A passive temperature control system for transport and storage containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of the transportation and storage of goods and to a passive temperature control system for such a transport and storage containers. The present invention seeks to provide a system that can enable goods to be securely and reliably transported and stored for limited periods within specified temperature ranges. Pharmaceuticals, proteins, biological samples and other temperature sensitive products, including food items, are regularly shipped in containers year round and are subjected to a wide range of temperatures. Though they are shipped in insulated containers and/or climate controlled environments, the temperature stability of the shipping containers can be significantly improved by utilising suitable phase change materials in an ordered fashion. The present invention provides a simple solution to the maintenance of temperature profiles for the transport and storage of temperature sensitive products.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the field of the transportation and storage of goods and to a passive temperature control system for such a transport and storage containers.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]In the field of logistics, that is the field of movement and supply of produce and materials, there is a substantial requirement for the provision of a temperature control system to ensure that certain types of produce and materials do not pass through temperature thresholds. It is well known that, for example, vegetables when subject to extremes of temperature that they become flaccid, as the cell structure is broken down through the formation of icicles or through dehydration. Similarly, in the transport of drugs and vaccines and certain other chemicals, a solution may separate or become solid. It will also be appreciated that even relatively small amounts of pharmaceutical product can cost thousands of pounds or more; temperature deviations from an allo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022]The present invention can thus provide a simple to use solution, conveniently using only one type of phase change material wallet for a particular container system, thereby reducing the chance of failure through the incorrect orientation/placement of one of two types of phase change material. Whilst possible, one could temperature condition the two types of phase change material separately; this would not ordinarily be beneficial—by correct selection of the two phase change materials, placement of the phase change material containers within the wallet provides a convenient and method simplifying a loading process. Additionally, the use of two phase change materials arranged in co-planar fashion as opposed to being arranged in a thicker, spaced apart in a parallel fashion can reduce wastage within a container

Problems solved by technology

It will also be appreciated that even relatively small amounts of pharmaceutical product can cost thousands of pounds or more; temperature deviations from an allowed temperature can become very expensive; such goods typically having journey temperature plotting indicators, whereby any temperature deviation means that product is discarded and destroyed, irrespective of the cost of the product.

Temperature control of thermally sensitive goods is particularly challenging when the thermally sensitive goods must be maintained within a narrow temperature range.

There are, however, several problems with the conventional approach.

First, the polystyrene foam used for insulation does not degrade readily, leading to disposal problems.

Second, the cooling agents also present numerous practical problems in field use.

Specifically, gel systems are often too expensive for routine use and disposal.

As for dry ice, the carbon dioxide gas evolved during shipment is so dangerous to shipping personnel that hazard warnings must be posted and additional fees are required to be paid; furthermore, outright bans on dry ice are pending in several areas.

Finally, wet ice poses handling problems in packing, as well as leakage and product soaking problems.

Many known methods and systems for shipping such products are not able to keep temperatures within the desired range.

The need to purchase,

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