Finally there has been progress in the search for an effective vaccine against Covid-19 and soon as a population we will be able to defeat the dreaded virus. The most vulnerable groups will be the first to benefit from it. Despite these prompt vaccinations becoming available, we must consider the existing possibilities to preserve them in optimal conditions, since some of the vaccines need to be kept below -70ºC.

These low temperatures present a technological challenge. The situation we are currently experiencing is as delicate as the vaccines, which if not kept in an adequate environment, will cease to be effective. In this sense, GRIT offers gas solutions for ultra-cooling systems, ensuring its storage at very low temperatures.

R-23, highly safe refrigerant proposal

Among the options that GRIT can offer for the preservation of Covid-19 vaccines is high safety (non-flammable) refrigerant R-23. This gas can be used in refrigeration systems capable of preserving vaccines at a temperature of -70ºC, exactly what Covid-19 vaccines need to avoid any loss of their programmed efficacy.

R-23, or Trifluoromethane, is a fluorinated refrigerant that does not damage the ozone layer and being non-flammable, ensures safety. In addition this gas can reach very low evaporation temperatures. The containers for this refrigerant gas are 8kg and 48kg cylinders and also 680kg roll drums. All of them are high pressure containers. R-23, being a recovered product, is a good option to take into account for the conservation of Covid-19 vaccines.

R-1150, extremely low temperature refrigerant

Some of the Covid19 vaccines must be kept below -70ºC. With R-1150 refrigerant gas, a natural refrigerant capable of preserving vaccines at less than -80ºC. It is another effective option to have the perfect preservation system.

This refrigerant, also known as Ethylene, is a hydrocarbon and has a low environmental impact, due to its zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and its extremely low GWP (Global Warming Potential). The containers for this refrigerant can be 3.8kg or 19kg cylinders and also bundles of cylinders. Like the products shown above, it fulfils with all the certificates and quality controls required to use it safely.

GRIT has its own cryogenic Ethylene tank to offer its customers at very short lead-time.

R-170, another natural refrigerant

Finally, GRIT could propose another natural refrigerant, R-170. This gas can be used in refrigerant systems that work below -75ºC. It is also another ideal option so that vaccines can be dispensed with total safety and maintaining all their effectiveness. Like the ethylene, it is a natural refrigerant.

This R-170 refrigerant, or Ethane, has a low environmental impact, and the recommended containers are 18kg cylinders or bundles of cylinders. It fulfils AHRI 700 standard, as the previous cases, and also with the ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO 14001: 2015 certificates. Therefore, it is another valid option for the vaccines that are coming from now on.

Being able to keep vaccines in suitable condition is vital so that most of the population can benefit from them. For this reason, at GRIT there is a commitment to health at the highest level by offering these three refrigerants products so that the vaccines can be preserved in optimal conditions.

We know that keeping vaccines at such low temperatures is a real challenge that requires quality and durable refrigerants. At GRIT we have them. Because it is important that the vaccine is preserved in the most suitable conditions. Together we can fight Covid-19.