British Team Claims Temperature-Controlled World First

19th April 2018

Logistics BusinessBritish Team Claims Temperature-Controlled World First

A British team of scientists at TLX Cargo Ltd have invented the world`s first Cargo Cover/Thermal blanket that incorporates Phase Change Material (PCM) into it`s structure. They claim they have solved the problem of hot lane temperature excursions on the tarmac.

The TLX PCM cargo cover is launched this week by Sales Director, Thomas Hunt. “TLX PCM is designed to remove the problem of the temperature spike seen on most pallet data loggers in air cargo when the pallet is off-loaded on to the tarmac at hot locations,” he says. “It’s a game-changer in the Temperature Controlled Logistics sector solving problems such as: excursions on 15-25°C routes, power outages on 2-8°C routes, upgrading and reducing the size of parcel shippers along with controlling temperatures of ULD’s for perishables.”

TLX PCM cargo covers combine an outer surface that reflects 97% of thermal radiation over the measured spectral range with TLX PCM Fibre-Flex technology within the structure of the cover. It remains flexible even when frozen and can be moulded around corners, whilst being thin light and easy to handle.

In its liquid state the PCM fibre will hold the PCM in any orientation, which means TLX Fibre-Flex can be used for walls as well as the top of cargo covers.
Traditional PCM’s are expensive and difficult to use. They crystallize into a frozen block but even in a liquid state they must be contained in rigid containers or gel packs.

PCM packs have the potential to burst if pressure is applied. Corners and joins in rigid packaging create gaps that are thermal weak points. On top of everything else traditional PCM’s are heavy and difficult to apply in thin layers.

The TLX Cargo revolutionary invention solves all these problems.

“The remarkable thing about this technology is that PCM’s don’t need to be expensive,” Hunt adds. “This opens up a huge range of opportunities for us in providing the kind of problem/solution service we thrive on.”

TLX Cargo Ltd is part of TLX Insulation based in Lancashire UK. TLX Insulation Ltd manufactures PCM thermal blankets for pallets on 15-25°C and 2-8°C routes. They also make pouches of various sizes for pharma, perishables and performance clothing.