Lab Freezer Temps PCM System for Cool Cube™ 96 (6 Panels)

When properly conditioned, the FT-96 will hold temperatures between -50°C and -15°C for 139+ hours.

1. Store panels in an ultra-low freezer* so PCM is solid (i.e. 48 hrs. @ -30°C).
2. Before assembly, shake panels to verify PCM is solid. If liquid is heard, restart at step 2a to ensure longest hold time. Using liquid panels, or panels with a solid/liquid combination, decreases hold time

* If the freezer temperature is ever warmer than -25°C, panels may not turn completely solid (due to the possibility of supercooling). If panels are stored within the temperature parameters of the product, but are still liquid, panels may be used, but the hold time will decrease

Store in the coldest area of the freezer; space out panels for good air flow; if stacking, insert a spacer (pencil, tongue depressor, etc.) in between each.

The time varies between prep methods:

• Method A: ≈ 24 hours
• Method B: ≈ 3 hours
• Method C: ≈ 24 hours

In the user guide we recommend Method A, although all methods work. Choose the method that works best with your schedule and available resources.

If you store the PCM panels in your freezer they will be available to use whenever you need them. Shake the panels to see if they are solid. If they are slushy your freezer is not cold enough. If the panels are slushy they will still work, but the hold times will be decreased.

Prep Method A:

1. Store panels in an ultra-low freezer* so PCM is solid (i.e. 48 hrs. @ -30°C).
2. Before assembly, shake panels to verify PCM is solid. If liquid is heard, restart at step 2a to ensure longest hold time. Using liquid panels, or panels with a solid/liquid combination, deceases hold time

* If the freezer temperature is ever warmer than -30°C, panels may not turn completely solid (due to the possibility of supercooling). If panels are stored within the temperature parameters of the product, but are still liquid, panels may be used but the hold time will decrease
Click here for a detailed guide to all of the prep methods.

Your freezer must be below at least -15°C. -25°C or below is recommended to get the panels solid (for maximum hold time). The colder the storage environment, the less time is needed to condition the panels for use.

The PCM inside is NOT below its phase change temperature of -21.5°C/-6.7°F. Make sure that the freezer temperature is always below -30°C/-9.4°F.

Yes, but to get the panels truly hard, the freezer must maintain a temperature lower than -30°C. Otherwise, the panel will be at the temperature of the freezer (in a liquid state) and just won’t last as long.

Yes. The panels can be stored in a freezer for as long as you wish. If stored in the freezer they will be ready for use whenever you need them.

Only store the PCM panels in the freezer. It is not necessary to condition the VIP container.

Make sure to shake the panels to see if they are solid. If they are not solid your refrigerator is not cold enough. If the panels are still slushy they will still work, but they will not hold product for the optimum time frame.

Yes, replacement Cool Cube PCM panels are available for purchase. If you need to replace any PCM panels, you can order them individually from our Cool Cube Components page. The panels are available for all temperature ranges, including:

• Refrigerator PCM Panels (Blue Tab): 2°C to 8°C.
• Lab Freezer PCM Panels (Gray Tab): -50°C to -15°C.
• Room Temperature PCM Panels (Tan Tab): 15°C to 25°C

If you’re unsure which panels you need or have any questions, feel free to call us at 608.526.6901, and our team will be happy to assist you in finding the right replacement parts.

If any part of your Cool Cube gets damaged, don’t worry—all components, including PCM panels, Temp-Shield™ Insulation System (vacuum insulation panels), and other accessories, are available for individual purchase on our website. You can browse and order replacement parts directly from our Cool Cube Components page. This allows you to replace just the part you need without having to buy a whole new system.

If you’re not sure which part you need or have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 608.526.6901. Our customer service team is available to assist you and ensure you get the correct replacement part. We’re here to help with any concerns or issues you may have.

A PCM panel in the Cool Cube is a key component that uses Phase Change Material (PCM) to help regulate the temperature inside the unit. These panels are designed to maintain specific temperature ranges crucial for protecting temperature-sensitive items like vaccines, medicines, and biological samples.

Each PCM panel contains a material that melts and solidifies at precise temperatures. As the surrounding temperature increases, the PCM inside the panel absorbs the heat and melts, stabilizing the environment. When the temperature decreases, the PCM solidifies and releases the stored heat, preventing the interior from cooling too rapidly.

In the Cool Cube, there are different types of PCM panels, each indicated by a color-coded tab, designed to maintain different temperature ranges:

• Refrigerator PCM Panels (Blue Tab): 2°C to 8°C.
• Lab Freezer PCM Panels (Gray Tab): -50°C to -15°C.
• Room Temperature PCM Panels (Tan Tab): 15°C to 25°

Each Cool Cube comes with 6 PCM panels that make up the PCM System.

Answer:

The VIP System, or Vacuum Insulated Panel System, is a cutting-edge insulation technology used in Cool Cube products to provide superior thermal protection. VIPs are constructed with a core material surrounded by a vacuum-sealed barrier. This combination offers exceptional insulation, far more efficient than traditional materials like foam or polyurethane. Here’s how it works:

1. Vacuum Insulation:

The vacuum inside the panels minimizes heat transfer by significantly reducing conduction and convection, which are the primary ways heat is transferred. This vacuum environment is key to achieving the high thermal resistance, or R-value, that makes VIPs so effective at keeping heat out and cold in (or vice versa).

2. Efficiency:

VIPs can be up to five times more effective than conventional insulation, meaning they can maintain stable internal temperatures for much longer periods. This is particularly crucial in applications where temperature-sensitive products like vaccines, medicines, or biological samples are being stored or transported.

3. Durability:

VIPs are built to last. The protective outer wrapping around the core helps ensure that the vacuum remains intact, maintaining the panel’s high insulation performance for years. Even after five years, VIPs can retain up to 95% of their original insulating power.

4. Application in Cool Cubes:

In Cool Cubes, the VIP System works in tandem with PCM (Phase Change Material) panels to maintain precise temperature control for long durations, even in extreme conditions. The VIP System is housed within the outer case of the Cool Cube, ensuring that internal temperatures remain stable without relying on electricity or ice.

By utilizing VIP technology, Cool Cubes offer reliable, energy-efficient temperature control for critical applications like medical transport, off-site vaccination efforts, and emergency preparedness.

PCM, or Phase Change Material, is a type of substance that can store and release large amounts of thermal energy as it changes from one state of matter to another, specifically between solid and liquid phases. This ability to absorb and release heat during its phase transitions makes PCM useful for controlling temperatures.

Here’s how it works: When a material melts (changes from a solid to a liquid), it absorbs heat from its surroundings, which cools down the environment around it. When the material freezes (changes from liquid back to solid), it releases the heat it had absorbed, warming up the environment.

What makes PCM special is that it is engineered to melt and freeze at very specific temperatures, depending on its formulation. For example, some PCM might be designed to melt at a relatively low temperature, like 5°C, while others might melt at higher temperatures. This allows PCM to be used for different applications, like keeping things cool or warm without the need for constant external energy, such as refrigeration.

Because PCM changes phases so efficiently, it can absorb or release a lot of heat without changing its own temperature much during the process. This makes it an excellent tool for maintaining stable temperatures over time, which is critical for safely transporting temperature-sensitive products like vaccines, medicines, and biological samples.

Vacuum Insulation Panel – a form of thermal insulation consisting of a gas-tight enclosure surrounding a rigid core, from which the air has been evacuated.

Answer:

PCM (Phase Change Material) improves cooling efficiency by leveraging its ability to store and release large amounts of thermal energy during its phase transitions (melting and freezing). Unlike conventional cooling methods, PCM absorbs heat as it changes from solid to liquid, maintaining a stable temperature for longer periods without active refrigeration. When the temperature around the PCM drops, it re-solidifies, releasing the stored energy and continuing to regulate the temperature.

In the Cool Cube product line, PCM helps improve cooling efficiency in the following ways:

• Temperature Stability: PCM maintains a precise, consistent temperature over time, reducing fluctuations that could compromise sensitive materials like vaccines or lab samples.
• Energy Efficiency: By absorbing and releasing thermal energy, PCM minimizes the need for constant refrigeration or energy input, especially during transport, leading to lower energy consumption.
• Extended Cooling Duration: PCM can maintain the desired temperature for a prolonged period, making it ideal for passive cooling solutions during transport or power outages, which improves overall cooling reliability.
• Freeze Protection: PCM prevents the freezing of materials that should remain at above-freezing temperatures, avoiding the risk of damage due to ice or extreme cold.

By using PCM, Cool Cube products ensure that temperature-sensitive materials remain within safe temperature ranges with fewer external cooling interventions, thus increasing the overall efficiency and reliability of the system.

Answer:

PCM (Phase Change Material) offers several advantages over traditional ice for temperature control, making it a superior choice in applications like the VeriCor Cool Cube. Here’s why:

• Precise Temperature Control:
  Ice maintains a temperature around 0°C (32°F) as it melts, which can be too cold for many temperature-sensitive materials like vaccines and medicines. This can result in accidental freezing, which can ruin the products. PCM, on the other hand, is specifically formulated to maintain a precise temperature. For example:
  • Refrigerator PCM holds temperatures between 2°C and 8°C.
  • Lab Freezer PCM holds temperatures around -20°C.
  This targeted temperature control prevents freezing (in the case of refrigerator temps) or overheating (in the case of lab freezer temps), ensuring the materials stay within their required temperature range.
• Longer Duration of Stable Temperatures:
  PCM can maintain a consistent temperature for a longer period than ice. As ice melts, it quickly loses its cooling effectiveness. In contrast, PCM absorbs and releases heat more gradually during its phase change, keeping temperatures stable for extended periods. This makes PCM ideal for transporting materials over long distances or storing them during power outages.
• Energy Efficiency:
  PCM reduces the need for active refrigeration or the constant replacement of ice packs. It provides a passive, energy-efficient cooling solution. This not only saves energy but also reduces the hassle of constantly replenishing ice, particularly during transport.
• No Risk of Water Damage:
  When ice melts, it turns into water, which can damage packaging or create messes in storage units. PCM, however, remains self-contained within sealed containers as it changes phases, so there’s no risk of leaks or water damage. This ensures a cleaner, safer environment for sensitive materials.
• Customized Temperature Ranges:
  PCM can be tailored to specific temperature ranges based on the needs of the products being stored. Ice cannot be customized to maintain temperatures other than around 0°C, making it less versatile. PCM can be used in Cool Cubes for refrigeration, freezing, or even room temperature control, depending on the type of PCM selected.
• Lightweight and Portable:
  PCM is lighter than carrying large quantities of ice, making Cool Cubes easier to transport. Since PCM is engineered for efficiency, you need less of it compared to the amount of ice you would need for the same cooling effect, which enhances portability.

The PCM inside is NOT below its phase change temperature of 21.5°C/70.7°F. Make sure that the storage temperature is always below 20°C/68°F.

The PCM inside is NOT below its phase change temperature of 4.5°C/40.1°F. Make sure that the storage temperature is always below 4°C/39.2°F.

The PCM inside is NOT below its phase change temperature of -21.5°C/-6.7°F. Make sure that the freezer temperature is always below -30°C/-9.4°F.

Yes, for Cool Cubes™ at Fridge Temps. However, before pack-out, the panels must sit out and warm up until they “sweat” so that they don’t make the cooler too cold.

Yes, for Cool Cubes™ at Fridge Temps. Make sure the refrigerator temperature is below 4°C to ensure panels turn solid (the closer the fridge is to 4.5°C, the longer it will take to turn solid).

Yes, but to get the panels truly hard, the freezer must maintain a temperature lower than -30°C. Otherwise, the panel will be at the temperature of the freezer (in a liquid state) and just won’t last as long.

Yes, but they will just take longer to condition (the middle panel will be the last to condition). For the quickest conditioning process, get as much air circulating around the panel as possible.

If the panels must be stacked we recommend inserting a spacer (pencil, tongue depressor, etc.) between each panel.

No, but the PCM panels need to be prepped.

The PCM inside is above its phase change temperature.

No. It is not necessary to condition the vacuum insulated panel (VIP) system. Storage at room temperature is recommended.

Vacuum Insulation Panel – a form of thermal insulation consisting of a gas-tight enclosure surrounding a rigid core, from which the air has been evacuated.

No, but all six panels will maintain a consistent temperature the longest. The fewer the panels, the shorter the temperature holding time.

No. The PCM panels are replacements superior to the standard gel pack method of cooling.

No. The PCM panels are replacements superior to the standard ice pack method of cooling.

Not during use. But during storage/conditioning, electricity may be needed to maintain condition the panels properly.

Yes. The large cooler can be locked with a small, steel padlock. The small and medium coolers have double zippers that can be fastened together with a small, cable padlock.

Yes, if they have the same temperature parameters. No, if they require two different parameters.

Yes, just not at the same time. Temperature controlling panels (the PCM System) can be purchased separately and swapped out depending on use.

No. Although it is recommended to have a thermometer to monitor the temperature and some filler material (newspaper, bubble-wrap, etc.) to prevent contents from shifting.

The Cool Cube panels are identified by both the label and tab colors:

• Blue: For Refrigerator Temperatures PCM, used in the VT and BT product lines.
• Gray: For Lab Freezer PCM, used in the FT line of Cool Cubes.
• Tan: For Room Temperature PCM, used in the RT line of Cool Cubes.

Usually 1 to 2 business days depending on stock.

Taxes: United States & Canada

• Calculated based on delivery location.
• If $0.00 (Sales tax not collected) is apparent, either VeriCor doesn’t collect sales tax for that state or the order is identified as tax-exempt.
• If tax-exempt, a valid tax exemption certificate is needed to process the order.

Brokerage: the fee associated with customs clearance for your inbound shipments.

• Paid by the “Importer of Record” (customer) based on the value of the shipment to the designated broker.
• Broker can be identified by the customer prior to shipment (so they use their own), otherwise FedEx will be the default broker.
• There are ways to avoid broker fees, but there’s time and work involved (example).

More in-depth resources:

• Importing Commercial Goods into Canada (Government of Canada)
• Understanding Duties and Taxes (FedEx)