THERMOCON / PCM COOLANT PACKS
PCM coolant packs for specific temperature ranges
Our standard phase change materials (PCM) are available in robust hard-shell coolant packs with melting points of −21 °C, +5 °C, +18 °C and +22 °C.
The range also includes PCM with melting points between −60 °C and +60 °C. Selected PCM are available in other coolant pack formats.
Phase change material for temperature-controlled shipping.
CHOOSE A TEMPERATURE
Which PCM suits your application?
Start with the allowable temperature range of your products. Then select the PCM variant, quantity of packs and packaging to work together.
COLD
PCM 5
Melting point approx. +5 °C
For packaging designed to maintain +2 to +8 °C. Suitable for a year-round packout when the system is designed accordingly.
CRT
PCM 18
Melting point approx. +18 °C
A PCM option for the controlled range of +15 to +25 °C. Selection depends on the ambient temperature profile and packaging configuration.
CRT
PCM 22
Melting point approx. +22 °C
Another PCM option for +15 to +25 °C. Assess which variant fits your application together with the insulation and pre-conditioning.
FROZEN
PCM −21
Melting point approx. −21 °C
For frozen shipping. Can provide a reusable alternative to dry ice, depending on the requirements, but is not suitable for every frozen shipment.
The melting point is not the product temperature. These values describe the PCM. Temperature control and shipping duration are assessed for the complete packaging configuration.
CUSTOM PCM
PCM with custom melting points
Does your application need a different melting point? In addition to the four standard variants, further PCM are available with melting points between −60 and +60 °C.
We match the melting point and coolant pack format to your requirements, taking the packaging and pre-conditioning into account.
WHAT WE NEED TO HELP YOU CHOOSE
Temperature range
The allowable product temperature range and, if applicable, the preferred PCM melting point.
Operating conditions
Shipping or operating duration and the expected ambient temperatures.
Available space and handling
The available space, existing packaging and intended use.
CHOOSE A PACK FORMAT
Hard-shell coolant packs in a range of sizes
Hard-shell packs with and without chamfered edges are available in several sizes. The dimensions and weights below show one example size for each format, rather than the full range.
Example pack without chamfered edges
PCM coolant packs without chamfered edges
The rectangular format fits into suitably sized insulated boxes. The required temperature determines which PCM filling is used.
Example size: 280 × 190 × 26 mm
Weight of this size: 960 g (PCM −21: 1,410 g)
Robust hard shell · more sizes available
PCM −21
PCM 5
PCM 18
PCM 22
Example pack with chamfered edges
PCM coolant packs with chamfered edges
The bevelled edges help the coolant packs fit closely together. The PCM fillings are the same as those available in packs without chamfered edges.
Example size: 266 × 266 × 26 mm
Weight of this size: 1,160 g (PCM −21: 1,640 g)
Robust hard shell · more sizes available
PCM −21
PCM 5
PCM 18
PCM 22
The image illustrates the edge geometry. It is not a packing instruction for combining different PCM variants.
PACKING PROCESS
What do the chamfered edges do?
Chamfers are bevelled edges. They allow the PCM coolant packs to fit closely together and help keep them in position during packing.
This can reduce gaps between the coolant packs. The packing instructions for each system specify how the packs should be arranged.
UNDERSTANDING PCM
How a PCM coolant pack works.
Absorbing and releasing heat
PCM stands for Phase Change Material. It absorbs heat as it melts and releases the stored heat as it solidifies.
During the phase change, the material stays close to its melting temperature range. In a suitably designed packaging system, this can help protect the products from both heat and cold.
Water also uses a phase change. The PCM variants offered here allow packaging to be designed around melting points other than 0 °C.
Include pre-conditioning in the system design
Before packing, the coolant packs are brought to the thermal state required for use. The temperature and time needed depend on the PCM variant and system configuration.
Consider together: Product temperature, shipping duration, ambient temperature profile, insulation, payload, quantity of packs and pre-conditioning.
Year-round packout: In suitably designed systems, the same pack configuration can be used in summer and winter. The instructions for the specific system state whether the preparation procedure is also identical.
OTHER PACK FORMATS
PCM is also available in Foam Bricks and gel packs
Depending on the melting point, coolant packs in film pouches are available alongside hard-shell packs.
Illustration of the pack format.
Foam Bricks
PCM −21 and PCM 5
Melting points: −21 °C and +5 °C
Coolant packs with a foam core inside a film pouch to maintain their shape. Both PCM variants are also available in this format.
Illustration of the pack format.
Gel packs
PCM −21
Melting point: −21 °C
PCM −21 is also available as a gel pack in a film pouch, providing another pack format for suitable frozen shipping applications.
PRODUCT FINDER
Explore all PCM coolant packs
Use the coolant pack finder to compare the listed PCM variants by pack format, melting point, dimensions and nominal weight. Select suitable variants and include them in one enquiry.
In the finder, go to Kühlmedium (coolant) and select PCM. Contact us for melting points or sizes that are not listed.
COMPONENT OR COMPLETE SYSTEM
Match the coolant packs to the insulated box.
Need an insulated box on its own? Choose a suitable EPS box. For a tested combination of packaging, coolant packs and packing instructions, explore our pre-qualified systems.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions to help you choose.
What is the difference between PCM 18 and PCM 22?
The melting ranges are around +18 and +22 °C respectively. Both variants can be used for +15 to +25 °C. The better choice depends on the ambient temperature profile and the complete packaging design.
How long does a PCM pack maintain the temperature?
There is no universal shipping duration for an individual pack. Duration depends on factors such as insulation, quantity of packs, payload, ambient temperatures and preparation. It is determined for the complete configuration.
Can PCM −21 replace dry ice?
It can in suitable frozen shipping applications. However, its very different temperature range means PCM −21 is not a universal substitute. The PCM −21 coolant pack is not classified as dangerous goods and can be reused. This statement applies to the pack, not to the classification of the goods being shipped.
Are custom temperature ranges possible?
Yes. Tell us the allowable temperature range of your products and the shipping conditions. We will assess which PCM filling and packaging configuration suit your application.
What temperature do your products need to maintain?
Tell us the temperature range, shipping duration, quantity of products and existing packaging. We can then help you narrow down the PCM variant and pack format.