Study of the Thermal Insulation Properties of Thermal Covers for Pallets with Food Products under Specified Temperature Conditions

Introduction: The continuity of the cold chain during transportation and storage of perishable food products largely depends on the effectiveness of auxiliary thermal protection means, including thermal covers for pallets. Inadequate thermal insulation can lead to temperature deviations, accelerated product spoilage, and economic losses.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the thermal insulation properties of commercial samples of three-layer thermal covers designed for pallets with food products, under simulated typical loading and unloading conditions.

Materials and Methods: The studies were carried out in a thermally insulated chamber. Real food products (Olivier salad) and simulators with equivalent thermophysical properties were used as model cargo. Heat flux density was measured using the ITP-MG4.03 «Potok» heat flux meter, and the heat transfer coefficient was calculated according to a standard methodology. Product temperature was recorded continuously over a period of 12 hours.

Results: A direct correlation was established between the heat transfer coefficient (k) of thermal covers and the time required for perishable food products to reach the critical temperature of 7,0 °C. The best thermal insulation performance was demonstrated by the cover with k = 0,63 W/(m²·K), which maintained a safe product temperature for 58 minutes. The poorest performance was observed for the cover with k = 1,09 W/(m²·K), under which the product temperature reached 7,0 °C in just 28 minutes.

Conclusion: The heat transfer coefficient is a reliable indicator of thermal cover effectiveness during short-term cold chain disruptions. The obtained data enable objective evaluation of thermal protection materials and support informed selection of solutions aimed at reducing losses and enhancing cold chain resilience.

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