Active Container

An active container is a self-powered ULD with integrated heating and cooling, typically set to +2 to +8°C, +15 to +25°C or, increasingly, sub-zero set points for frozen biologics. Active containers have electrical cooling and heating systems, which can be plugged in at airport facilities. Autonomously running batteries and temperature settings can be maintained for over 100 hours in a typical shipment scenario and for a minimum of 30 hours in extreme conditions. Standard form factors are RKN (single-pallet footprint) and RAP (multi-pallet). Airlines approve specific manufacturers' units and make them available on lease through pharma products and stations worldwide.

An Emirates SkyCargo shipment carries AWB number 176-12345675 transporting biologics from FRA to SIN using a DoKaSch Opticooler RKN active container maintaining +2 to +8°C throughout the 120-hour journey. A Lufthansa Cargo shipment with AWB prefix 020-23456789 uses an Envirotainer RAP e2 container to transport cell-and-gene therapies at -20°C from MUC to JFK, with the active container's battery system providing power for both cooling compressors and data logging during the 8-hour flight plus ground handling time.

• active ULD
• active temperature container
• powered container
• DoKaSch
• va-Q-tec
• active pharma container

What temperature ranges can an active container maintain?

Active temperature management between -20°C and +30°C with constant temperatures, with typical set-points of +2 to +8°C, +15 to +25°C or, increasingly, sub-zero set points for frozen biologics. The containers maintain product temperatures in the +2 to +8°C range, controlled room temperature in the +15 to +25°C range or at any chosen set temperature between ±0 and +25°C in nearly any ambient condition appearing along your shipping routes globally.

How long can an active container operate without external power?

Autonomously running batteries and temperature settings can be maintained for over 100 hours in a typical shipment scenario and for a minimum of 30 hours in extreme conditions. Passive systems maintain temperature with advanced VIPs and coolants that hold temperature for up to 120 hours for comparison, but active containers provide powered temperature control through their battery systems.