BlueSeal – Safe Pharmaceutical Transport Using Air Curtains: Protecting Product Integrity and Reducing Cooling Costs

Temperature fluctuations are one of the greatest risks in pharmaceutical transport. Maintaining a controlled cold chain is critical for preserving the chemical stability of medicines, many of which must remain within strict temperature limits. Out of the top ten best-selling medicines worldwide, only one does not require temperature control.

In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the EU Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines set strict requirements for transporting pharmaceuticals. Building GDP-compliant, temperature-controlled vehicles is essential for any distributor – and each operator bears responsibility for ensuring vehicles can safely transport products at the required temperatures.

Challenges in Achieving Safe Pharmaceutical Transport Using Air Curtains

During distribution, maintaining stable cargo temperatures can be extremely difficult. Even the most powerful refrigeration units may struggle to quickly restore optimal conditions after doors are opened – a common issue during urban deliveries with short intervals between stops.

The problem isn’t limited to cold transport. When products must be kept warmer than the ambient temperature, door openings also lead to destabilising climate changes. Without effective air circulation, refrigeration alone may fail to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cargo space, leaving stacked goods vulnerable.

How BlueSeal Air Curtains Ensure Safe Pharmaceutical Transport

In 2010, BlueSeal introduced its air curtains for pharmaceutical transport as a way to maintain vehicle interior climate during and after unloading. By creating an optimal, obstruction-free airflow across the vehicle door, BlueSeal:

• Significantly reduces temperature gain/loss during door openings
• Cuts cooling equipment recovery times by 30% for vans and 45% for trucks
• Lowers energy consumption and fuel costs for refrigeration units

These benefits directly support safe pharmaceutical transport using air curtains, reducing spoilage risk and improving GDP compliance.

Advantages of Safe Pharmaceutical Transport Using Air Curtains

For pharmaceutical transporters, adding BlueSeal air curtains offers multiple advantages:

1. Improved cold chain security – Minimises temperature fluctuations, protecting product quality.
2. Lower fuel consumption – Reduced workload for refrigeration units means more deliveries per tank.
3. Enhanced hygiene – Air curtains replace PVC strips, eliminating physical contact during loading/unloading.

In some cases, BlueSeal is also used to distribute airflow within the cargo area. Without proper circulation, warm air can collect at the top, making stacked goods susceptible to temperature rise.

Additional Benefits for Safe Pharmaceutical Transport Using Air Curtains

While BlueSeal normally switches off when doors are closed, some operators use it during transit to enhance air circulation. After successful climate chamber testing, Dutch pharmaceutical distributor Brocacef began operating BlueSeal continuously in motion.

This creates a homogenised airflow that maintains constant temperature throughout the cargo area – a valuable extra safeguard for sensitive pharmaceuticals.

Building GDP-Compliant Vehicles for Safe Pharmaceutical Transport Using Air Curtains

Air curtains are only one part of a complete pharmaceutical transport solution. Other GDP-compliant features include:

• Temperature mapping and monitoring for accurate reporting and auditing
• Thermal insulation to minimise temperature loss through vehicle walls
• Door discipline policies to reduce unnecessary openings

Together with BlueSeal air curtains, these measures ensure safe pharmaceutical transport while maximising energy efficiency.

In summary: BlueSeal offers proven solutions for safe pharmaceutical transport using air curtains, protecting temperature-sensitive medicines, reducing refrigeration costs, and supporting GDP compliance in both cold and warm chain logistics.