Lors de l'expédition de marchandises sensibles à la température, the right refrigerant is crucial. Whether it’s packs de glace sèche ou de gel, each option has its strengths and weaknesses. This article will help you choose the best solution for shipments lasting 48 ou 72 heures, considering factors like cost, efficacité, et l'impact environnemental.
-
Glace sèche: Ideal for maintaining frozen conditions, with a cooling range of -109°F (-78°C).
-
Packs de gel: Perfect for moderate cooling (2–8 ° C), effective for products that need to stay cool, mais pas gelé.
-
Solutions hybrides: A combination of both can optimize temperature control.
What Are the Key Differences Between Dry Ice and Gel Packs for Long-Duration Shipments?
Dry ice and gel packs serve distinct purposes, and understanding their differences is crucial for determining which is best suited for your shipment. Below is a comparison based on key features:
| Fonctionnalité | Paquet de glace sec | Pack de gel |
|---|---|---|
| Plage de température | -109°F (-78°C) | 32°F (0°C) |
| Durée de refroidissement | 24-72 heures (depending on quantity) | 24-48 heures (depending on size) |
| Coût | Plus haut | Inférieur |
| Impact environnemental | CO₂ EMISSIONS | Biodegradable water-based gel |
| Mieux pour | Frozen goods (Pharma, nourriture) | Chilled goods (produits de beauté, électronique) |
Glace sèche: When is It the Right Choice?
Glace sèche provides ultra-low temperatures, making it ideal for products that need to remain frozen for extended periods. The sublimation process, which turns solid CO₂ directly into gas, absorbs heat, keeping the products at extremely low temperatures.
Avantages clés de la glace sèche:
-
Durée de refroidissement prolongée: Maintains freezing conditions for up to 72 hours with proper insulation.
-
Pas de résidu liquide: Contrairement aux packs de gel, dry ice sublimates directly, leaving no moisture that could damage packaging.
-
Highly Effective for Deep-Freezing: Essential for products that need to remain frozen like vaccines, aliments surgelés, and lab samples.
Considerations:
-
Manutention: Requires insulated gloves and safe handling due to the extremely low temperatures.
-
Conformité réglementaire: Larger shipments require special labeling and handling procedures under regulations like IATA.
Meilleurs cas d'utilisation:
-
Médicaments: Medical products that require sub-zero temperatures.
-
Aliments surgelés: Ideal for keeping products like meats and ice cream frozen.
-
Laboratory Samples: Scientific specimens that need freezing during transport.
Packs de gel: When to Use Them?
Packs de gel are designed to maintain a temperature range of 2–8°C, perfect for goods that need cooling but not freezing.
Key Advantages of Gel Packs:
-
Affordability: More cost-effective for shipments that don’t require extreme cold.
-
Non-Hazardous: Easy to handle and don’t require special equipment or ventilation.
-
Réutilisable: Can be refrozen and reused, making them a more sustainable option.
Considerations:
-
Durée de refroidissement: Gel packs typically last only 24-48 hours and might not be suitable for longer shipments.
-
Condensation: When they thaw, condensation can form and potentially cause damage if not managed properly.
Meilleurs cas d'utilisation:
-
Aliments périssables: Ideal for shipments of fresh produce or dairy products.
-
Produits de beauté: Many cosmetics require cool storage but not freezing.
-
Électronique: To protect sensitive electronics from heat damage.
Combining Dry Ice and Gel Packs for Longer Shipments
For shipments approaching the 72-hour mark, combining both dry ice and gel packs can offer a balanced solution. By placing gel packs around the perimeter and dry ice in the center, you can ensure that the center remains frozen while the edges stay cool, preventing any items from freezing unnecessarily.
2025 Tendances de l'expédition de la chaîne du froid
Durabilité dans l'emballage:
The cold chain industry is leaning towards more sustainable solutions. Packs de gel are becoming increasingly popular due to their biodegradable nature, alors que glace carbonique production is being enhanced to reduce CO₂ emissions through new methods like carbon-negative dry ice production.
Innovations in Temperature-Controlled Shipping:
New technologies such as Matériaux à changement de phase (PCMS) et smart ice sensors are revolutionizing cold chain logistics. These advancements allow for more precise control and tracking of temperatures during transit, ensuring that temperature-sensitive goods are shipped more efficiently.
Questions fréquemment posées
Q1: Can dry ice be used for medical shipments?
Oui, dry ice is perfect for medical shipments that require freezing conditions. It’s widely used for transporting vaccines, blood, and other medical supplies.
Q2: How long do gel packs last in transit?
Gel packs typically last 24-48 heures, depending on the size and insulation used. They’re best for products that need to stay cool but not frozen.
Q3: Are gel packs eco-friendly?
Oui, gel packs are made from water-based materials and are biodegradable, making them a more environmentally friendly option compared to dry ice.
Conclusion
When deciding between dry ice and gel packs for your 48-72 hour shipments, consider the nature of your product and the temperature it requires. Dry ice is ideal for freezing conditions, while gel packs are suitable for products that need to stay cool but not frozen. Always weigh the cost, handling requirements, and environmental impact of each option.
Appel à l'action: Consult with our temperature-controlled logistics experts today to find the best solution for your next shipment.
À propos du tempk
Tempk is a leader in sustainable cold chain solutions. Our products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of temperature-sensitive shipping while minimizing environmental impact. With expertise in both dry ice and gel pack solutions, we ensure your shipments arrive safely and within the required temperature range.
Contactez-nous today to explore how we can optimize your cold chain logistics.
