What is HydroFreeze?
HydroFreeze is our range of ice packs designed for the shipment of frozen goods. Within the HydroFreeze brand we have two products – HydroFreeze+ and our new EasiFreeze product.
Description
What is the difference between EasiFreeze and HydroFreeze+?
EasiFreeze is designed to hold a shipping temperature of -16°C.
Hydrofreeze+ is designed to hold a shipping temperature of -21°C.
Both solutions are ideal for the safe thermal preservation of frozen goods, but where the EasiFreeze formula really excels is its shorter freeze times. EasiFreeze ice packs will freeze approximately 33% quicker compared to HydroFreeze+, see TECHNICAL tab.
Currently using dry Ice?
Dry ice (solid CO2) is commonly used for the shipping of frozen products; it has a phase change temperature of -78°C and maintains sub-zero temperatures through a process called sublimation – i.e., converting directly from a solid to a gas. Dry ice is classified as a miscellaneous hazard (Class 9) and is subject to regulated storage, handling, and transportation conditions outlined by the DOT and IATA.
Hazards associated with dry ice include risk of explosion and asphyxiation in an enclosed space, and risk of severe frostbite injury when handled without adequate PPE. 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 products have been developed with safety, quality, performance and cost in mind, and only consist of ingredients which do not pose any danger to the public and the environment. Our HydroFreeze products have also been independently assessed and confirmed as non-toxic if ingested.
HydroFreeze products eliminates these hazards and offer a safer and competitive alternative – think of it as a regular ice pack… just cooler versions of it!
Why not use regular water/gel ice packs?
Regular water/gel ice packs are designed to hold shipping temperature of 0°C. These regular water/gel ice packs should therefore only be used for shipping chilled items, they are not cold enough for frozen items – see TECHNICAL tab.
Pre-conditioning Guide
HydroFreeze products should be pre-conditioned in a sufficiently powerful freezer capable of maintaining temperatures below -30°C for optimal freezing times; however, it is advisable to use the coldest freezer setting you have available. Since our HydroFreeze products have a much lower freezing point than water – users must be prepared for the longer freezing times compared to water. In general, EasiFreeze will take twice as long to freeze compared to water whereas HydroFreeze+ will take three times as long*.
*Assuming all are stored in a -30°C freezer.
Recommended Freezing/Storage
Freeze times are largely dependent on the freezer temperature and the quantity that is being frozen at that particular time (i.e. a pallet load will take considerably longer to fully prepare compared to a single pack). Ensure sufficient cold air circulation around the products for efficient freezing and be aware they will take longer to freeze than normal water/gel ice packs. Freezing durations and temperatures above serve as a guideline – interruptions in the freezing process (e.g., frequent ins-and-outs, adding warm items to the freezer, etc.) will increase the time taken to freeze.
EasiFreeze
-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 frozen before use; if packs are slushy, allow additional time in the freezer to harness their full power!
Safety Information
All HydroFreeze products are non-hazardous and non-toxic.
Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
Toxicology risk assessments and MSDS available on request.
Disposal Instructions
Our HydroFreeze products are reusable provided the pack is undamaged and contents are contained in their original packaging.
If you wish to dispose of our HydroFreeze products, then these can be safely disposed of down the sink and flushed away with running water without risk of blocking drains or affecting wastewater treatment processes and aquatic life.
Emptied plastic pouches can be recycled with other plastics (#4) – check local recycling capabilities.
For more information
Call 01494 530182 or email us at sales@185.104.28.45/~hydropacold
So What are the Benefits of Using EasiFreeze
EasiFreeze products are part of the HydroFreeze frozen shipping product group.
EasiFreeze products are reusable. They can be re-frozen and reused without loss in thermal performance. Additionally, the formula can be safely disposed of at the end of its life without detrimental impact to the environment.
Reduced expenditure – pay for only what you need. Dry ice sublimates even during storage, therefore additional amounts will need to be purchased to account for these losses – EasiFreeze products do not have this issue; any surplus EasiFreeze 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. EasiFreeze 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 EasiFreeze products.
Increased courier choices – parcels containing EasiFreeze products are readily accepted by multiple carriers.
Increased safety – EasiFreeze products eliminate the hazards associated with the handling and storage of dry ice, meaning a safer environment for your employees, package handlers and customers.
EasiFreeze products can be re-frozen and reused with minimal impact of its effectiveness.
Property | Water | Dry Ice | HydroFreeze+ | NEW EasiFreeze |
Freezing Temperature (°C) | 0 | -78 | -21 | -16 |
Latent Heat (kJ/kg) | 334 | 571 | 240-260* | 230-250* |
Classed as Hazardous Goods | No | Yes | No | No |
Suitable for Frozen Goods | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Reusable | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
*Theoretical values based on experimental data –  accurate values pending further experimentation.
Thermal Performance Graph – Water vs HydroFreeze+ vs EasiFreeze
Time held below -12C (BASE PROBE READINGS) – HH:MM
Water                  04:59
HydroFreeze+Â Â 42:23
EasiFreeze         46:04
Freezing Characteristics (Water vs HydroFreeze+ vs EasiFreeze)
2 x 500g ice packs (single pocket – 150 x 190mm) stacked together in -32°C freezer. Temperature probe in centre of ice pack stack.
Time taken to freeze (-25°C core temperature) – HH:MM
Water                  13 :54
HydroFreeze+ Â 36:25
EasiFreeze          24:57
FSA Temperature Control Guide | Download now |
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