Phase Change Materials (PCM) in Temperature-controlled Containers

摘要

Insulated containers refrigerated by eutectic gel packs or other phase change materials are used to transport temperature-sensitive health products (vaccines, blood derivatives, biological samples…). The conventional cold source is provided by the melting latent heat of eutectic gels or by the sublimation of dry ice. Product requirements, logistical constraints and regulations are tightening, with stricter controls. Cold and cold/hot ambient temperature profiles are required by standards and specifications. Stringent and restrictive product temperature ranges are regulated like +15/+25°C, +34/+38°C for biopsy. The cold chain actors engage in a continuous improvement process to meet these requirements and ensure the quality and the security. With melting temperatures below or equal to 0°C, aqueous solutions cannot meet alone these strict needs. PCM with positive melting temperatures (+5°C, about +20°C and +35°C…), alone or combined with eutectic gel packs, is a good solution for these applications. This study allowed the analysis of the energy storage capacity of the tested PCMs, and the performance qualification of temperature-controlled boxes.