Charging Guide – 5ºC PCM
Pre-conditioning (charging) and normalizing procedures:
Release Date: 12/30/2025
Standard charging procedures are:
- Pre-condition in a temperature-controlled room or freezer set to -20 ºC.
- Pre-condition for as long as possible. We recommend no less than 18 h when using spacers to ensure circulation between inserts. It is preferable to pre-condition for >1 days. The more circulation surrounding each insert, the shorter the time required to pre-condition the PCM fully.
- Packing inserts together in bulk leads to a risk of not having frozen PCM inserts at the core.
- Initial PCM insert temperature will impact charging time.
- Number of palleted PCM inserts placed inside chamber/freezer will also impact pre-condition time. The more pallets at raised temperatures, the longer the time required.
- Pull charged inserts from freezer and break down pallet in cold warehouse prior to installation for 7-15 h to normalize at 5 ºC.
Notes
Pre-conditioning procedures will also vary depending on seasonality and freezer temperature. What is listed above is a minimum.
Depending on the actual pre-conditioning temperature and air circulation around the inserts, pre-conditioning and normalizing time may take significantly longer.
Always check insert temperature to ensure normalized to above 3 ºC or below 5 ºC.
Color coded caps are used to distinguish size only. They do not aid in sealing.
PCM inserts should only be used for five years from the manufacturing date.
First in first out pallet configuration is recommended.
Users’ responsibility to conduct charging tests within their environment to confirm the above guidelines.
