Vaccine-Fridge Maker Releases Energy-Efficient Model Using Hydrocarbon

By Devin Yoshimoto, May 07, 2020, 20:52 2 minute reading

Tokyo-based PHC Holdings Corporation’s new unit cuts power by 56% vs. conventional models

Photo by Louis Reed on Unsplash

PHC Holdings Corporation, a Tokyo-based manufacturer of laboratory equipment for the biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries, has announced a hydrocarbon-based addition to its lineup of pharmaceutical refrigerators targeting the Japanese market. 

The new equipment cuts power consumption by approximately 56% compared to conventional models by using hydrocarbon refrigerant combined with inverter-controlled compressors, according to a press release

"With the release of ournew pharmaceutical refrigerators, which use natural refrigerants and an inverter-controlled compressor, we hope to contribute to the creation of a sustainable global environment through increased energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions," said Nobuaki Nakamura, Corporate Officer and Co-head of PHC Holdings’s Life Sciences and Diagnostics division.

The exact hydrocarbon refrigerant is not specified in the Japanese product catalog, though the refrigerant used in a model sold in North America is R600a.

The refrigerators are generally employed by pharmacies and clinics to store vaccines as well as other drugs and medicines.

PHC Holdings Corporation, which operates in 125 countries, developed Japan's first pharmaceutical refrigerator in 1966 and has since grown to become the number-one market share holder in Japan for ultra-low temperature freezers in the life sciences industry according to its website.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development and use of sustainable cooling equipment in the pharmaceutical industry, especially for the storage and delivery of vaccines, hasgained more attention.

To help ensure vaccine efficacy, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established guidelines for temperature control necessary to protect vaccines, according to a white paper published on PHC Holdings’ website. 

“Vaccines stored in refrigerators that deviate from suggested operating ranges (2°C-8°C/36°F-46°F) can destroy efficacy and potency of temperature-sensitive vaccines," the paper says.

We hope to contribute to the creation of a sustainable global environment through increased energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions." – Nobuaki Nakamura, PHC Holdings

By Devin Yoshimoto

May 07, 2020, 20:52




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