A Cooling Element is a packaging element that transports goods cold and conditioned. norcold refrigerator They are used in sectors such as the food industry, web shops and the medical sector.
The cooling element comprises two layers of foil material with an intermediate layer of liquid-absorbing, vapour-releasing material in between. The two layers of foil material are fastened to one another by means of welded connections. The welded connections form a compartment in which the two layers of foil material are enclosed.
In some embodiments, a buffer reservoir is formed adjacent to said compartment between the two layers of foil material and is separated therefrom by a welded seam. In some constructive variants, the buffer reservoir has a maximal volume essentially equal to the liquid volume of the liquid absorbing vapour-releasing material when this material is saturated with liquid. This enables precise filling of the liquid-absorbing, vapour-releasing material, typically a wick, without making the cooling element thicker than necessary to do so.
This enables the cooling element to be filled precisely and to maintain its cooling function even in extreme conditions. It is particularly suitable for stationary furnaces where a long campaign time is required.
For a longer cooling period, it is possible to increase the buffer reservoir to a larger content. In some constructive variants, the welded connections are round at their corners and ends so that stress concentrations are avoided. This prevents the formation of tears, for example when the cooling element is bent or twisted in use.
Additional welded connections may also be provided between the two layers of foil material within the circumference of the compartment. This makes it possible to keep the foil materials better together and, at the same time, make the overall assembly stronger. In addition, this allows the two layers of foil material to be fitted together better, as shown in figure 3.
Welded seams provide a leak-proof and mechanically reliable connection between the two layers of foil material. This is in contrast to the glued and stitched connection, which often results in a leak. It is also possible to weld the two layers of foil material in any position, if desired. This reduces the manufacturing time considerably compared with the gluing or stitching of the two layers of foil material.
The welded connection can be produced in any location that suits the design and shape of the cooling element. It can be rounded at the corners and ends so that it prevents stress concentrations from occurring when the cooling element is bent or twisted during use.
Moreover, the welded connection can be made of a material with a moisture-vapour transmittance higher than 3800 g/m2/24h at a water resistance of at least 4700 mm according to testing norm ASTM E96-BW. This enables the cooling element to be stored in a water-tight container, such as a sleeve.
The cooling element is available in various sizes and colors to meet specific requirements. Depending on the type of application, the different sizes can be used to achieve optimal cooling. In some applications, the cooling element is used to cool pressure gauges and transmitters. It lowers the process or media temperature so that it does not exceed the permitted limit of the pressure gauge or transmitter, thereby protecting the instrumentation from damage.