Insulated Shipping Container - Design and Evaluation

Design and Evaluation

The use of “off the shelf” insulated shipping containers does not necessarily guarantee proper performance. Several factors need to be considered :

• the sensitivity of the product to temperatures (high and low) and to time at temperatures
• the specific distribution system being used: the expected (and worst case) time and temperatures
• regulatory requirements
• the specific combination of packaging components and materials being used
• etc.

In specifying an insulated shipping container, the two primary characteristics of the material will be the insulation properties of the matieral known as the "K Value" and the thickness of the material. These two attributies determine that majority of the functionality of the component. One should attempt to control the latent heat of any insultated shipping container when is use, as this will affect the overall performance of the component when integrated into a system (closed system with refrigerant & product).

It is wise (and sometimes mandatory) to have formal verification of the performance of the insulated shipping container. Laboratory package testing might include ASTM D3103-07, Standard Test Method for Thermal Insulation Performance of Packages, ISTA Guide 5B: Focused Simulation Guide for Thermal Performance Testing of Temperature Controlled Transport Packaging, and others. In addition, validation of field performance is extremely useful.

Specialists in design and testing of packaging for temperature sensitive products are often needed. These may be consultants, independent laboratories, universities, or reputable vendors.