3 Minute read
Overview:
TLX Cargo was born out of TLX Insulation a global leader in thin reflective insulation for buildings. We have utilized our technology to insulate some of the most iconic buildings in the UK and worldwide. When TLX looked at the air cargo cover or thermal pallet cover market as it’s known, we saw some similarities to the multifoil insulation market 15 years ago in the UK construction industry, in that it was effectively an unregulated space with manufacturers self-certifying their products performance, without third party accreditation on those claims. We also realized our unique technology in the construction industry could be used to improve cold chain protection.
Thermal pallet covers are designed to protect goods from temperature shocks on the tarmac during transit. But often we have seen them being used to mitigate risk for the entire lane which over multi days isn’t possible without active protection in the form of temperature controlled warehousing and transport. A thermal blanket should be used as part of a number of mitigating measures to reduce the risk of a temperature excursion.
Questions to ask before buying a cargo cover?
- Do you require protection against cold or hot conditions?
- Air or sea freight?
- Your data logger position?
- How long do you require protection?
- What is the maximum start temperate the load will reach before exposure?
- What is the maximum temperature the load will be exposed to?
- How long do you require protection for?
- Do you want to recycle the cargo cover?
- Is the pallet going to be exposed to direct sunlight?
Material options:
Thermal pallet covers are made from a number of different materials. Understanding what benefits each provides is critical when choosing your cover.
TLX2 gives short-wave solar radiation protection in direct sunlight conditions.
These products can be recycled, both are breathable and waterproof allowing the exchange of air and water vapour through the material, this helps the internal moisture levels within the pallet not to reach harmful levels. TLX2 combine with a brilliant white outer skin which reflects the visible spectrum solar radiation exposure seen on the tarmac, which is one of the most important factors responsible for temperature excursions during transportation.
- Recyclable: TLX2 can be recycled, simply store and take to your local recycling centre.
- Harmful gases and vapours, condensation damage. TLX2 is breathable and waterproof, it allows gases and vapours to pass through the product removing the risk of condensation and other hazards inside the pallet.
- Stops temperature excursions on the tarmac.
- Protects your goods from temperature excursions, theft, rain, snow, frost, humidity
- Easy to use 1mm thick lightweight breathable covers install or remove quickly and easily
TLX4:This cover utilises a silver outer surface for a low-emissivity effect designed to reflect over 97% of thermal radiation. In our research we have found the silver cargo covers and TLX4 offers the most benefit against infrared radiation not ultraviolet. Meaning it works best against heat build up away from direct sunlight, such as inside a lorry or warehouse.
- 1mm thick cover
- reflects over 97% of thermal radiation
- Waterproof
- Used for perishables, chemical and pharmaceutical shipments
TLX was the first company to produce a thermal pallet cover that incorporates Phase Change Material (PCM) into its structure. The sole reason we did this was to improve thermal performance. Our research found standard cargo covers offered almost no protection for the data logger placed between the load and thermal blanket. This is where nearly all data loggers are placed when using air cargo covers and this is where excursions happen.
After 2 years of R&D a cover that has PCM inside it’s fibres was developed and patented, which is a huge step forward for the industry. TLX PCM is designed to give maximum protection to the product and the data logger between the box and cover solving a key challenge all forwarders and manufacturers face today.
Why use PCM in a cargo cover?
Phase Change Materials are ideal for thermal energy storage as they are highly cost effective. PCMs are ideal for cold chain transportation/storage. They give consistency in performance over a substantial number of cycles, constant temperature maintenance during the release and absorption of Energy.
Bubblewrap:
A common technology we have seen is aluminized bubblewrap. These insulated pallet covers tend to come in 3mm thick sheets which are then layered together to increase thickness up to 15mm. Bubblewrap uses a silver faced outer to protect against heat gain. In our experience we have found this is most effective against infrared radiation exposure (inside a truck/warehouse). Bubblewrap traps air inside it’s bubbles which when combined with a low emissivity outer provides a barrier to heat. One challenge with these products is they tend to be bulky to export and can’t be recycled.
Base vs. no base
This is a confusing area where perception often doesn’t meet reality.
TLX has looked into this extensively and the findings are fairly conclusive. If you want to protect against heat gain a loose fitting cover without a base works best.
If you are protecting against cold condition then a very thick cover wrapping the pallet 360° is going to provide the best performance. These systems create a warm air bubble when protecting against cold vs a very airy reflective shield when heat is the issue.
