Pre-qualification (PQ), or Design Evaluation (DE), is the initial development of a thermal package design based on the needs assessment of the user. A successful pre-qualification test generally provides assurance that a package design will pass a final qualification test.

The Final Qualification test, sometimes referred to as a Validation, provides reasonable assurance that the qualified product or process will produce similar results under stated conditions. Upon completion of an acceptable design, the Final Qualification is performed demonstrating reproducibility (often at n=3). Engineering and Technical Services issues the Final Qualification Report, which includes all data, certifications, and proof of validated equipment necessary for the rigorous review of a full audit.

• Valuable payloads that require 2°C to 8°C protection during demanding shipping conditions – choose KoolTemp PUR Polyurethane Insulated Containers. These environmentally conscious (non-ozone-depleting) containers feature a modular design that allows for easy pack out, replacement of corrugate for reuse, and recycling.
• Temperature-sensitive applications – choose KoolTemp EPS Molded Insulated Containers, offered in a variety of thicknesses; or KoolTemp EPS Panel Sheet Insulated Containers: space-saving, durable, and efficient thermal protection in a variety of styles lined with lightweight, precision-cut expanded polystyrene (EPS).
• Pallet-sized loads – choose KoolTemp Insulated Pallet Containers, which provide excellent, uniform thermal protection with extruded polystyrene (XPS, also abbreviated as EXP) and sleeves of Koolit Refrigerant Bricks.
• Small, temperature-sensitive products – choose KoolTemp Insulated Envelopes, lightweight, durable, thermally insulated envelopes designed with a spacious payload chamber for your temperature-sensitive articles, and our Koolit Gel Packs.
• Pre-qualified shipping systems – choose from among Cold Chain’s pre-qualified KoolTemp shipping solutions that provide many hours of thermal protection for temperature-sensitive products.

Many factors influence your choice of insulation, including:

• acceptable temperature range and excursions
• external ambient temperatures during shipment
• shipping method, duration, and costs
• size, dimensional weight, and ergonomic requirements and budget.

Contact our experienced staff for assistance in this decision making process.

The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, or a material’s ability to prevent heat loss. A higher R-value correlates with a greater ability to prevent heat loss. The K-value is a measure of thermal conductivity that is calculated by dividing insulation thickness by its R-value. When the R-value is high, the corresponding K-value is low.

Since the cost of insulation increases with R-value, a cost-benefit analysis is always required to choose the best insulation for a specific application. Listed below is a summary of R-value by type of insulation. These values are general guidelines based on one-inch thick insulation.

EPS (expanded) and XPS (extruded) are different types of manufactured polystyrene. The EPS is formed by molding tiny pellets of polystyrene. It’s used in our molded and panel-sheet insulated containers, and provides lightweight, cost effective thermal protection (R-value = 4 per 1″), and enhanced drop cushioning properties. XPS (EXP) is formed by an extrusion process of polystyrene. It’s used in our pallet containers, which offer excellent, uniform thermal protection (R-value = 5) for large payloads.

In addition to choosing the appropriate container size and type of insulation, wall thickness is also an important consideration. Generally, chilled products sent next day or overnight that need to stay cool will arrive satisfactorily using ½” to 1″ thicknesses of insulation. Longer duration shipments (two days or more) and more exacting maintained temperatures will require a thicker wall of insulation (1-½” to 2″).

See pack out instructions included with your product or contact us to request.

Yes, to minimize heat loss, fill voided space with dunnage (bubblewrap, newspaper, etc.). This reduces the chance of heat pockets forming in empty air channels surrounding a product. It also provides additional protection from movement within the shipping container during transit.

Yes, KoolTemp® containers do not contain CFCs and HCFCs, which are known to reduce atmospheric ozone. EPS may be reclaimed for reuse according to local regulations. EPS may be safely combusted; it releases water vapor, carbon dioxide, and trace levels of ash.

SDSs, or Safety Data Sheets, provide health, safety, spill, and response information to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on identified harmful substances.

Label the top of the box to ensure that it is shipped upright.

Koolit® bottles are reusable if there is no sign of damage. Koolit® gel packs and Koolit bricks may be reused under certain conditions. For more information, an internal quality program should be implemented to monitor physical integrity.

Yes, Koolit® gel packs contain an environmentally safe water soluble starch in a plastic pouch. To recycle, simply cut open a thawed gel pack and dispose of its liquid content in the normal waste stream. The pouch may be recycled in centers that accept plastic.

Koolit Refrigerants should be disposed of in accordance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations. In most cases, this means allowing the contents to enter any standard waste water stream.

Insulin must be transported with care since insulin is susceptible to excessive heat and freezing. Some types of insulin must remain below 30°C (86°F). In this case, refrigerants might not be necessary, but a temperature indicator should be used to confirm that the proper temperature range is maintained.

• Tightly fitting packaging configurations – choose Koolit Foam Bricks since they remain uniform in shape while frozen or thawed.
• Long-lasting and economical maintenance of refrigerated products – choose all other Koolit Gel Packs, available in a variety of pouch materials, and gel structures.
• Wrap-around protection – choose Koolit Saddle Bags (saddlebags, mats) that provide form-fitting protection for temperature-sensitive products.
• Rough environments or reuse – choose Koolit Gel Bottles, which feature a tough, puncture-proof, blow-molded high-density plastic bottle.
• Long-lasting and economical maintenance of frozen products – for a safe dry ice substitute, choose Koolit Gel Packs (500-ST Series).

Yes, in most cases we suggest a product-to-refrigerant weight ratio of one-to-one (1:1) to one-to-two (1:2). For example, for two pounds of product, use two to four pounds of refrigerants. Smaller payloads, however, may require more refrigerants than the ratio would dictate.

At a minimum, for the most efficient cooling, you should place a refrigerant on top of your product since heat rises. For best protection, surround all six sides of your product with refrigerants.

Depending on the temperature of the environment in which refrigerants are used, gel packs, foam bricks, and gel bottles can stay cold for as long as 12 to 24 hours (or longer if placed in an insulated container). Koolit® foam bricks surpass the gel packs and gel bottles for cooling longevity.

Yes, prior to use, refrigerants for maintaining cool or frozen temperatures must be brought to the appropriate temperature in either a freezer or refrigerator. It takes 12 to 24 hours to precondition individual refrigerants. Preconditioning a full case takes 24 to 48 hours. It takes up to three weeks to condition multiple pallets to allow for thorough freezing. For ambient shipments, refrigerants can be preconditioned by placing them in warm water.

A phase change refers to a change from one physical form to another at a specific temperature. For example, water changes from frozen ice to liquid water at 0°C.

A eutectic mixture is a mixture of two or more substances with a melting point lower than that of individual substances. A eutectic point is the temperature that is maintained as the mixture transforms from solid to liquid (or visa versa). The Koolit Gel Pak 500-ST Series contain a suppressed temperature gel (carboxymethylcellulose) that is a eutectic mixture. The ST Series gels have a eutectic point of -23°C (-10°F). All other Koolit Gel Paks have a freezing point of 0°C (32°F), and a eutectic point of -0.4°C (-31.3°F).

Insulin must be transported with care since insulin is susceptible to excessive heat and freezing. Some types of insulin must remain below 30°C (86°F). In this case, refrigerants might not be necessary, but a temperature indicator should be used to confirm that the proper temperature range is maintained.

Dry ice is often used for transporting frozen shipments since it offers extended cooling for the payload. Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, maintains a -78°C (-95°F) temperature. Molded containers are ideal for use with dry ice.

Dry ice sublimates or changes directly from solid to gas, without a liquid phase. The rate of sublimation must be taken into account when designing a container system since it gets smaller in size. Dry ice sublimates at a rate of three to eight pounds per day, depending on the thermal properties of the container and external temperature profile. One pound of dry ice will sublimate into 8.3 cu. ft. of carbon dioxide gas. Slabs of dry ice last longer than pelletized dry ice, which sublimates faster. Be sure that your product will remain fully secure within the container, especially through time after the dry ice shrinks in size. Make sure to surround your product (top, bottom, sides) to ensure uniform freezing.

The Koolit® 500-ST Series gel packs can be used as a dry ice substitute. They are available in a variety of weights/sizes and are best for the shipment of products that must maintain below freezing temperatures.

Koolit® Refrigerants will last and be functional as long as they remain intact and are not punctured.

Yes, Koolit® Refrigerants can be heated but should not be placed in a microwave or in a heated oven.