US20210278120A1 - Method for providing a transport container system, and a transport container system - Google Patents
Method for providing a transport container system, and a transport container system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210278120A1 US20210278120A1 US17/051,640 US201917051640A US2021278120A1 US 20210278120 A1 US20210278120 A1 US 20210278120A1 US 201917051640 A US201917051640 A US 201917051640A US 2021278120 A1 US2021278120 A1 US 2021278120A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- phase change
- pcm
- temperature
- elements
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 239000012782 phase change material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 259
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000005496 tempering Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 47
- 238000004220 aggregation Methods 0.000 claims description 26
- 230000002776 aggregation Effects 0.000 claims description 26
- 239000002667 nucleating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010899 nucleation Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000006911 nucleation Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 81
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 15
- 239000011232 storage material Substances 0.000 description 13
- 238000005338 heat storage Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000007790 solid phase Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002425 crystallisation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008025 crystallization Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004927 fusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002135 phase contrast microscopy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012266 salt solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002054 transplantation Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
- F25D3/06—Movable containers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D3/12—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using solidified gases, e.g. carbon-dioxide snow
- F25D3/125—Movable containers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2201/00—Insulation
- F25D2201/10—Insulation with respect to heat
- F25D2201/14—Insulation with respect to heat using subatmospheric pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
- F25D2303/084—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
- F25D2303/084—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled
- F25D2303/0843—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled on the side of the product
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
- F25D2303/084—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled
- F25D2303/0844—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled above the product
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
- F25D2303/084—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled
- F25D2303/0845—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled below the product
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
- F25D2303/085—Compositions of cold storage materials
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method for providing a transport container system with a container internal temperature within a target range according to claim 1 or 2 and a transport container system for transporting a temperature-sensitive object within a target range of the container internal temperature according to claim 14 or 15 .
- phase change occurs in a suitable material, e.g. the change from the solid to the liquid phase (or vice versa), the relationship between the temperature of the storage material and the heat absorbed (or given off) by the storage material is no longer linear.
- the heat storage material begins to melt when a phase change temperature range is reached.
- the phase change temperature range depends on the storage material and can be very narrow, e.g. 1 K, but it can also extend beyond 8 K. In this phase change temperature range, the temperature of the storage material remains until the storage material has completely melted. Only then does the temperature rise again with further absorption of heat.
- the latent heat is equal to the heat of fusion or crystallization of the storage material.
- a latent heat storage material has the great advantage that it can store relatively large amounts of heat within a narrow temperature range. Since the phase change takes place at an essentially constant temperature over a certain period of time, one has the possibility of compensating for temperature fluctuations and avoiding temperature peaks.
- Latent heat storage materials are known in various forms. These materials are also called phase change materials (PCM).
- PCM phase change materials
- phase change temperature typically, for phase change materials one does not define the phase change temperature range, but a phase change temperature within the phase change temperature range.
- the phase change temperature represents a target temperature to which the phase change material should be tempered, i.e. quasi the working point. If a target temperature of about 0° C. is reached, water with different additives can be used as latent heat storage material. For cold storage below 0° C., for example, suitably prepared salt solutions are used.
- a latent heat storage element also known as PCM element
- PCM element is a latent heat storage material in a closed enclosure, possibly also provided with a pressure compensation valve.
- a latent heat storage material is a macro-encapsulated PCM.
- microencapsulated PCMs can also be used.
- the enclosure is often made of plastic. The basic construction of so-called cold packs, for example, is well known.
- Such PCM elements can be considered individually or as a plurality of latent heat storage elements installed, for example, in a corresponding container.
- PCM elements of the type in question are now available for a wide range of target temperatures, especially from the applicant (brochure “va-Q-tec Packaging Portfolio, January 2011”). There one finds latent heat storage elements for target temperatures of 37° C., 22° C., 18° C., 5° C., 0° C., ⁇ 19° C., ⁇ 21° C., ⁇ 26° C. and ⁇ 37° C. Other suppliers have comparable PCM elements in their sales program, partly also for other target temperatures.
- PCM elements of the type in question are used in a special field of application in thermally insulated and/or heat-insulated containers, especially for transport purposes.
- this applies to the transport of temperature-sensitive goods, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnological products, transplantation goods or blood preserves.
- the optimum transport and storage temperature or container internal temperature that must be strictly adhered to is, for example, approximately 18° C., wherein a small deviation within a target range of the container internal temperature of 15° C. to 25° C. may be acceptable. Temperatures outside this target temperature range must therefore be avoided.
- the phase change temperature of the PCM elements must be reliably reached and maintained as the target temperature with a comparatively small deviation.
- the target temperature is defined as the temperature which is maintained by the PCM elements during the phase change with a small deviation (namely within the phase change temperature range) and which results from the phase change material used for the PCM elements.
- the target temperature typically matches the desired container internal temperature, but may deviate from it to a small extent.
- the PCM elements are tempered (preconditioned) to a temperature just below or just above their target temperature, in particular cooled to a pre-cooling temperature.
- This pre-cooling temperature is within the above-mentioned target range of the internal container temperature.
- the phase change material of the PCM elements exhibits a completely solid state of aggregation.
- the pre-cooling temperature For preconditioning the PCM elements, the pre-cooling temperature must be reached as accurately as possible.
- the pre-cooling temperature and thus the means for preconditioning are linked to the target temperature or the desired container internal temperature. This may require special means for tempering or preconditioning.
- this process is susceptible to temperature fluctuations during preconditioning. Deviations from the pre-cooling temperature can result in the phase change material not or not completely being converted into a solid phase and thus less heat can be absorbed when used in a transport container system. The required container internal temperature can then only be guaranteed for a significantly shorter period of time.
- PCM elements For the preconditioning of such PCM elements, they are tempered in a cold room, for example.
- cold rooms certain temperatures have become established as so-called standard cold room temperatures for which common and widely used cold rooms are available on the market
- Corresponding standard cold room temperatures are for example 5° C. and ⁇ 25° C.
- Cold storage rooms that are suitable for temperatures deviating from the standard cold storage room temperatures are usually much more expensive to purchase due to their lower distribution.
- non-standard cold rooms do not usually have a very precise tempering.
- Corresponding cold rooms have a typical tolerance range of +/ ⁇ 2 K. A correspondingly precise tempering of the cold room is therefore unavoidable and usually associated with high costs.
- the present invention is therefore based on the task to improve the known process with respect to the complexity of the preconditioning, the handling of the preconditioning, the susceptibility to temperature fluctuations during preconditioning and/or the costs.
- the method according to the invention serves to provide a transport container system in which the container internal temperature is within a target range.
- the transport container system has a heat-insulated, closable container having a receiving space for an object to be transported.
- the temperature in the receiving space of the container is the container internal temperature.
- the transport container system has at least two PCM elements that can be removed from the container and inserted into the container, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change material.
- At least one first PCM element is tempered, in particular precooled, in such a way that the phase change material of this first PCM element is present in a completely solid state of aggregation.
- At least one second PCM element is tempered, in particular precooled, in such a way that the phase change material of this second PCM element is present in a completely liquid state of aggregation.
- the PCM elements tempered in this way are arranged in the container.
- the tempering and the PCM elements are configured and/or adjusted in such a way that the container internal temperature reaches a value within the target range after the PCM elements have been arranged in the container.
- the invention is thus based on the idea of using at least two PCM elements with the same phase change material, wherein at least one first PCM element is arranged in a completely solid state of aggregation (“solid PCM element”) and at least one second PCM element is arranged in a completely liquid state of aggregation (“liquid PCM element”) for use in the transport container system.
- the first PCM element is pre-tempered to a different temperature (outside the latent range) than the second PCM element. After insertion into the container, a temperature adjustment takes place. At the end of the temperature adjustment in the container, the container internal temperature is within the target range.
- the first or second PCM element is tempered in such a way that at the end of the preconditioning and/or when the PCM elements are inserted into the container, the phase change material of these PCM elements is present in a mixed state, i.e. partly liquid and partly solid.
- the pre-cooling temperature of the first PCM element and that of the second PCM element and thus the means for preconditioning are decoupled from the target temperature of the PCM elements.
- at least one of the two pre-cooling temperatures can lie within a temperature range that allows the use of a common infrastructure for preconditioning.
- For preconditioning outside the latent range especially cold rooms with common standard cold room temperatures can be selected.
- the process according to the invention is significantly less susceptible to temperature fluctuations during preconditioning than the known process.
- the influence of pre-cooling is significantly reduced, since a deviation of the cooling temperature can no longer lead to an undesired phase change.
- the pre-cooling process is therefore significantly less susceptible to disturbances.
- pre-cooling time can be reduced by conditioning outside the latent range.
- the phase change material of the PCM elements has a phase change temperature range in which the phase change material changes from the solid to the liquid state of aggregation and/or vice versa.
- This phase change temperature range preferably does not include a temperature of 0° C. In this case, water is not suitable as a phase change material.
- the at least one first PCM element is tempered outside the container to a temperature below the phase change temperature range.
- the at least one second PCM element outside the container is tempered to a temperature in the phase change temperature range or above the phase change temperature range.
- the pre-cooling temperature for example, is decisive for an advantageous configuration of the tempering.
- parameters such as the number, size, and arranging of the PCM elements as well as the mass of the phase change material in the respective PCM element can be considered.
- the number and/or the size and/or arranging of the PCM elements tempered to the respective temperature and/or the mass of the phase change material of the PCM elements tempered to the respective temperature is/are selected in such a way that after arranging of the PCM elements tempered to the respective temperature in the container, the internal temperature of the container reaches a value within the target range.
- the tempered PCM elements can be arranged in the container in such a way that each solid PCM element is in contact with at least one liquid PCM element. In this way, a particularly fast and advantageous temperature equalization between the PCM elements can take place, wherein the desired container internal temperature is reached within a very short time, preferably within a few minutes. In principle, however, it is also possible to arrange the PCM elements in the container as desired, for example without touching each other.
- This method according to the invention is used to provide a transport container system in which the container internal temperature is within a target range.
- the transport container system has a heat-insulated, closable container having a receiving space for an object to be transported.
- the temperature in the receiving space of the container is the container internal temperature.
- the transport container system has at least two PCM elements that can be removed from the container and inserted into the container, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change material.
- At least a first PCM element is tempered, in particular pre-cooled, outside the container to a temperature below the phase change temperature range.
- At least one second PCM element is tempered, in particular pre-cooled, outside the container to a temperature in the phase change temperature range or above the phase change temperature range.
- the PCM elements tempered in this way are arranged in the container.
- the tempering and the PCM elements are configured and/or adjusted in such a way that after the PCM elements have been arranged in the container, the container internal temperature reaches a value within the target range.
- the phase change material of the at least one first PCM element is preferably present in a completely solid state of aggregation after tempering to a temperature below the phase change temperature range.
- the phase change material of the at least one second PCM element is preferably in a completely liquid state of aggregation after tempering to a temperature in the phase change temperature range or above the phase change temperature range.
- the method according to the invention also comprises cases in which the phase change material of the at least one first PCM element and the phase change material of the at least one second PCM element is gel-like and is present in a mixed state (partly solid, partly liquid) after said tempering.
- At least one first PCM element is tempered to a temperature of at least 10 K below the phase change temperature range (and/or the lower limit of the phase change temperature range) and/or at least one PCM element is tempered to a temperature of at least 1 K above the phase change temperature range (and/or the upper limit of the phase change temperature range). Tempering the at least one PCM element to a temperature at least 10 K below the phase change temperature range means that a temperature fluctuation of up to 2 K during preconditioning has no negative influence on the performance of the PCM element. The PCM element is then present in a completely solid phase regardless of the temperature fluctuation during preconditioning.
- Cold rooms with an internal temperature of about 5° C., i.e. a range between about 2° C. to about 8° C., and deep-freeze rooms with an internal temperature of about ⁇ 25° C. are used as common and widely used pre-cooling rooms. For this reason, the aforementioned cold rooms are to be regarded as standard infrastructure for the pre-tempering of PCM elements. Pre-cooling to the above-mentioned temperatures is thus possible in a simple and cost-effective way.
- a phase change material with a phase change temperature of 17.8° C. can be used for a desired container internal temperature of 18° C.
- At least one PCM element can then be pre-tempered at a temperature of 5° C. and at least one other PCM element at a temperature of 19° C.
- the desired container internal temperature of 18° C. is reached within a short period of time inside the container.
- the internal temperature of the container can be kept within a temperature range between 15° C. and 25° C. (target range) for a long period of time, i.e. for at least 100 hours.
- the above-mentioned time range refers to an ambient temperature between 4° C. and 30° C.
- At least one PCM element can be pre-tempered to a temperature of ⁇ 25° C. and at least one PCM element to a temperature of 20.5° C.
- the tolerable temperature range can be maintained for at least 165 hours.
- PCM elements can be used with a phase change material that has a phase change temperature of ⁇ 26° C.
- phase change temperature ⁇ 26° C.
- the internal temperature of the container can be kept below ⁇ 20° C. for at least 92 hours.
- all first PCM elements and/or all those which are tempered to a temperature below the phase change temperature range have a mass fraction of the total phase change material arranged in the container of 5 to 85%, further preferably of 5 to 35%.
- the container internal temperature can be kept within the target range over a long period of time.
- a low mass fraction of phase change material pre-tempered below the phase change temperature range means that the desired container internal temperature is reached within a short time after the tempered PCM elements have been arranged in the container.
- the container has a bottom, a mantle and a lid.
- At least one PCM element is tempered outside the container in such a way that the phase change material of this PCM element is in a completely solid or completely liquid state of aggregation, and is arranged at the bottom or lid.
- At least one further PCM element is tempered outside the container in such a way that the phase change material of this further first PCM element is present in a completely solid or completely liquid state of aggregation and is arranged on the lid or bottom.
- at least one further PCM element preferably four further PCM elements, is/are tempered outside the container in such a way that the phase change material of the respective second PCM element is present in a completely solid or completely liquid state of aggregation, and is arranged on the mantle. In this way, an advantageous temperature equalization between the PCM elements is achieved.
- a PCM element is tempered outside the container to a temperature below the phase change temperature range, in the phase change temperature range or above the phase change temperature range and is placed at the bottom or lid.
- Another PCM element is tempered outside the container to a temperature below the phase change temperature range, in the phase change temperature range or above the phase change temperature range and placed on the lid or bottom.
- at least one further PCM element preferably four further PCM elements, is/are tempered outside the container to a temperature below the phase change temperature range, in the phase change temperature range or above the phase change temperature range and arranged on the mantle.
- the tempering and arranging of the PCM elements can be selected depending on the ambient temperature.
- PCM elements are provided, each of which is arranged on an inner surface of a thermal insulation element and preferably covers the thermal insulation elements completely.
- those PCM elements which are later arranged on the bottom and the lid are tempered to a temperature below the phase change temperature range and the remaining PCM elements which are later arranged on the mantle are tempered to a temperature in the phase change temperature range or above the phase change temperature range.
- the container is rectangular in shape. This special rectangular arrangement with six PCM elements means that each PCM element tempered to a temperature below the phase change temperature range is in contact with all PCM elements tempered to a temperature in the phase change temperature range or above the phase change temperature range. In this way, a favorable heat exchange between the PCM elements is achieved.
- the formation of a container of PCM elements within the transport container system also leads to a more homogeneous temperature distribution within the container and/or improved shielding and/or insulation of the goods to be transported, which are arranged within the volume defined by the PCM elements.
- the desired container internal temperature is reached within a short period of time.
- the container internal temperature can be kept within the target range over a long period of time.
- the container of the transport container system can have any shape.
- the container can have a cuboid or cylindrical shape.
- other geometries of the container are basically possible.
- an object to be transported is placed in the receiving space of the container and the container is closed.
- the PCM elements after being arranged in the container, are each in contact with at least one inner surface of the thermal insulation elements and enclose a transport volume in which an object to be transported is placed.
- the container is then closed.
- the PCM elements are then each assigned to one thermal insulation element and preferably have a predetermined size that matches the dimensions of the assigned inner surface of the thermal insulation elements. It is particularly advantageous if exactly one PCM element is assigned to each inner surface. In this case, the PCM elements form a common inner volume to accommodate an object to be transported. However, it is also possible that more than one PCM element is assigned to one or more inner surfaces of the thermal insulation elements.
- the thermal insulation elements are arranged on the inner surfaces of the container and lie against them.
- the inner surfaces of the container are completely covered by the thermal insulation elements.
- the thermal insulation elements can preferably be removed and/or replaced individually. However, it is also possible that the thermal insulation elements can only be removed and/or replaced together.
- the transport container system serves to transport a temperature-sensitive object within a target range of the container internal temperature.
- the transport container system has a heat-insulated, closable container with a receiving space for the object to be transported.
- the temperature in the receiving space of the container is the container internal temperature.
- the transport container system has at least two PCM elements that can be removed from the container and inserted into the container, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change material.
- the phase change material of at least one first PCM element is present in a completely solid state when inserted into the container.
- the phase change material of at least one second PCM element is present in a completely liquid state when inserted into the container.
- the transport container system serves to transport a temperature-sensitive object within a target range of a container internal temperature.
- the transport container system has a heat-insulated, closable container with a receiving space for the object to be transported.
- the temperature in the receiving space of the container is the container internal temperature.
- the transport container system has at least two PCM elements that can be removed from the container and inserted into the container, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change material.
- the phase change material of at least one first PCM element has a temperature below the phase change temperature range when inserted into the container and the phase change material of at least one second PCM element has a temperature in the phase change temperature range or above the phase change temperature range when inserted into the container.
- the container internal temperature can be kept within the target range over a long period of time.
- the phase change material of the PCM elements has a phase change temperature range in which the phase change material changes from the solid to the liquid state of aggregation and/or vice versa.
- This phase change temperature range preferably does not include a temperature of 0° C. In this case, water is not suitable as a phase change material.
- the at least one first PCM element when inserted into the container, has a temperature below the phase change temperature range, in particular a temperature of at least 10 K below the phase change temperature range
- the at least one second PCM element when inserted into the container, has a temperature in the phase change temperature range or above the phase change temperature range, in particular a temperature of at least 1 K above the phase change temperature range.
- at least one PCM element can be pre-tempered to a temperature of 5° C. and at least one PCM element to a temperature of 19° C.
- a target temperature of 5° C. for example, it is possible that at least one PCM element is pre-tempered to a temperature of ⁇ 25° C. and at least one PCM element to a temperature of 20° C.
- phase change material of all first PCM elements together have a mass fraction of the total phase change material arranged in the container of 5 to 85%, especially preferably 5 to 35%.
- the PCM elements contain an immobilized, preferably gel-like, phase change material and/or a foam.
- immobilized in the context of the invention means that the phase change material has a high viscosity even in its liquid phase.
- a gel-like formation of the phase change material offers the advantage that in case of a leakage of the PCM element the leakage of the phase change material can be reduced or completely prevented.
- the functionality of a defective PCM element can be maintained at least partially. At the same time, it may be possible to prevent a material to be transported from coming into contact with leaked phase change material.
- the phase change material contains a nucleating agent for nucleation during the phase change.
- the phase change material crystallizes.
- the nucleating agents contribute to nucleation, which serves as the starting point for crystal growth. The crystal formation and thus the crystallization of the phase change material is thus accelerated.
- the container has a bottom, a mantle and a lid. At least one of the first PCM elements and/or one of the second PCM elements is located at the bottom. At least one of the first PCM elements and/or one of the second PCM elements is arranged on the lid. Optionally, at least one of the first PCM elements and/or one of the second PCM elements is/are arranged on the mantle.
- At least one of the first PCM elements i.e. at least one PCM element whose phase change material is in a completely solid state of aggregation when inserted into the container, is particularly preferred at the bottom. At least one such PCM element is also arranged on the lid (completely solid state of aggregation). At least one of the second PCM elements is arranged on the mantle, i.e. at least one PCM element whose phase change material is present in the completely liquid state of aggregation when inserted into the container.
- thermal insulation elements are arranged in the container.
- the thermal insulation elements are designed as vacuum insulation panels.
- the vacuum insulation panels are arranged on the inner surfaces of the container.
- Vacuum insulation panels have in principle been known for a long time, but they are constantly being perfected in terms of manufacturing technology and materials. For vacuum insulation panels, reference may be made to DE 100 58 566 C2 and EP 3 018 398 A1, which date back to the applicant of the present application. Such vacuum insulation panels are currently the most efficient thermal insulation elements.
- exactly six PCM elements are provided, each arranged on an inner surface of one of the thermal insulation elements and preferably covering the thermal insulation elements completely.
- the container is rectangular in shape.
- FIG. 1 schematically in an exploded view a first example of an embodiment of a transport container system according to the invention
- FIG. 2 schematically in a front view a second example of an embodiment of a transport container system according to the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows schematically in an exploded view a first example of a transport container system 1 .
- the transport container system 1 serves for the transport of a temperature-sensitive object in a target range of a container internal temperature.
- the transport container system 1 has a heat-insulated, closable container 2 with a receiving space for an object to be transported.
- Six thermal insulation elements 3 here designed as vacuum insulation panels, are arranged in container 2 .
- the temperature inside the container 2 is the temperature of the container.
- the transport container system 1 has six PCM elements 4 that can be removed from container 2 and inserted into container 2 . All PCM elements 4 have the same phase change material with a specific phase change temperature range. All PCM elements 4 are of the same dimensions and contain the same mass of phase change material.
- the container 2 has a bottom 5 , a mantle 6 and a lid 7 .
- the container 2 is here designed as a cuboid.
- the mantle 6 thus has four side walls standing perpendicular to each other.
- other container shapes are also known, for example with a cylinder or cube shape.
- the thermal insulation elements 3 are arranged in the container 2 on the wall side of its inner surfaces.
- the thermal insulation elements 3 can be removed from the container 2 and inserted into the container 2 .
- Each thermal insulation element 3 has predetermined dimensions which match the assigned inner surface of the container 2 .
- the thermal insulation elements 3 result in a good insulation of the receiving space of the container 2 .
- thermal insulation elements 3 used are visible, wherein each of the inner surfaces of the four mantle sides is assigned a thermal insulation element 3 and wherein each of the inner surfaces of the lid 7 and the bottom 5 is assigned a thermal insulation element 3 .
- the thermal insulation elements 3 can be individually removed from the transport container system 1 and individually inserted into the transport container system 1 . If a thermal insulation element 3 is damaged, only the defective thermal insulation element 3 can be replaced. However, in the general description section it has already been pointed out that there could also be only one thermal insulation element 3 which completely covers both the inner surface of the bottom 5 and the inner surfaces of the mantle 6 . Thus, only two thermal insulation elements 3 would be provided, with the second thermal insulation element 3 located on the inner surface of the lid 7 .
- the six PCM elements 4 in the transport container system 1 are arranged on the wall side on the inner surfaces of the thermal insulation elements.
- Each PCM element 4 can be removed from container 2 and inserted into container 2 .
- Each PCM element 4 has predetermined dimensions matching the assigned inner surface of the thermal insulation elements 3 .
- two PCM elements 4 namely the one arranged at the bottom 5 and the one arranged at the lid 7 —have a temperature below the phase change temperature range when inserted into the container 2 , preferably about 13 K below the phase change temperature range.
- the phase change material of these two PCM elements 4 is then in a completely solid state of aggregation.
- Four PCM elements 4 namely those arranged on the mantle 6 —have a temperature above the phase change temperature range when inserted into the container 2 , preferably about 1 K to 4 K above the phase change temperature range.
- the phase change material of these four PCM elements 4 is then in a completely liquid state of aggregation.
- the phase change material of the PCM elements 4 makes up a mass fraction of 1 ⁇ 3 of the total phase change material present in container 2 .
- phase change temperature of the PCM elements is preferably 17.8° C.
- two PCM elements 4 outside the container 2 are tempered to a temperature below the phase change temperature, preferably to ⁇ 5° C.
- a cold room with an internal temperature of approx. 2° C. to approx. 8° C. is used.
- Four PCM elements 4 are tempered outside of container 2 to a temperature above the phase change temperature, preferably to a temperature above 19° C.
- the tempered PCM elements 4 are then placed inside the container 2 .
- a PCM element 4 which has been tempered to a temperature above the phase change temperature, is placed at the bottom 5 .
- the second PCM element 4 which has been tempered to a temperature above the phase change temperature, is placed on the lid 7 .
- the remaining four PCM elements 4 namely the PCM elements 4 tempered to a temperature above the phase change temperature, are arranged on the mantle 6 .
- an object to be transported is placed in the receiving space of container 2 and container 2 is closed.
- the internal temperature in container 2 reaches a value within the target range.
- FIG. 2 shows schematically in a front view a second example of an embodiment of a transport container system 1 .
- the transport container system 1 serves for the transport of a temperature-sensitive object in a target range of a container internal temperature.
- the transport container system 1 has a heat-insulated, closable container 2 with a receiving space for an object to be transported.
- Several thermal insulation elements 3 here designed as vacuum insulation panels, are arranged in the container 2 .
- the temperature inside the container 2 is the same as the temperature inside the container.
- the transport container system 1 according to FIG. 2 has several, namely 52 , PCM elements 4 that can be removed from container 2 and inserted into container 2 . It is generally preferred if the number of PCM elements 4 is between 36 and 76. All PCM elements 4 have the same phase change material with a specific phase change temperature. All PCM elements 4 are of the same dimensions and contain the same mass of phase change material.
- the transport container system 1 shown in FIG. 2 has a bottom 5 , a mantle 6 and a lid 7 , which is firmly connected to the mantle 6 .
- the mantle 6 has a door 8 .
- Thermal insulation elements 3 are arranged on the inner surfaces of the transport container system 1 .
- slide-in guides 9 can be provided on each inner surface of the thermal insulation elements 3 .
- the slide-in guides 9 can be designed to be extendable in order to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the PCM elements 4 .
- the transport container system 1 shown in FIG. 2 is particularly suitable for large goods to be transported or alternatively for a large number of small goods to be transported which are to be transported within the same temperature range.
- PCM elements 4 have a temperature below the phase change temperature when inserted into container 2 , preferably approx. ⁇ 25° C.
- PCM elements 4 have a temperature above the phase change temperature when inserted into container 2 , preferably approx. 20.5° C.
- the phase change material of the PCM elements 4 makes up a mass fraction of the total phase change material present in container 2 of 43/52.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102018112716.2 | 2018-05-28 | ||
DE102018112716 | 2018-05-28 | ||
DE102018124162.3 | 2018-10-01 | ||
DE102018124162.3A DE102018124162A1 (de) | 2018-05-28 | 2018-10-01 | Verfahren zum Bereitstellen eines Transportbehältersystems mit einem Sollbereich der Transportbehälterinnentemperatur sowie ein Transportbehältersystem |
PCT/EP2019/055023 WO2019228684A1 (de) | 2018-05-28 | 2019-02-28 | Verfahren zum bereitstellen eines transportbehältersystems sowie ein transportbehältersystem |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210278120A1 true US20210278120A1 (en) | 2021-09-09 |
Family
ID=68499259
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/051,640 Abandoned US20210278120A1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2019-02-28 | Method for providing a transport container system, and a transport container system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210278120A1 (de) |
JP (1) | JP2021525856A (de) |
DE (1) | DE102018124162A1 (de) |
WO (1) | WO2019228684A1 (de) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11591133B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2023-02-28 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover |
US11634263B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2023-04-25 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover |
US11634267B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2023-04-25 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover |
US11964795B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2024-04-23 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Device comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the device |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102020129489B4 (de) | 2020-11-09 | 2023-10-26 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung eingetragener Verein | Thermoregulierendes Behältnis mit einem Latentwärmespeicher |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080276643A1 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2008-11-13 | Adam Heroux | Thermally Insulated Transport Container For Cell-Based Products and Related Methods |
WO2012081581A1 (ja) * | 2010-12-16 | 2012-06-21 | 玉井化成株式会社 | 定温保管容器及び定温保管方法 |
US20140311170A1 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2014-10-23 | Doubleday Acquisitions Llc | Phase change material (pcm) belts |
US20150330697A1 (en) * | 2012-12-27 | 2015-11-19 | Toppan Forms Co., Ltd. | Implement for constant-temperature storage and storage container housing the same |
GB2534910A (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2016-08-10 | Laminar Medica Ltd | A thermally insulated container and method for making same |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2300618C (en) * | 1999-03-12 | 2009-10-20 | Ted J. Malach | Constant temperature packaging system and phase change formulation |
DE10058566C2 (de) | 2000-08-03 | 2002-10-31 | Va Q Tec Ag | Folienumhüllter, evakuierter Wärmedämmkörper und Herstellungsverfahren für diesen |
JP4335721B2 (ja) * | 2004-03-24 | 2009-09-30 | 株式会社日立物流 | 低温輸送梱包装置及びその製作方法 |
JP2010525996A (ja) * | 2007-05-04 | 2010-07-29 | エントロピー ソリューションズ、インコーポレイテッド | 相変化材を有する包装及び温度の影響を受けやすい荷物の輸送中の使用方法 |
US20090078708A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2009-03-26 | Preston Noel Williams | Temperature Maintaining Package Having Corner Discontinuities |
EP2053325A1 (de) * | 2007-10-23 | 2009-04-29 | Deutsche Post AG | Zusammenklappbare Behälterpackung; Verfahren zum Verpacken von temperaturempfindlichen Waren und Behälterverbindungssystem |
JP5402416B2 (ja) * | 2009-09-02 | 2014-01-29 | 玉井化成株式会社 | 定温保管容器及び輸送方法 |
DE202014008767U1 (de) | 2014-11-06 | 2015-01-09 | Va-Q-Tec Ag | Vakuumisolationspaneel |
JP6831622B2 (ja) * | 2015-09-02 | 2021-02-17 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | 保冷保温用箱体 |
-
2018
- 2018-10-01 DE DE102018124162.3A patent/DE102018124162A1/de active Pending
-
2019
- 2019-02-28 WO PCT/EP2019/055023 patent/WO2019228684A1/de active Application Filing
- 2019-02-28 US US17/051,640 patent/US20210278120A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-02-28 JP JP2020566569A patent/JP2021525856A/ja active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080276643A1 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2008-11-13 | Adam Heroux | Thermally Insulated Transport Container For Cell-Based Products and Related Methods |
WO2012081581A1 (ja) * | 2010-12-16 | 2012-06-21 | 玉井化成株式会社 | 定温保管容器及び定温保管方法 |
US20150330697A1 (en) * | 2012-12-27 | 2015-11-19 | Toppan Forms Co., Ltd. | Implement for constant-temperature storage and storage container housing the same |
US20140311170A1 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2014-10-23 | Doubleday Acquisitions Llc | Phase change material (pcm) belts |
GB2534910A (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2016-08-10 | Laminar Medica Ltd | A thermally insulated container and method for making same |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11591133B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2023-02-28 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover |
US11634263B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2023-04-25 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover |
US11634267B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2023-04-25 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover |
US11964795B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2024-04-23 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Device comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2019228684A1 (de) | 2019-12-05 |
DE102018124162A1 (de) | 2019-11-28 |
JP2021525856A (ja) | 2021-09-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20210278120A1 (en) | Method for providing a transport container system, and a transport container system | |
JP6221149B2 (ja) | 潜熱貯蔵要素を予備調整する方法 | |
US11559465B2 (en) | Passive temperature controlled container | |
EP3303176B1 (de) | Vorrichtung und verfahren zum transportieren von temperaturempfindlichem material | |
US7849708B2 (en) | Temperature controlled shipping using one or more smaller insulated containers inside a larger insulated container | |
US20160075498A1 (en) | Modular cuboidal passive temperature controlled shipping container | |
US8887515B2 (en) | Thermal management systems and methods | |
WO2015125790A1 (ja) | 温度管理搬送ボックス | |
JP2021535047A (ja) | 輸送コンテナ | |
US20140157797A1 (en) | Process to Control the Payload Temperature of a Shipping Container in Transit | |
US20100064698A1 (en) | Temperature Control Transport System | |
US10793338B2 (en) | Apparatus and methods for transporting and conditioning panels containing phase change materials | |
US10988302B1 (en) | System and apparatus for holding vials | |
US6405556B1 (en) | Insulated container | |
US20170307278A1 (en) | Segmented container with multiple temperature zones | |
DE202018105624U1 (de) | Transportbehältersystem zum Transport eines temperatursensiblen Gegenstands in einem Sollbereich einer Behälterinnentemperatur | |
JPH0712442A (ja) | 蓄熱装置 | |
US11103421B1 (en) | System and apparatus for holding vials | |
KR101485504B1 (ko) | 조핵제가 첨가된 냉축열용 상전이물질팩 | |
WO2000040908A1 (en) | Freezer cabinet | |
US11204195B2 (en) | Method for preparing a transport container | |
Meacle et al. | Key considerations of cell and gene therapy cold chain logistics | |
Mehling et al. | Applications in transport and storage containers | |
CN207000281U (zh) | 基于多段式冷藏运输处理的冷链物流用车载平台 | |
WO2022185107A1 (en) | A temperature-controlled container system to preserve temperature sensitive articles |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VA-Q-TEC AG, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KUHN, JOACHIM;ESCHENBACH, FABIAN;HEINEMANN, MARTIN;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20201013 TO 20201016;REEL/FRAME:054214/0363 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |