What is the difference between HydroFreeze™ and HydroFreeze™+?
HydroFreeze™ is a formula designed to phase change at -20°C. When frozen correctly and packed in a good quality insulated box, these ice packs can be used to hold frozen food at a temperature of below -12°C for approx. 24 hours.
HydroFreeze™+ is our newly developed gel formulation of the previous product and is designed to enable shipping of frozen goods for longer transit times. Like the regular HydroFreeze™ the new HydroFreeze™+ phase changes at -20°C and can hold food at around that temperature, but where HydroFreeze™+ really excels is in its longevity. The new HydroFreeze™+ ice packs will absorb a great deal more energy before they completely freeze, so will need to be in a powerful freezer or will take a longer period of time to freeze. However, once they are frozen and packed inside a suitable insulated container they will hold -20°C for approx. 24 hours or -15°C for approx. 36 hours.
HydroFreeze™ and HydroFreeze™+ can maintain temperatures at -15°C, however HydroFreeze™+ can hold that temperature for an extended period of time. Both of these products have been developed with safety, quality, performance and cost in mind, and consist of only food approved ingredients.
HydroFreeze™ and HydroFreeze™+ are produced in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, with the capacity to cater for all users looking for a safer and more economical solution to sending frozen goods.
Currently using Dry Ice?
Dry ice (solid CO2) is currently the most common consumable used for the shipping of frozen products; it maintains sub-zero temperatures through the process of sublimation – i.e. converting directly from a solid to a gas. Dry ice is classified as a miscellaneous hazard (Class 9) during transportation by DOT and IATA.
Hazards associated with dry ice include risk of explosion and suffocation in an enclosed space, and risk of severe frostbite injury when handled. Dry ice is so cold it will freeze the blood inside your skin if handled with bare hands. For these reasons, many carriers have now restricted or prohibited the distribution of parcels containing dry ice, and the couriers that do still accept it will apply a surcharge to the shipping cost.
HydroFreeze™ and HydroFreeze™+ eliminate these hazards and offer a safer and competitive alternative – think of it as a regular ice pack… just a cooler version of it!
So What are the Benefits of Using HydroFreeze™ and HydroFreeze™+
- Reduced expenditure – pay for only what you need. Dry ice naturally sublimates during storage therefore additional amounts will need be purchased to account for sublimation losses – HydroFreeze™ products do not have this issue; any surplus HydroFreeze™ products can be safely stored in your warehouse until next needed.
- Increased operational flexibility – dry ice must be used ASAP otherwise loss will occur through sublimation. HydroFreeze™ products can work around your packing schedule – freeze and pack to suit your demands.
- Reduced admin – dangerous goods forms are a thing of the past when you switch to HydroFreeze™ products.
- Increased courier choices – parcels containing HydroFreeze™ products can be safely delivered by multiple carriers.
- Increased safety – HydroFreeze™ products eliminate many of the hazards associated with the handling and storage of dry ice, meaning a safer environment for your employees, package handlers and customers.
- Reusable! HydroFreeze™ products can be re-frozen and reused with minimal impact of its effectiveness.
Recommended Pre-conditioning of HydroFreeze™ & HydroFreeze™+
- HydroFreeze™ products should be pre-conditioned in a sufficiently powerful freezer capable of maintaining temperatures below -35°C; however, it is advisable to use the coldest freezer setting you have available.
- Recommended Freezing/Storage:
- HydroFreeze™*
- -25C for at least 48 hours
- -30C for at least 24 hours
- -35C for at least 18 hours
- -40C for at least 12 hours
- -45C for at least 8 hours
- HydroFreeze™+*
- -30C for at least 36 hours
- -35C for at least 24 hours
- -40C for at least 18 hours
- -45C for minimum of 12 hours
- IMPORTANT: Ensure HydroFreeze™ products are fully solid before use; if packs are slushy, do not use – allow additional time in the freezer to harness their full power!
* Freeze times are largely dependent on the freezer temperature and the quantity that is being frozen at that particular time (i.e. pallet load will take considerably longer to fully prepare compared to a single pack). Ensure sufficient cold air circulation around the product for efficient freezing and be aware they will take longer to freeze than normal water/gel ice packs.
Safety and Disposal Instructions
- HydroFreeze™ products are a non-toxic food approved formula, which is safe under normal use.
- Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
- HydroFreeze™ products can be safely disposed of down the sink and flushed away with running water.
- Emptied plastic pouches can be recycled with other plastics (#4) – check local recycling capabilities.
- Material safety datasheet
For more information
Call 01494 530182 or email us at sales@hydropac.co.uk
