Cooling elements from THERMOCON for an uninterrupted cold chain

The GDP-compliant shipment of temperature-sensitive products is becoming increasingly important, and so is the quality of the cooling elements. In order to maintain the required temperature limits and running times, the right cooling elements in the right quantity must be correctly positioned.

THERMOCON offers a large selection of different cooling elements for different temperature ranges, as well as running times and provides support in the selection process. Starting with the inexpensive gel pack to the PCM cooling element, which is filled with different phase change materials.

The right cooling elements for every temperature range

In the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical sectors there are three common temperature ranges in which temperature-sensitive products such as sera or active ingredients must be transported and stored:

• +15 to +25°C (Ambient)
• +2 to +8°C (Cold)
• <-15°C (Frozen)

To cover these areas, THERMOCON offers a wide range of different cooling elements. For the temperature ranges Cold and Ambient, gel packs in various designs, foam bricks with a stable foam core, segmented cooling pad mats for high flexibility, HDPE packs with a robust hard plastic shell and water-based filling and phase change materials are used.

The frozen PCM pack as a safe alternative to dry ice

The use of dry ice in the shipping of temperature-sensitive products is increasingly being viewed critically. According to IATA-DGR (International Air Transport Association – Dangerous Goods), dry ice as a coolant is classified as a dangerous good in air transport (UN 1845). In air transport, as well as in the regulations for the road transport of dangerous goods (ADR), dry ice must be labelled.

Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide (CO₂). Dry ice has its phase transition at -78.5°C and changes directly into the gaseous state without melting. Dry ice can therefore only be used once. If this cooling product is handled carelessly, there is a risk of cold burns.

The PCM frozen elements and the PCM gel pack are a safe alternative to the hazardous material dry ice. The melting point of the special PCM (Phase Change Material) is -21°C. The frozen elements are preconditioned at -30°C to -40°C. The advantage over dry ice is the reusability and safe handling of the PCM elements.  Furthermore, no special marking of the cooling elements is required.