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Large gaps are formed between transport trucks and loading docks. Dust, rain, waste, mosquitoes and other pollutants from outside can pass through the gap and contaminate the warehouse, affecting cargo quality and hygiene. At the same time, the gap will allow to accelerate the internal and external air circulation of the loading dock warehouse. It burdens the temperature control system inside the warehouse and increases energy consumption, especially in cold chain warehousing and thermostatic environments where operating costs rise significantly.
To address these issues, Seppes offers a range of dock seals and shelters that provide a securely sealed loading dock environment. When considering dockside equipment. Dock seals VS dock shelters are two good options, both of which can fulfil the criteria of a controlled environment. But they still have some differences. How do you choose the right one? This article provides an in-depth comparison of these two logistics solutions dock seals and dock shelters to help you make an informed decision based on your needs.
Dock Seals vs. Dock Shelters: What is the difference?
Dock Seals
The curtain of the loading dock seals is made of polyester elastic strength fabric which is covered with a PVC coating. In addition, the interior is filled with a high elastic performance sponge with a maximum compression ratio of up to 75%. This unique combination of materials significantly increases the contact area of the exit sponge door seal with the transport vehicle and provides the ideal sealing protection for logistics outlets. Typically, the logistic outlet is where the vehicle comes into contact with the door seal. This feature meets the high demands of logistics outlets for a seal that is convenient, clean and safe.
loading dock seals fabric is secured with screws and metal grommets to ensure that air can escape evenly when pressure is applied. This design increases the abrasion and crush resistance of the seals, allowing them to exhibit superior sealing at logistics outlets. Such sealing guarantees the quality and safety of goods when they are shipped.
Working principle
The dock seal uses a door seal body made of high-density polyester fibre, which is externally supported by aluminium profiles. When a vehicle approaches the door opening, the door seal is squeezed and automatically returns to its original shape.
Advantages
- Top and sides are internally filled with highly resilient foam that provides a tighter seal.
- Seals are the best choice when the lorry dimensions are uniform.
- Walls need to have a certain load bearing capacity.
- Suitable for food and fresh food industry, pharmaceutical industry, cold chain logistics, etc.
Disadvantages
- Lower sealing efficiency compared to dock seals.
- Larger volume, requires more installation space.
- Sponge door seals are not suitable for companies with more compartment sizes.
Dock Shelters
A dock shelter is a seal used to enclose and secure mechanical equipment, containers, or systems, usually made of rubber, plastic, metal, or other sealing materials. The purpose of such a seal is to prevent liquids, gases, dust, or other substances from leaking or penetrating through joints or interfaces in mechanical equipment. While preventing outside substances from entering the interior of the equipment or system.
Loading dock shelters provide an excellent seal for the space between the vehicle and the warehouse. The canopies are made of hard-wearing, tough fibre material. Not only does it completely enclose the perimeter of a lorry or container. But it can also withstand strong wind pressure. Dock shelters can also withstand strong snow pressure. It serves to protect against wind, rain, dust and to block hot external air to preserve the cold internal air of the cold store. Moreover, it improves the working environment and also contributes to energy saving and running operations inside the warehouse.
Working principle
Dock shelters consist of a front frame and a rear frame made of aluminium profiles, connected by brackets and wrapped with reinforced polyester fabric. When a vehicle approaches the opening, the sides and top of the dock door shelters retract due to compression. And the top is automatically raised for intelligent loading and unloading operations.
Advantages
Provides an enclosed loading environment between the vehicle and the warehouse.
Applicable to a wider range of vehicles.
Lower requirement for wall bearing strength.
Disadvantages
Sealing effect is not as good as sealing effect.
Only suitable for general warehouses.
More expensive.
Conclusion
Both dock seals and dock shelters are effective solutions, but their suitability depends on your facility’s specific requirements. Dock seals offer superior sealing performance for temperature-controlled environments, while dock shelters provide flexibility and durability for diverse trailer sizes and general warehousing needs.
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