Water-Based Coolant Pack
A water-based coolant pack is a cooling element with a water-based filling. It stores heat as it warms, and particularly as the ice it contains melts. Pure water melts at around 0 °C at normal pressure; additives can change the behaviour of the filling.
How is a water-based pack used?
- When frozen, it uses heat absorption during the phase change. Depending on the packout, a defined tempering stage may also be required before use.
- It can also form part of a packaging configuration when merely chilled. In this case, warming of the liquid water is used as a thermal buffer.
- Water-based describes the medium. A rigid-shell pack, gel pack or foam brick describes the format.
Is a water-based pack suitable for +2 to +8 °C?
This depends on the complete packaging system. Packs that are too cold, or direct product contact, can overcool freeze-sensitive goods. The packing instructions specify the quantity, temperature state and position. In physical terms, water is also a phase change material; in industry usage, PCM often refers to specially formulated media with other melting points.
Related terms: Cold Shock · PCM
Technical references:
WHO: Cold boxes and vaccine carriers