Maintaining the cold chain during transportation is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of products such as vaccines, medicines, and perishable foods. Passive cooler boxes, also known as passive thermal packaging, are an effective and sustainable solution for maintaining the cold chain during transportation without the need for external power sources. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to effectively use passive cooler boxes for cold chain maintenance, including temperature ranges, placement, and selection.
Where in the Cold Chain will Passive Cooler Boxes be Used? Passive cooler boxes can be used at every stage of the cold chain, including manufacturing, storage, transportation, and distribution. They are particularly effective during transportation, where they can maintain the desired temperature range of products for up to several days without the need for external power sources.
How to Effectively Place Passive Cooler Boxes? Effective placement of passive cooler boxes is critical to maintaining the cold chain. Passive cooler boxes should be placed in areas that are shaded and well-ventilated to prevent overheating. They should also be placed in a way that allows air to circulate around them, such as on top of or next to other boxes. Additionally, it is important to avoid overloading passive cooler boxes, as this can reduce their effectiveness.
What is the Temperature Range Passive Cooler Boxes can Withstand? The temperature range that passive cooler boxes can withstand varies depending on the type of box and the materials used to make it. In general, passive cooler boxes are designed to maintain a temperature range of 0°C to 8°C for up to 72 hours. However, some passive cooler boxes can maintain temperatures as low as -80°C or as high as 50°C for extended periods of time.
What Types of Passive Cooler Boxes should be Used for What Products? The type of passive cooler box that should be used for a specific product depends on the temperature range required to maintain the product’s efficacy and safety. For example, vaccines require specific temperature ranges to maintain their efficacy, with some vaccines requiring temperatures as low as -80°C. In this case, ultra-low temperature (ULT) passive cooler boxes should be used. On the other hand, perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables may only require temperatures between 0°C and 8°C, making general purpose passive cooler boxes suitable.
How to Select the Best Passive Cooler Boxes? When selecting a passive cooler box, it is important to consider factors such as the size, shape, and style of the box, as well as the materials used to make it. It is also important to consider the temperature range required for the products being transported, as well as the duration of transportation. Choosing a passive cooler box that is appropriately sized and insulated for the specific products being transported is crucial to maintaining the cold chain. It is also important to ensure that the passive cooler box is made from materials that are non-toxic and food-safe.
Conclusion: In conclusion, passive cooler boxes are an effective and sustainable solution for maintaining the cold chain during transportation without the need for external power sources. Effective placement and selection of passive cooler boxes is critical to maintaining the cold chain and preventing spoilage or degradation of products. When selecting a passive cooler box, it is important to consider factors such as size, insulation, and temperature range to ensure that the box is appropriate for the specific products being transported. By using passive cooler boxes effectively, we can help to ensure the safety and efficacy of products and protect public health.
References:
- World Health Organization.