Dry-ice may very well be the most misunderstood product on the South African logistics scene.Used to transport life-science products within a deep-frozen temperature range of -80 ̊C to -60 ̊C, it is not extensively used locally. And while there are a variety of reasons for this – including concerns over payload, safety and compliance – TOWER Cold Chain Solutions says it certainly has its place. Responding to a request from a leading global pharmaceutical company for a solution for one of its biological oncology products, the company has developed a temperature-controlled, fully reusable container and recyclable interior that uses dry-ice.
According to Sean Petzer of TOWER Africa, the challenge to the company was to provide a robust and reliable solution between -80 ̊C and -60 ̊C using of one the company’s Kryotrans (KT) range of thermal containers that would be required to maintain product integrity while preventing any damage due to exposure to the extremely low temperature.
Temperature had to be maintained for 120 hours or more.He said in delivering this solution the company created a product that addressed some of the critical issues that existed around the use of dry ice.
“The traditional packaging methods for dry-ice shipments covered the product in dry ice within the container meaning that higher volumes of dry ice were required and that the pay-load volume was reduced,” said Petzer.
“With this solution an internal stable payload is achieved and fully secured within the container throughout its transit with a lock-down lid. It also maintains the required internal temperature so there is no need to top up the unit with dry ice during transit.”
With under 60 seconds required for product load time, there is minimal exposure to the dry ice. “In the past breakages were also a concern as rubber seals tend to crack due to the temperature difference between the top of the sublimating dry ice and the space at the top of the container temperature. This unit has no temperature inconsistencies within the container which eliminates breakages.”
Pre-configured and pre-conditioned dry ice and product fillers are added prior to delivery to the client.According to Petzer, it has proven to be an efficient and stable option to transport high-value biologics at extreme temperatures across a complex supply chain without excursions, ensuring product integrity throughout.