Check the data basis
Request the exact formulation, transition interval, measured latent heat, specific heat, fill mass and expansion information. Confirm the temperature interval and test method.
COMPARE · CONDITION · CONFIRM
Coolant & PCM Reference for Cold Chain Packaging
Compare coolant families before discussing your packout. Match the product’s temperature limits and preparation method to the complete packaging system; a coolant temperature or energy figure alone cannot establish shipping performance.
Describe your shipment
See families and questions to discuss, rather than an automatic product recommendation. For medicines and vaccines, use the product-specific qualified packaging and transport procedure.
Choose the product range to start a discussion shortlist.
Coolant families and configuration questions
These are reference categories and nominal examples, not Tempk product specifications. Actual transition ranges, latent heat, specific heat and expansion depend on the material and measurement conditions; request the matching data sheet.
10 of 10 reference entries shown
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| Compare | Coolant / example | Phase behavior | Latent heat / specific heat | Preparation | Where to evaluate | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based gel pack | Near 0°C for water-rich formulations; confirm the actual transition range. | Request the data sheet for the exact formulation. | Follow the product procedure and verify the required starting state. | Chilled packouts with suitable separation and evidence. | Formulation, fill mass, sealing and freeze-contact risk. | |
| Rigid ice brick | The shell shape does not define the chemistry; a water-based fill may transition near 0°C. | Request the data sheet for the exact formulation. | Prepare the specified fill and verify its starting state. | Reusable layouts needing a defined pack shape. | Usable payload space, shell integrity and room for expansion. | |
| Conditioned water-based pack | Conditioning changes the starting state, not the material’s inherent transition range. | Request the data sheet for the exact formulation. | Use the defined conditioning and acceptance checks; no universal time is given. | Reviewed chilled configurations where the procedure allows this pack. | Initial state, separators and the specific product transport procedure. | |
| Positive-temperature PCM: nominal +5°C example | +5°C is a nominal example; verify the transition interval of the actual material. | Request the data sheet for the exact formulation. | Use the supplier’s charging and tempering procedure. | Chilled configurations after product and route review. | Measured thermal properties and freeze-sensitive payload protection. | |
| PCM for controlled room temperature | The transition point must suit the intended 15–25°C product range and design. | Request the data sheet for the exact formulation. | Prepare to the state required by the specific configuration. | Controlled room-temperature packouts. | Both hot and cold ambient exposure; a label is not a performance result. | |
| Sub-zero PCM: nominal −5°C example | −5°C is a nominal example, not a chilled-product temperature guarantee. | Request the data sheet for the exact formulation. | Use formulation-specific preparation instructions. | Applications reviewed for a sub-zero coolant. | Freeze sensitivity, separators and actual transition range. | |
| Frozen PCM: nominal −18°C example | −18°C is a nominal example; review the product limit and full temperature profile. | Request the data sheet for the exact formulation. | Confirm the required charging equipment and starting state. | Frozen configurations with relevant thermal evidence. | Upper temperature limit, payload loading and route exposure. | |
| Brine / eutectic coolant | Phase behavior depends on composition and concentration. | Request the data sheet for the exact formulation. | Follow the exact formulation and container instructions. | Formulation-specific chilled or frozen systems. | Concentration, corrosion compatibility, sealing and expansion. | |
| Dry ice: solid carbon dioxide | Sublimates near −78.5°C at approximately 1 atmosphere. | Request the data sheet for the exact formulation. | Use appropriate handling protection and ventilated packaging. | Dry-ice-compatible deep-frozen configurations. | CO2 compatibility, gas release and shipment-specific transport requirements. | |
| Slurry ice / ice slurry | Ice fraction and carrier fluid determine the phase behavior. | Request the data sheet for the exact formulation. | Generated and handled using the specific process system. | Process-side cooling where direct contact is suitable. | Hygiene, fluid compatibility and process controls; not a generic sealed parcel pack. |
These are reference categories and nominal examples, not Tempk product specifications. Actual transition ranges, latent heat, specific heat and expansion depend on the material and measurement conditions; request the matching data sheet.
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Estimate ideal phase-change energy
Enter the actual coolant mass and a documented latent-heat value for the same material and temperature interval. Gross pack mass can include the shell and must not be substituted for coolant mass.
Use a decimal dot or comma, without thousands separators. The calculation is E = m × L; 1 Wh = 3.6 kJ.
Ideal phase-change energy (kJ)
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Equivalent thermal energy (Wh)
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This ideal estimate excludes sensible heat, incomplete phase change and heat transfer through the packaging. It does not calculate hold time, product suitability or the coolant mass needed for a route.
Read the reference with the complete packout
Prepare to a defined starting state
Cooling, freezing and tempering are different steps. Use the material-specific procedure and suitable preparation capacity; a fixed freezer setting is not universal.
Review the full shipment
Evaluate the box, coolant layout, payload, separators, preparation and route together. Keep relevant temperature records and review changes before reusing a previous result.
Coolant and PCM questions
Is PCM always better than a gel pack?
No. Compare the product limits, usable space, preparation capacity and full-system test evidence. A material name or transition temperature alone does not decide the best configuration.
Can I use the table’s phase examples as product specifications?
No. The examples identify reference categories. Request the data sheet for the actual formulation and confirm the transition interval, measurement conditions and configuration.
Why are there no default latent-heat values in the calculator?
Formulation and measurement conditions matter. A generic midpoint can misrepresent a particular product. Enter a documented value for the actual coolant and use the matching mass basis.
Can the energy result tell me a shipping duration?
No. Heat transfer, payload, initial state, usable temperature interval and ambient exposure also matter. Assess hold time with evidence for the complete packout and route conditions.
Can I use a frozen pack directly against a freeze-sensitive product?
Review the product-specific procedure, layout and separator requirements. Local cold spots and the starting state need evaluation; the table is not packing instructions for medicines or vaccines.
What should I check before considering dry ice?
Confirm product compatibility, gas release, suitable handling and shipment-specific transport requirements. Use ventilated packaging and confirm the intended carrier’s acceptance; do not use an airtight container.
Prepare a coolant inquiry
Your selected context and comparison entries are included below. Add the exact product model, payload, route duration and the question you need answered.