Container rain, also known as container sweat or cargo sweat, is a phenomenon encountered in shipping when temperature differentials cause moisture to accumulate inside containers. As warm air meets the cold container walls, condensation occurs, leading to water droplets forming on the cargo. This excess moisture can compromise the integrity of goods, causing damage and corrosion. BENZ Packaging addresses this challenge with advanced solutions like Container Desiccants and Vacuum Barrier Films, creating a protective shield against container rain. Protect your cargo, mitigate risks, and ensure a seamless shipping experience with our expertise in moisture control.
What causes Humidity inside Container?
Ever wondered about the humidity mystery within containers? Loading goods in tropical regions like Chennai, Mumbai or any coastal area traps humid air inside. This is exacerbated by the use of water-absorbent materials like wooden pallets or cardboard boxes. The very nature of certain goods, especially absorbent materials like fabric or wood, further elevates the risks associated with humidity.
Variations in temperature are responsible for many cases of corrosion.
Atmospheric air has its own humidity rate, it contains a certain quantity of water in the form of vapour (invisible to the naked eye). When this water vapour comes into contact with a surface with a temperature that is lower or equal to the "dew point" of atmospheric air (see diagrams), water vapour condensation occurs. The dew point is the temperature at which the humidity of a gas, such as air, condenses (turns into liquid) to form water droplets.
- Moisture inside the containers is one of the main causes of product damage during transportation and storage.
- In closed environments, humidity in the air combined with one deriving from evaporation of water contained in the load, tends to create a tropical microclimate that allows infiltration of water vapor into the packages transported. This results in condensation.
Combatting Container Humidity
Discover effective strategies to combat container humidity and safeguard your shipments during international transport. Uncover a range of solutions tailored to address the challenges posed by humid conditions within shipping containers.
Plastic Wrap for Cardboard Boxes
- Shield cardboard-stored goods from moisture-induced mold by wrapping them in plastic before loading them into containers.
Considerate Material Choices
- When shipping by sea, evaluate both cargo and packaging materials. Ensure the right packaging material is chosen based on cargo characteristics. Wooden Pallets & Boxes needs to be Heat Treated and checked for moisture content before despatch.
Opt for Plastic Pallets
- Substitute water-absorbing wooden pallets with moisture-resistant plastic alternatives. If wooden pallets are unavoidable, limit exposure to external air to prevent moisture absorption.
Strategic Ventilation
- Leverage container ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Avoid the common misconception of covering vents; instead, let them facilitate excess moisture removal during temperature changes.
Desiccants for Moisture Control
- Integrate hygroscopic desiccants like BE Dry to absorb and retain moisture within containers. Hanging desiccant bags from the ceiling is a highly effective method to combat moisture damage.
Additional Security