Krone tackles micro-organisms while on the move

Krone has launched a disinfection system for refrigerated trailers in addition to classical vehicle cleaning with water and chemical agents.

The Krone UV-C disinfection system consists of an air conduit hose with integrated UV-C lamps which are mounted in the vehicle where the cold air comes in from the refrigeration unit.

Incoming air is guided past the UV-C lamps, reducing the mould and bacterial load in the air due to the UV lamp. The air conduit housing can be adapted to conventional cooling devices due to an adjustable guide plate.

The system is supplied with energy via the refrigeration unit and is automatically activated when it is switched on and when the cooling device is in action.

Krone said while the refrigerated trailer is on the road, there is no efficient means of eliminating mould and bacteria that develop during the transport of different foodstuffs.

These micro-organisms are permanently fed into and circulated around the vehicle superstructure by the refrigeration system.

By using the UV-C decontamination system, it was possible to reduce development of mould by 80% and bacterial load by up to 99%, said the company.

UV-C rays have shorter wavelengths and higher energy than UV-A and UV-B rays. The high-energy UV-C light triggers a photochemical reaction and, depending on the radiation dose, kills the bacteria and fungal spores.