Phase Change Material as a safe sub to dry ice.

One of the most difficult challenges in a thriving market of temperature sensitive products, is transporting these goods to their destination without compromising quality. Risks are many and costly and ensuring quality becomes more difficult with climate extremes and geographic distance. Currently, dry ice, gel and ice packs are the most common cooling element used in transporting temperature sensitive products. Phase change material (PCM) is currently being introduced into the cold chain industry. PCM differs from the common cold packs and dry ice in that they maintain a specific temperature and may be an ideal solution for those products that require constant temperatures during transport.

Inorganic PCMs made from salt hydrates are non-toxic, non-flammable, reusable for thousands of times and adhere to specific temperatures. PCM temperatures range from very low negative Celsius - 34C or lower to positive +58C and much higher.

Let’s look at a PCM savENRG with phase change at -23 degrees Celsius. The PCM is encapsulated in HDPE packs or profiles that are easily handled and fitted into insulated shippers for uniform temperature distribution. This PCM changes phase from solid to a liquid and guarantees temperature control of -25 degrees C to -15 degrees C. The insulated boxes can be sealed airtight and shipped by air without restrictions.

PCM-based Ice packs with phase change at -23C.

We tested a small 1.5” molded shipper 12” x 9” x 9” to keep temperatures below -15 degrees Celcius for 24 hours, according to ISTA 7D winter and summer test profiles. We estimated the heat gain inside the box and calculated the amount of PCM needed to maintain the desired temperatures. The pack-out performed as per requirement in the first attempt.

Temperature graphs for Summer and Winter profiles cab be seen below the article.

Another important convenience is: PCM provides extended delivery times and reduced shipping costs. Shippers can be lighter and smaller in size. PCM makes regular 2-3 day, ground delivery a cheaper and safe alternative for companies to send their temperature sensitive goods, instead of costly, overnight transport..

The biggest advantage for utilizing PCM in the cold chain industry is it’s reusability. It is a growing and necessary trend for transport and logistic companies to return shippers for reuse. PCM itself, remains stable for thousands of cycles. It is encapsulated in rigid, durable bottles and therefore, can be recycled thousands of times. In a world of over-population and over-consumption, sustainability is a responsibility of everyone, especially businesses in a growing, global market. Because of it’s reusability and guaranteed temperature protection, PCM is an environmentally friendly, cost effective, and practical method of shipping temperature sensitive goods.

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