Temperature-controlled shipping container wins FAA approval
Cool Containers says the PharmaPort 360 ensures safe movement of biologicals
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Cool Containers’ PharmaPort 360 temperature controlled shipping container for use in commercial and military air transport.
Designed for the shipment of high value pharmaceuticals, the PharmaPort 360 is configured for standard NAS air cargo pallets. The container maintains an internal temperature of 5°C in extreme ambient temperatures from 60°C to –40°C in transport mode and a charge (ground) mode to assure safe movement of biologicals. It also offers tamper-proof validation of the cold chain.
The PharmaPort 360 provides continuous constant temperature regulation without generating noise, heat or vapours while in transport mode. In recharge mode, it can be used indefinitely, as a high-performance laboratory refrigerator. The payload weight is 544kg.
In flight, the PharmaPort 360 operates independently of the aircraft and requires no external system power. It generates neither heat or nor hazardous vapours.
The Marietta, Ohio, US-based firm says a self-contained regenerative heat exchanger avoids HAZMAT costs associated with dry ice and eliminates the need for a refrigerated truck. Between uses the container is recharged by a standard AC power supply before deployment in fixed-based storage, ground, sea or air transport.
A data acquisition system operates during all modes and control and monitoring technology supports proof-of-performance in compliance with FDA 21 CFR 11. GPS tracking permits retrieval and sharing of system performance en route.
