Providing Cold Solutions To Warm Your Business
Industries that rely on the cold supply chain to succeed must understand how to properly package their goods for shipment. Over the years, the cold chain industry has become more efficient, allowing for the successful delivery of a variety of items.
The transport industry has created various temperature standards in order to protect the integrity of various goods during shipment. The most common of these standards are “banana” (13 °C), “chill” (2 °C), “frozen” (-18 °C), and “deep-frozen” (-29 °C), which are used to accommodate a wide range of products.
It is essential for shipments to remain within a certain temperature range during the supply chain process. This range is specific to the product being shipped and must be maintained to ensure that the product is of the best quality and has the highest shelf life.
A divergence from this temperature range can lead to significant damage to the product and render it useless or with little market value. This can be an expensive mistake, and it is important to be aware of the exact temperature range of the product being shipped to prevent this from occurring.
Ensuring a shipment can remain within a temperature range for an extended period of time is largely dependent on the type of container used and the refrigeration method. Refrigeration accounts for approximately 20% of all energy used in cold chain logistics. When selecting a refrigeration method, it is important to consider factors such as cost, energy efficiency, and the type of cargo being transported.
Temperature-controlled containers are designed to help maintain a desired temperature range for the duration of a shipment, but the type of container used will depend on the size, weight, and type of cargo being shipped. In addition, the type of refrigeration method used will also vary depending on factors such as the length of shipment, the temperature range required, and the type of cargo being transported.
Different types of refrigeration methods include passive, mechanical, and active refrigeration. Passive refrigeration involves using insulation to keep the cargo cool. Mechanical refrigeration uses a cooling device to maintain a desired temperature. Active refrigeration uses a combination of passive and mechanical refrigeration methods.
With proper selection and use of the right type of container and refrigeration method, it is possible to ensure that a shipment will remain within a temperature range for an extended period of time.
Cold chain technologies that provide a temperature-controlled environment during transport involve:
Dry Ice
Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide maintained at a temperature of -80°C, does not melt, rather, it evaporates when exposed to the atmosphere. This property makes it ideal for the transportation of pharmaceuticals, hazardous materials, and food items, as well as for the refrigeration of air cargo.
Gel Packs
Many pharmaceutical and medical items must be stored between 2° to 8°C and are categorized as chilled products. To ensure proper temperature control, leak-proof gel packs or packages containing substances that change from solid to liquid and back again are commonly used.
Depending on the needs for shipment, these packs can either begin in a frozen or chilled state. As they travel, the items inside will thaw to a liquid form, while also conserving energy and keeping the interior temperature stable. We suggest using Ice Cold Gel Packs for your cold supply needs.
Liquid Nitrogen
A very cold material, reaching temperatures near -196°C, is employed to maintain items in a frozen state over an extended period of time. This substance is usually used to protect and transport perishable biological goods, like tissues and organs, and is classified as a dangerous item when in transit.
Quilts
The protective covers can be used to insulate shipments. Quilts help ensure that the temperature remains steady regardless of changing external conditions which prevent items like frozen goods from melting, and eliminates the need for expensive refrigeration devices.
Quilts provide a way to keep temperature-sensitive freight at a consistent temperature, even in extreme temperatures such as hot summers or cold winters.
Reefers
A specialized form of transportation designed to maintain specific temperatures, such as a van, truck, trailer, or standard ISO container, is known as a reefer. These temperature and humidity controlled units are insulated and fitted with an independent refrigeration system that facilitates temperature-controlled air circulation and maintains product quality.
The cold storage facility is a cost effective way to manage temperature sensitive products. It can range from a single temperature-controlled room servicing a single user and function to a large dedicated distribution center servicing multiple users and functions.
Our team understands the importance of being committed to insuring the quality of our customer’s product is at its best. Our team is trained to monitor and operate around the clock 24hours a day, 365 days a year.
Interested in learning more about supply chain management? Reach out to our team today to see which of our cold room services can help your business.
