The ADU (1) is powered by either a portable generator (7) or mains supply and is positioned with the generator (7) on the same ULD portable pallet base (6).

As described above, snorkeled air is delivered from the pallet based refrigeration unit (ADU) (1) to a cavity (13) between the cover (2) and the container (4) by means of an air delivery hose (3). In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the hoses (3, 8) are fitted with detachable couplings (9) for simple connection and detachment with the cover (2) and Air Delivery Unit (1). The hoses (3, 8) are attached to the Air Delivery Unit using a collection box or plenum (10). In an alternative embodiment the insulating cover comprises conduit portions, integral therewith, for cooperating with the hoses (3, 8).

The Air Delivery Unit (I) and generator (7) when mounted on a pallet base (6) can be carried on, and moved by, a transportation dolly (5) to and from air-cargo storage and loading areas. The cover (2) and Air Delivery Unit (1) are fully portable and compatible with being carried on transportation dollies (5).

This allows controlled air to be force drafted from the ADU (1) to a separate cover (2) mounted over a ULD (4) whilst in motion or in areas subject to extreme temperature conditions or direct sun.

The cover (2) can provide protection for perishables and temperature sensitive air-cargo being stored in ULDs (4) when carried on the transportation dollies, or in a static mode.

Figure 2 shows the cover (2) which is light-weight and insulated, comprising a roof (10) and side walls (11) to form an insulated hood that fits over the top of a standard ULD (4) whilst carried on a transportation dolly (5).

The shape of the cover (2) can be varied according to the type of ULD being used, since different ULDs (4) may require differently shaped covers (2).

Indeed, whilst four side walls are shown in Figure 2, it will be appreciated that the cover can comprise two or more side walls, depending on the shape of the ULD, and that the side walls can be rigid or flexible (thereby fitting around a frame, or similar, enclosing the ULD), depending on mounting arrangements between the cover (2) and the ULD.

The cover (2) can provide temperature control to ULDs (4) whilst in a stand alone manner and/or when connected to the Air Delivery Unit (1). ULDs (4) can be loaded and unloaded from inside the cover (2) through foldable door panels (12). The cover (2) can either be put on or taken off the ULD (4) whilst on the dolly (5) or attached by means of an internal support frame (not shown) attached to the dolly (5).

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for controlling thermal conditions to which

temperature-sensitive goods are exposed in an aircraft Unit Loading Device container during ground handling activities, the apparatus comprising: an insulating cover; and means for locating the cover in an engaged position such that the cover is located around the Unit Loading Device container so as to thermally insulate the Unit Loading Device container.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the cover is in the engaged position, a cavity is formed between the cover and the Unit Loading Device container, the apparatus comprising conduit means for receiving fluid and enabling circulation thereof within the cavity.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said conduit means comprises a fluid inlet.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said conduit means comprises a fluid outlet.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claim 2 to claim 4, wherein said conduit means is integral to the cover.

6. Apparatus according to any one of claim 2 to claim 4, wherein the conduit means is separably attachable to the cover.

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover comprises at least one opening for providing access to said Unit Loading Device container.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claim 2 to claim 7, comprising a fluid delivery unit arranged to deliver fluid to the conduit means.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said fluid delivery unit comprises means for mounting on a transportation dolly.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, including a generator unit for use in providing power to the fluid delivery unit.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the generator unit is adapted for mounting on a transportation dolly.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the transportation dolly is adapted to carry the fluid delivery unit and the generator unit.

13. Apparatus according to any one of claim 10 to claim 12, including a pallet base arranged to carry the fluid delivery unit and the generator unit, said pallet base being adapted for mounting on said transportation dolly.

14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said Unit Loading Device container is mounted on a transportation dolly.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said cover comprises attachment means for mounting the cover directly on said transportation dolly.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, comprising a frame for use in supporting the cover, the frame comprising attachment means for mounting the frame directly on said transportation dolly.

17. An insulating cover for use in controlling thermal conditions to which temperature-sensitive goods are exposed in an aircraft Unit Loading Device container during ground handling activities, wherein the insulating cover comprises locating means for locating the cover in an engaged position such that the cover is located around the Unit Loading Device container so as to thermally insulate the Unit Loading Device container.

18. An insulating cover according to claim 17, wherein, when the cover is in the engaged position, a cavity is formed between the cover and the Unit Loading Device container, the insulating cover comprising conduit means for receiving a fluid and enabling circulation thereof within the cavity.

19. An insulating cover according to claim 18, wherein said conduit means comprises a fluid inlet.

20. An insulating cover according to claim 19, wherein said conduit means comprises a fluid outlet.

21. An insulating cover according to any one of claim 17 to claim 20, wherein the insulating cover comprises a plurality of flexible side portions and a top portion, each said side portion and top portion having an internal and an external surface.

22. An insulating cover according to claim 21, wherein at least one portion comprises means for enclosing insulating material therein.

23. An insulating cover according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the external surface of at least one portion comprises a solar reflective film.

24. An insulating cover according to any one of claim 21 to claim 23, wherein at least one portion is enclosed within a protective membrane.

25. An insulating cover according to any one of claim 21 to claim 24, wherein said cover comprises an inspection window.

26. An insulating cover according to any one of claim 21 to claim 25, wherein said cover comprises at least one opening for providing access to said Unit Loading Device container.

27. An insulating cover according to any one of claim 21 to claim 26, wherein at least two of said side portions are interconnected by means of detachable attachment means, thereby providing access to said Unit Loading Device container.

28. An insulating cover according to any one of claim 21 to claim 27, wherein the cover comprises attachment means for mounting the cover directly on a transportation dolly.