What is Shipping Container Condensation?
Condensation in a shipping container happens when the walls of your container are cooler than the dew point of the air.
Essentially, condensation is the process where water vapour becomes liquid.
How to Get Rid of Shipping Container Condensation: 4 Simple Tips
1. Ventilation
Ventilation is the golden rule of reducing condensation not just in shipping containers but in any building too.
Ventilation will allow for warm, moist air to be funnelled out of the shipping container. At the same time, clean air from outside will be drawn in. This way, your interior and exterior temperatures even out, allowing your overall moisture levels to drop
Ventilation can be installed by:
2. Desiccants
An affordable way to keep condensation out of your shipping container is to use desiccants. Desiccants come in several forms:
- Bags
- Pads
- Blankets
These absorb excess water from the air and are a popular choice for shipping companies.
Desiccants might be right for your shipping container and prevent the build-up of condensation.
3. Insulation
We’ve touched on ventilation, but what about insulation?
Properly insulating your container can massively reduce the amount of moisture in the air. Having insulation makes your conditions for cargo warmer than your dew point. Essentially, insulation prevents any extreme temperature differences and stops condensation from occurring.
4. Dehumidifiers
This may be more applicable to shipping container homes and canteens. But, if your container has access to a power source, consider using a dehumidifier. We all use these in our homes, to prevent that damp feeling.
Dehumidifiers draw moisture out of the air. Your shipping container will no longer experience condensation.
What Does Condensation Do to a Shipping Container?
If not dealt with, condensation can have serious effects on your shipping container whether you’re using it for accommodation or for shipping purposes.
Here are some of the impacts that condensation can have:
- Caking of powders and dry goods
Moisture and dry goods do not agree with one another. If you’re shipping these kinds of goods, they can get spoiled pretty quickly by condensation.
In order to keep dry goods safe from damage, preventing condensation is a must.
- Physical damage to your container
This can take the form of rust, which we’ve previously discussed.
- Packaging can deteriorate
Your goods can be put at serious risk with condensation. It can ruin any packaging, especially cardboard boxes. This can result in serious financial losses and waste also.
- Mould will begin to grow
Not only will mould have a similar effect and cause financial losses, but it also puts people’s health at risk. Overexposure to mould is known to create health issues, more specifically respiratory problems.
What’s Causing the Condensation in My Shipping Container?
Here are 5 things that are likely causing the condensation in your shipping container.
- Poor ventilation
- The moisture of the container’s contents
- The handling of your container
- Internal temperature
- Air space
Ready for an Upgrade?
If you feel your shipping container is significantly damaged, it may be time for an upgrade. Constant condensation does take effect and can render your container unusable.
At THS Containers, we’re trusted by thousands of happy customers. We rent and sell a selection of shipping containers, for industrial and personal use.
Build out a quick quote today or get in contact with the team, to get started.
