Cooling elements
Gel packs
Gel packs for single-use up to gel packs with robust film for multi-use applications.
Foam bricks
Shape stable with foam core in various sizes. Special sizes can be realized at low cost.
Deep freeze PCM
Phase change material for the plus & minus range. With and without chamfers in various geometries.
Looking for an alternative to dry ice?
Gel packs, foam bricks and PCM cooling elements may be used in appropriately designed frozen packouts where an alternative to dry ice is required. The elements themselves are not classified as hazardous materials. The complete shipment must still be evaluated based on product requirements, packout, route, carrier rules and applicable regulations.
THERMOCON cooling elements for cold chain packaging
The GDP-compliant shipping of temperature-sensitive products is becoming increasingly important — and so is the quality of the cooling elements. To maintain required temperature ranges and hold times, it is crucial to select the right type and quantity of cooling elements and position them correctly.
THERMOCON offers a wide range of cooling elements for various temperature ranges and durations, providing expert support in choosing the optimal solution. Options range from cost-effective gel packs to PCM coolants, which are filled with different phase change materials (PCM) tailored to specific thermal requirements.
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 serums or active ingredients must be transported and stored:
- +15 to +25 °C (CRT)
- +2 to +8 °C (REFRIGERATED)
Below –15 °C (FROZEN)
To cover these ranges, THERMOCON offers a wide selection of cooling elements. For the REFRIGERATED and CRT temperature ranges, we provide gel packs in various designs, foam bricks with a stable foam core, and phase change materials (PCM) for precise and reliable temperature control.
Phase change material (PCM): A possible alternative to dry ice.
The use of dry ice for shipping temperature-sensitive products is increasingly being evaluated critically. As a cooling medium, dry ice is classified as hazardous material according to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA-DGR) for air transport (UN 1845). It is also subject to labeling requirements in both air transport and road transport under the ADR regulations for dangerous goods.
Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide (CO₂). It sublimates – changing directly from solid to gas – at – 78.5 °C without melting. Because of this, dry ice can only be used once. Improper handling may cause cold burns and poses safety risks during storage and transport.
For suitable frozen packouts, Phase Change Materials (PCM) and PCM gel packs can provide a practical alternative to dry ice. The cooling elements themselves are not classified as dangerous goods and can support passive temperature control when the packout is designed for the required temperature range, runtime and shipping profile. Requirements for the complete shipment must be assessed separately. The special phase change material used in these elements has a melting point of –21 °C and is preconditioned at –30 °C to –40 °C.