To maintain the cold chain in temperature-controlled transports - of fruit and vegetables, for example - it is important to create a seamless connection between the building and the docked vehicle at the loading point. With the 'ECLIPSE' dock shelter, Rite-Hite Ltd offers its customers an efficient solution.
On the way from the producer to the consumer, temperature-sensitive fruit and vegetables are often at risk of having the cold chain interrupted. This could be the result of insufficient temperature controls in the warehouse, insufficient cooling in the transport vehicle or of the goods remaining to long at the loading ramp.
The loading dock is a critical area anyway. "When it comes to temperature-controlled warehouses, however, the interface between the building and the vehicle is particularly sensitive. Because every time it is opened for the loading process, there is a risk of expensive energy escaping or harmful influences from the outside reaching the inside," says Thorsten Mauritz, company spokesman for Rite-Hite Ltd.
Tarpaulin and cushion gate sealing
A perfect seal is therefore a decisive step towards maintaining both the cold chain and general hygiene. Mauritz: "The innovative Rite-Hite "ECLIPSE" gate seal can contribute to this, successfully. The intelligent combination of a tarpaulin and cushion door seal ensures a consistently tight seal, both along the sides and across the entire roof width of the docked vehicle and even in the difficult corner areas."
On the top side, the weighted roof sheet seals evenly along the entire roof width of the docked truck. The top section is protected from the force of impact of an approaching vehicle by extremely resistant elements. According to Rite-Hite, an exclusive feature of the "ECLIPSE" are the heavy-duty vinyl-wrapped plastic hooks on the fully retractable side panels. "They run along the complete side all the way up to the roof seal and close the problematic gaps created at the vehicle door hinges - an area not addressed by many conventional door seals."
Profitable investment
The insulation properties of "ECLIPSE" offer enormous benefits to fruit logistics. Thanks to the optimal sealing of the loading point, there could be no air exchange between the inside of the building and the outside environment. Thus, constant temperatures are maintained in the area of the loading point and sometimes high energy costs are saved. 
"The ECLIPSE also effectively protects against weather conditions such as rain, wind and dust, as well as the penetration of vermin, light and pollutants that can contaminate sensitive goods. Hygienic loading of food is thus ensured."
The assembly, low maintenance and quick replacement of individual components make "ECLIPSE" a great solution.
Insulated loading lock as a useful extension
In temperature-controlled transports, the situation often arises for safety reasons that the doors of the trailer must not be opened until the truck is fully docked and sealed at the loading point. In this context, Rite-Hite recommends the use of insulated loading locks in combination with the "ECLIPSE" door seal.
Maintaining the cold chain
"This is a useful way to extend a building and perfect cold chain maintenance. Temperature-controlled vehicles can approach the airlock with the rear doors closed, and the doors are not opened and closed until they are in a docked, sealed position, without interrupting the cold chain. Increasing energy efficiency, along with improving protection, safety and productivity around the loading dock, is a core theme in all the solutions we offer," Mauritz concludes.
For more information:
Rite-Hite GmbH
Thorsten Mauritz
Carl-Zeiss-Str. 3
34471 Volkmarsen
Phone: +49 (0) 5693 9870-277
Fax: +49 (0) 5693 9870-20
info@ritehite.com
www.ritehite.com