THERMOCON / PCM COOLANT PACKS
PCM packs for specific temperature ranges
Rigid coolant packs filled with phase change material (PCM), available with melting points of approximately −21 °C, +5 °C, +18 °C and +22 °C. Match the PCM filling, packout and insulated shipper to the temperature requirements of your products.
Phase change material for temperature-controlled shipping.
CHOOSE A TEMPERATURE
Which PCM suits your application?
Start with the allowable temperature range for your products. Select the PCM variant, number of packs and insulated shipper as one complete packout.
COLD
PCM 5
Melting point approx. +5 °C
PCM 5 absorbs or releases heat around +5 °C. In a suitable packout, it helps maintain +2 to +8 °C in both summer and winter.
CRT
PCM 18
Melting point approx. +18 °C
For applications requiring +15 to +25 °C, where purely water-based packs may not provide the required control. Match the PCM to the ambient temperature profile and packaging.
CRT
PCM 22
Melting point approx. +22 °C
Another PCM option for +15 to +25 °C. Assess the filling together with the insulated shipper, packout and preconditioning.
FROZEN
PCM −21
Melting point approx. −21 °C
For selected frozen-shipping applications. In suitable packouts, PCM −21 can replace dry ice. The pack itself is not classified as hazardous material, does not sublimate during use and may be reused.
Melting point is not product temperature. These values describe the PCM. Temperature control and shipping duration are assessed for the complete packout.
THERMOCON standard PCM pack
PCM packs without chamfered edges
Select the PCM filling for the required temperature range. The phase change material compensates for fluctuating ambient temperatures and helps maintain the intended product temperature range in the shipping packout.
Dimensions: 280 × 190 × 26 mm
Weight: 960 g (PCM −21: 1,410 g)
Durable rigid shell · four standard melting points · custom temperature ranges available
PCM −21
PCM 5
PCM 18
PCM 22
UNDERSTANDING PCM
How a PCM pack works
Absorbing and releasing heat
PCM stands for phase change material. It absorbs heat as it melts and releases stored heat as it solidifies.
During the phase change, the material stays close to its melting temperature range. In a suitable shipping system, this can help protect products from both heat and cold.
Water also undergoes a phase change. These PCM variants allow the packout to be designed around melting points other than 0 °C.
Include preconditioning in the system design
Before packing, bring the coolant packs to the thermal state required by the packout instructions. The temperature and time depend on the PCM variant and system configuration.
Consider together: Product temperature, shipping duration, ambient temperature profile, insulation, payload, number of packs and preconditioning.
Year-round packout: PCM 5 can support the same pack configuration in summer and winter when the system is designed for it. Follow the preparation instructions for the specific packout.
CUSTOM PCM
PCM with custom melting points
Need a different temperature range? Tell us the allowable product temperature and your shipping conditions. Custom PCM temperature ranges are possible; our team will confirm the appropriate filling and configuration.
Select the melting point with the insulated shipper, packout and preconditioning in mind.
WHAT WE NEED TO HELP YOU CHOOSE
Temperature range
The allowable product temperature range and any preferred PCM melting point.
Operating conditions
Required shipping duration and expected ambient temperatures.
Available space and handling
Available internal space, existing packaging and handling requirements.
HDPE OUTER CONTAINER / VIP / PCM
PCM packs in the Medi Line
Medi Line combines an HDPE outer container, vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) and PCM for high performance and straightforward handling.
Payload volumes: 6 and 18 liters
Shipping duration: 1 to 4 days
See the system page for the available variants and packout details.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions about PCM packs
What is the difference between PCM 18 and PCM 22?
The melting ranges are around +18 °C and +22 °C. Both are options for +15 to +25 °C applications. The appropriate choice depends on the ambient temperature profile and the complete packout.
How long does a PCM pack maintain the temperature?
There is no universal duration for an individual pack. Insulation, number of packs, payload, ambient temperatures and preconditioning all affect performance. Determine shipping duration for the complete configuration.
Can PCM −21 replace dry ice?
Yes, in suitable frozen-shipping applications. PCM −21 is not a universal substitute for dry ice. The pack itself is not classified as hazardous material and may be reused; this does not determine the classification of the goods being shipped.
Are custom temperature ranges possible?
Yes. Tell us the allowable temperature range and shipping conditions. Our team will assess the PCM filling and insulated packaging for your application.
What temperature do your products need to maintain?
Tell us the temperature range, shipping duration, payload, required quantity and existing insulated packaging. We can help select the PCM filling and packout.