Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
  • B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
  • F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
  • F25D3/06—Movable containers
  • F25D3/08—Movable containers portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
  • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
  • F25D2303/082—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid disposed in a cold storage element not forming part of a container for products to be cooled, e.g. ice pack or gel accumulator
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
  • F25D2700/08—Sensors using Radio Frequency Identification [RFID]
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
  • F25D2700/16—Sensors measuring the temperature of products

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method for temperature controlled transport, in which method temperature controlled products are transported.
• the invention also relates to a system for temperature controlled transport.
• transport equipment is designed and dimensioned to correspond to a specific transportation need.
• refrigerated transport equipment has insulated and sealed load spaces, as well as refrigeration machinery, by means of which the load space is continuously refrigerated.
• the invention is intended to create a new type of method for temperature controlled transport, by means of which the limitations of the prior art can be avoided and by means of which an unbroken temperature controlled transport chain can be ensured.
• the invention is intended to create a new type of system for temperature controlled transport, by means of which saving are achieved, diversity and flexibility is brought to logistics, and a reliably even temperature is ensured for the entire duration of transportation.
• the characteristics features of the method according to the present invention are stated in the accompanying Claim 1.
• the characteristic features of the system according to the invention are stated in the accompanying Claim 11.
• a passive system is used, in which there is little energy transfer.
• the product will remain at the target temperature for even long periods of time without external energy.
• the means of transport can be selected on the basis of other criteria than only temperature. Even forms of transport that were previously quite unsuitable can be used.
• transportation is accelerated and previously essential intermediate stages can be eliminated.
• FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the system according to the invention
• Figure 3a shows a warehouse application of the system
• Figure 3b shows a second example an application of the transport means used in the method
• Figure 4a shows an end view of a fourth example of an application of the transport means used in the method
• Figure 4b shows an axonometric view of the transport means of
• Figure 5a shows a third example of an application of the transport means in the transport position used in the method according to the invention
• Figure 5b shows the transport means of Figure 5a in the return-transport position
• Figure la shows an, as such, transport means 10, which can be used in the method according to the invention for transporting temperature controlled products.
• temperature controlled products are transported, for example, as chilled transport or refrigerated transport.
• temperature controlled transport the temperature of the product is maintained at a desired level.
• a passive transport is used, in which the product 11 is packed in an essentially energy tight transport package 12.
• chilled transport for example, the loss of cold to the environment is primarily prevented. Energy tightness also works in the opposite direction.
• the transport package 12 includes a thermal element 13, by means of which the energy binding mass is increased.
• the thermal element evens the temperature inside the transport package, which is important when maintaining the correct temperature.
• the thermal element is used to keep the internal temperature of the transport package as desired, without external energy.
• a cold gel mat can be used to store cold in the transport package for even transportation of a long duration.
• the cold gel mat can be used to keep the transport package evenly chilly even in hot conditions.
• the cold gel mat can also be used to prevent, for example, sensitive pharmaceutical products from freezing.
• non-disposable transport packages made from recyclable materials are preferably used.
• One such transport package 12 is shown in Figure lb.
• the transport package is a box 15 equipped with a lid 14, which can be closed tightly.
• the size of the transport package can vary and larger totalities of them can be assembled, in order to accelerate handling. For example, two boxes can be stacked on top of each other on a castor pallet. There can also be intermediate lids or walls in the box.
• a thermal element 13, which keeps the temperature even for considerably longer, can also be advantageously placed around the products or inside an intermediate lid.
• the transport package can also have many parts. Only the necessary number of parts, which are fitted to each other, need to be used, thus optimizing the size of the transport package for each requirement. For example, a transport package with a maximum capacity of 1000 litres can be reduced to, for example, a capacity of 500 litres, by leaving some parts unused.
• the multi-part products also facilitate loading, while the parts can be stacked in a smaller space during return transport.
• the temperature controlled volume can be optimized on the basis of the product, whereas in the prior art the entire load space, or at least the insulated part of it must be temperature controlled in its entirety. The dismantling of the transport package and the stacking of its parts substantially reduces the volume of the return transport .
• the transport package is preferably manufactured from EPP material (cellular polypropylene) .
• EPP material cellular polypropylene
• EPP material is durable but light in weight and has excellent insulation properties in both directions. Despite its insulating power, the wall thicknesses required are small, so that the useful capacity of the trans- port package will be as great as possible.
• the cellular structure of EPP material is closed, so that it is hygienic and will withstand water and steam washing. The transport package can thus be easily cleaned.
• a transport package manufactured from EPP material is also environment friendly, as it is non- toxic and can be used many times and is manufactured from a recyclable material .
• Thermal elements are also referred to as cold gel mats, in which the cold gel is in several small compartments .
• the compartments are assembled to form a cold gel mat by seaming them inside a lacquered PVC fabric.
• the cold gel is non-toxic, safe, and decomposes biologically in nature. In use, cold gel is drip-free and can be re-frozen repeatedly. In addition, cold gel freezes faster than pure water.
• the thermal element is cooled to a temperature of, for example, +1°C in chilled transport and -23 °C in refrigerated transport. In chilled transport, the temperature is kept close to zero and in refrigerated transport close to -21°C.
• the thermal element shapes itself to the product being transported, thus avoiding air pockets.
• the temperature is monitored using a condition monitoring apparatus 16, a separate and independent sensor 17 belonging to which being fitted inside the transport package 12.
• a condition monitoring apparatus 16 a separate and independent sensor 17 belonging to which being fitted inside the transport package 12.
• One such sensor 17 is shown in Figure lb.
• the sensor can also be integrated to form part of the transport package.
• the sensor is preferably an independent device, interference with the operation of which is prevented. In other words, once it has been installed, the sensor monitors the temperature uninterruptedly, irrespective of external influences. This avoids errors and abuse by the operator.
• the device operates without an external power supply, thanks to a long-life battery. In practice, the life of the battery can be as much as five years.
• the sensor is preferably remotely read during transport and/or after transport.
• the wireless and essentially continuous remote reading is fast and reliable.
• the removal of the sensor from the transport package is avoided.
• using remotely- readable sensoring also avoids unnecessary opening of the transport packages. This clearly facilitates self-monitoring and surveillance by the officials.
• unnecessary heat transfer between the transport package and the environment can be avoided.
• the remote reading can be further extended more widely than the means of transport, so that several sensors can be monitored from one centre ( Figure 2) .
• Figure 2 The structure of the system will be described in greater detail in connection with Figure 2.
• the manufacturer or producer packs the products into energy tight transport packages along with pre-frozen thermal elements.
• the products are then transported using the most suitable transport means at the time, without unnecessary delays and intermediate loading, to the consignee or end user, where the product is removed from the transport package.
• the product has then been at the correct temperature for the entire duration of transportation, which ensures the preservation and freshness of the product.
• the emptied transport package is returned to circulation, being, if necessary, cleaned before the next use.
• FIG. 2 shows schematically the system, according to the invention, for temperature controlled transport.
• the system includes one or more means of transport 10 for transporting a temperature controlled product .
• the system further includes an essentially energy tight transport package 12 for the product.
• a passive thermal element 13 ( Figure lb) is fitted inside the transport package 12, in order to keep the internal temperature of the transport package at the desired level without external energy.
• the system also includes a condition monitoring apparatus 16 for monitoring the temperature wirelessly essentially continuously.
• the system is used according to the method described above, when significant savings and flexibility are achieved in logistics in both local and long distance transport.
• the system is arranged in such a way that, prior to the loading of the aircraft, the sensor cuts the link to the condition monitoring apparatus.
• the sensor terminates transmission of information, but nevertheless uninterruptedly records the data detected by the sensor.
• the sensor After the aircraft has been unloaded, the sensor again establishes a link with the condition monitoring apparatus, when the data recorded during the flight will be again available.
• the sensor supports communications systems used on different continents. For example, in a communications system based on radio frequencies, the sensor selects the frequency and communications protocol appropriate at the time.
• the consigner or consignee, and especially the forwarding agent need not look after the operation of the links, instead the sensor operates independently.
• the condition monitoring apparatus 16 includes the independent and remotely readable sensor 17, which is fitted inside the transport package 12 ( Figure lb).
• Figure 2 shows the core of the condition monitoring apparatus 16, which is server equipment 18 together with the necessary- peripherals 19.
• the server equipment is linked to the sensor through a telecommunications network, such as the internet, directly or through an auxiliary transmitter, and collects real-time temperature data.
• the sensor also records humidity, acceleration, and position data.
• the sensor can record data on the actual product being transported.
• the temperature and other data also remain in the memory of each transport package, which can be utilized in the self-monitoring of a temperature controlled transport.
• the means of transport are an intermodal container 21 and an aircraft 22.
• the system can be applied in connection with any means of transportation whatever.
• Vehicle- based terminals are part of the condition monitoring apparatus, as are modern mobile devices, such as mobile communicators 23.
• the sensor preferably 17 includes processing means 25, recording means 26, and communications means 24 for recording data on the product
• the sensor is completely watertight and otherwise enclosed, so that it can be placed next to, or even inside the product ( Figure 3b) .
• An alarm limit can also be set in the sensor, above which or below which the driver of the transport means or the central control room receives an alarm. This permits rapid " reaction and thus minimizes the extent of possible damage.
• Transportation is also simplified by independence from the means of transport, even though the product may demand a precise temperature range.
• the products can also be stored in the transport packages without external energy. Thus, short- term cold stores, for example, can be reduced in size, or at least allow a clearly longer time for arranging the transportation of the products.
• the applications of the method and system are particularly the transportation of foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and samples, health care related transport, and generally global transportation, in which reliable temperature controlled transport is required.
• Figure 3a shows schematically an application of the system according to the invention.
• Product data is also preferably contained in the sensor. Such data are, for example, the product's type, manufacturer, date of manufacture, consigner, and consignee. Based on the data, transport documents 27 and/or temperature reports 28 can then be created.
• a forwarding agent is moving transport packages through an access opening 29. On both sides of the access opening 29, there are transceivers 30, through which the sensors communicate with the condition monitoring apparatus 16.
• the condition monitoring apparatus can be part of the warehouse management apparatus, or the warehouse management apparatus can be part of the condition monitoring apparatus, or the warehouse management apparatus can be connected to the condition monitoring apparatus, for example, over the internet.
• the situation in Figure 3a can be, for example, a departing or arriving transport.
• the system identifies the products and prints the transport documents 27 automatically.
• the product data can also be entered in the system manually, or reader devices can be used.
• the products are identified and are entered directly into the warehouse management apparatus.
• a second apparatus which can be, for example, controlled by public officials.
• the temperature data of transportable products, and the temperature reports 28 created from them can be sent automatically to an official.
• the transport package is arranged to form a foodstuffs apartment.
• this permits continuous monitoring, because data is demanded from the foodstuffs apartment concerning transport, transport means, the foodstuffs being transported, and the transport temperatures and methods of ascertaining the temperatures .
• the monitoring is real-time and reliable.
• history data and reports can be obtained from the system easily and quickly.
• two transport packages 12 are placed on top of each other and a castor pallet 31 is placed under them. Roller cages with side walls are then unnecessary.
• Figure 3b also shows an enlargement of the sensor 17.
• FIGS 4a and 4b show a transport package 12 according to the invention, which is formed of several parts 32.
• the parts 32 are fitted detachably to each other and are arranged in such a way that the volume of the parts 32 is less than the volume of the transport package.
• the transport package is formed of six panel-like parts, from which the base 33, lid 34, and four side walls 35 of the transport package are formed. The parts are held together by openable catches 39.
• Figure 4b uses a broken line to show an application, in which each side wall is formed from three pieces.
• the capacity of the transport package can be easily altered by changing the number of pieces.
• the size of the transport package is 940*1020*1340 mm (width*height*length) .
• the parts of four transport packages can fit on an Euro pallet, for example.
• the space taken up is about half a cubic metre, whereas in the prior art the space taken up would be from one to two cubic metres .
• Figures 5a and 5b show a third application of the transport package.
• the transport package 12 is formed of two mutually similar pieces 36.
• the pieces are arranged in such a way that a transport package with a specific internal capacity (Figure 5a) can be formed from them.
• the pieces are arranged in such a way that they can be placed inside each other ( Figure 5b) .
• the volume required by the pieces is advantageously small in terms of storage and return transport.
• the piece 36 includes three walls 37 arranged at right angles to each other, which have one common connection point 38.
• the piece then includes the base of the transport package and two walls. By combining two such pieces, an energy tight transport package can be formed. Suitable securing devices are used to ensure tightness.
• the piece which is open on three sides, also facilitates the placing of products and the cleaning of the piece.
• the system according to the invention permits an unbroken cold chain of at least 24 hours, without external energy.
• the cold chain remains unbroken for the duration of transport, storage, and distribution.
• the automatic on-line monitoring records the temperature during transport and warns if the temperature changes from that desired.
• the alarm can be local, or it can be transmitted by, for example, a short text message or email.
• the system is wireless and automatically remotely readable and operates uninterruptedly.
• the system monitors and records other data on the product and conditions. Real-time temperature information and history data can be obtained from the system. Thus, the system will also provide reliable information for public officials.
• the sensor also registers position information, so that the location of the products is known the whole time.
• the sensor also registers, for example, humidity and acceleration.
• the system can also be easily combined with existing production control and warehouse management systems.
• the system permits temperature controlled transport using nearly any means of transport whatever. There can be refrigerated, chilled, and ambient transports in the same means of transport, naturally each in its own transport package .

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

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Citations (6)

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• 2009
  • 2009-10-28 FI FI20096113A patent/FI20096113A/fi not_active Application Discontinuation
• 2010
  • 2010-10-27 HU HUE10826173A patent/HUE053696T2/hu unknown
  • 2010-10-27 CN CN201080056300.1A patent/CN102667379B/zh active Active
  • 2010-10-27 US US13/504,571 patent/US20120210677A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2010-10-27 LT LTEP10826173.6T patent/LT2494293T/lt unknown
  • 2010-10-27 DK DK10826173.6T patent/DK2494293T3/da active
  • 2010-10-27 PT PT108261736T patent/PT2494293T/pt unknown
  • 2010-10-27 CA CA2779327A patent/CA2779327C/en active Active
  • 2010-10-27 SI SI201032048T patent/SI2494293T1/sl unknown
  • 2010-10-27 ES ES10826173T patent/ES2847877T3/es active Active
  • 2010-10-27 EP EP10826173.6A patent/EP2494293B1/en active Active
  • 2010-10-27 WO PCT/FI2010/050850 patent/WO2011051561A1/en active Application Filing

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