Phase Change Material (PCM)
Phase Change Materials (PCM) are substances which absorb or release a large amount of "latent heat" when they go through a change in physical state ie., from solid to liquid or vice versa. During this change of phase, their temperature remains constant. This property of PCM is utilised in personal cooling products to offer constant temperature cooling. PCM technology works in high or low humidity situations and requires no air flow. This makes PCM vests perfectly suited for use use under heavy workwear, HAZMAT suits, military or fire fighter gear, mascot costumes etc. The PCM used is usually paraffin, bio based, salt hydrates or pure water. These vests are also referred to as pcm cooling vest, ice vest, gel cooling vest, gel pack vest, AC vest, cool jacket or pcm jacket etc.
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The product range includes cooling vests, ice vests, gel cooling vests, hard hat accessories, and cooling neck bands as well as products for pets and horses. Cooling vests are also available in FR and hi vis versions. We offer heat stress management vests and accessories from manufacturers like Occunomix International (Miracool® Phase Change), Techniche International (COOLPAX™), Inuteq (INUTEQ PAC®), Innovation Thru Energy (IceBattery®), Maranda Enterprises (FlexiFreeze®), Ergodyne (Chill-Its®), Xyloble (Gyro Ice Pack™), etc. PCM materials we supply are non-toxic and have high latent heat capacities for long-lasting and efficient cooling. The inserts can be activated in a refrigerator, freezer, or even a bucket filled with ice slush (depending on the PCM material).
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CoolPax™ from Techniche International, Miracool® Phase Change from Occunomix International and Chill Its® PCM from Ergodyne contain a lighter-than-water, non-toxic carbon-based liquid, and absorb heat as it changes from a solid to a liquid. CoolPax™ freezes at 58°F/14°C and remains at that temperature for 2-3 hours while Ergodyne's PCM freezes at 64°F/18°C and remains at that temperature for 2-4 hours.
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The INUTEQ-PAC® products, powered by CrodaTherm bio-based PCM, offer higher flash fire points than their paraffin equivalents, providing a safer product for professionals dealing with strict fire safety regulations. The INUTEQ-PAC® is the only REACH and USDA certificated 100% bio-based PCM on the market. They are available in multiple temperature settings 15 °C / 21 °C / 24 °C / 29 °C.
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The Ice Battery® PCM packs from Innovation Thu Energy Co. Ltd uses a patented PCM technology with longer cooling duration compared to competing products. Tests have proven Ice Battery®'s ability to maintain temperature (20°C~25°C) for more than 4 hours at 40°C ambient temperature. Their slim, super lightweight (870g) vest design and re-positionable PCM ice packs make this item stand out from the competition.
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FlexiFreeze PCM panels are made of pure water. This is because water has a higher specific latent heat of fusion when compared to other PCM materials currently in use. This means water can absorb more heat per unit weight during phase change from solid to liquid. FlexiFreeze's carrier vest is a special one size fits most design suitable for sizes XS-6XL and the unique design of the ice panels are highly flexible to allow the user to move and bend.
PCM Vests & Inserts
When you need a cooling vest that works perfectly in high humidity, low air flow areas, and can work under heavy protective gear, PCM coolover is the way to go. These cooling vests, including our popular ice vest, are great for police & military, oil & gas, aviation, marine, firefighting & other first responders, health & fitness, sports and recreation, etc. PCM coolover vests are super easy to activate and durable.
PCM Accessories
At times, evaporative cooling headgear solutions may not be viable, due to the humidity or working conditions. In times like these, their PCM alternatives are the perfect solution, providing sustained cooling, even through very harsh conditions.