What allows food to be maintained at safe temperatures during transportation and storage? What protects the integrity of medicine, organs, blood, medical devices, therapies, and procedures? And what keeps hands and feet warm longer during these cold winter months? The simple answer is Phase Change Material (PCM). With seemingly endless applications, this versatile technology is turbocharging innovation for a growing number of product designers, manufacturers and industries.
So, what is Phase Change Material and why is it important? In a basic sense, Phase Change Material is the result of a process known as thermal cycling. In this process, phase change substances absorb and release thermal energy as they are transformed between solid and liquid states. Water and ice is an excellent example of Phase Change Material.
The technology offers numerous advantages to manufacturers and consumers alike. Product performance is enhanced measurably, new applications spawn innovative new products; and because it is often substituted for more expensive materials and processes, PCM is in many cases shown to reduce manufacturing costs.
Look Around You
From produce and medical to textile, computer, aerospace, automotive, and beyond, phase change technology is found in nearly all industries. As its use becomes even more widely embraced, it is important that the technology maintain the highest quality standards.
“Each day, it seems, industries are finding new applications for phase change technology. As usage and expectations continue to rise, it is imperative that raw material suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and other stakeholders deliver quality, consistency and reliability,” explained Tim Riazzi, President of Dayton, Ohio’s CAVU Group. “Our reputation as a supplier, and that of our customers, hinges on the successful and expanded application of this growing technology. We take our stewardship responsibility seriously and work to actively participate in the on-going development and management of PCM technology.”
CAVU is a vertically integrated family of brands driven to provide innovative thermal technologies. The company’s Thermal Solutions brands – American Thermal Instruments (Temperature monitoring solutions – www.americanthermal.com) and Microtek Laboratories (Temperature management solutions – www.microteklabs.com) – are leading providers of PCM raw materials, products, and related solutions.
Investing in Quality
Today organizations exist to help ensure the development and integrity of Phase Change Material. PCMIA (Phase Change Materials Industry Association) and RAL (Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification) are two such associations.
In 2004, several international companies founded the Quality Association PCM with the objective to develop minimum performance requirements and suitable procedures for quality assurance. In 2006, RAL, the Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification, accepted the Quality and Testing Specifications for PCM (RAL-GZ 896) and began awarding the RAL Quality Mark to deserving products. Since its inception the program has gained popularity and today extends throughout Europe.
In North America there is a similar PCM initiative. Founded in 2018, PCMIA is an association of phase change materials industry leaders consisting of manufacturers and researchers with a common goal to move the industry and technology of PCM forward. While its primary goal is to Connect, Promote and Educate industries and the public with Phase Change Materials, the association is also driven to help improve, streamline and standardize the industry.
Contributing Resources
As a local thermal solutions manufacturer, CAVU is naturally supportive of global collaboration to advance PCM technology and promote its usage. The company has positioned several employees as board members on RAL and PCMIA.
“It is imperative that PCM suppliers lend their experience to advance industry-wide quality standards,” said Riazzi. “The ever-increasing commercial importance of the technology triggered the need for reliable quality assurance and its independent certification. We recognize our responsibility to play an active role to ensure the integrity of the technology; and are pledging our time and resources to organizations such as RAL and PCMIA.”
Riazzi sits on the Executive Board for RAL and is Chairman of the Government Relations Committee for PCMIA. The company’s VP of Sales and Business Development, Patti Blessing serves on the PCMIA Membership and Finance Committee; while Microtek Marketing Manager, David Haan, lends his expertise to the PCMIA Marketing Committee.
Who Benefits?
For CAVU participation not only allows the company to advance its PCM offerings and processes – but it also provides a platform to raise awareness of thermal management technologies. This, along with being recognized by potential new customers as a thermal management solutions subject-matter expert (which may include PCM) can have a measurable bottom-line impact. However, while supporting these organizations offers many advantages, it’s safe to say that the true beneficiaries are CAVU’s partners, customers, and ultimately the consumer.
“Participation in PCM organizations allows us to transfer this knowledge and provide guidance on this emerging technology,” concluded Riazzi. “Supporting current and potential partners with regard to the economic and sustainability benefits of thermal management is critical. In this way, manufacturers and distributors alike can achieve positive and sustained outcomes by ensuring consumers with brand safety, enhanced comfort, and consistent quality.”
PCM is Here to Stay
Phase Change Management is nothing new; the technology has been evolving for decades. What is worth noting are its progressive applications made possible by suppliers, such as CAVU Group, who make the technology more accessible, stable, and practical to new markets.
Those who develop, manufacture or leverage technologies must take a vested interest in their long-term applications and maturation. Today, responsible Phase Change Management (PCM) stakeholders are actively overseeing its ongoing development and safeguarding quality. This collaborative effort is the foundation for new levels of application and innovative new products.
