Phase Change Material (PCM )
Phase change materials, including latent heat storage materials, absorb heat during melting and release it during crystallization/freezing. As a result, the required storage temperature for the duration of transport can be met. Heat or cold entering the transport container are absorbed by the PCM during the phase transition from solid to liquid and vice versa. This ensures a temperature stability for over 120 hours.
While the use of water is limited by its melting point of 0°C, the PCM from va-Q-tec works by using special paraffins and salts within a standard temperature range of -50°C to + 37°C. va-Q-tec also provide customer-specific solutions.
In general, the innovative PCM technology allows one configuration for the packaging for all seasons and climates with the PCM temperature range requested.


Self-Recovery Effect
Even in the best organized transports, unexpected delays due to unforeseen events like flight delays or customs issues happen. The correct response to such delays are the use of self-recovery effects. With this effect, the phase change material can be recharged. Once a container has been exposed to a high ambient temperature and then transported to a cold environment, the internal temperature stabilizes. After six to eight hours, the temperature even starts to drop. The phase change material begins to freeze again. This means that the remaining performance of the container is stopped or even recharged while it is in the cold environment. This way, the unexpected delay can be bridged and the goods in the container safely brought to the destination. Our standard validations do not take advantage of the self-recovery effect, as we present real-world scenarios without lengthy emergency measures.