Storage from -196°C to +25°C
Long-term storage
Kelvinbox B.V. operates a storage facility for the safe and controlled storage of your samples at all commonly used temperature ranges.
PBMCs and other cell types are typically stored in our liquid nitrogen storage, while backup samples from pharmaceutical research are stored at -80°C. In addition, we store products in -20°C freezers as well as in refrigerators at +4°C.
We also provide controlled ambient storage between +15°C and +25°C.
A key requirement is that temperature conditions during storage can be demonstrated and verified within defined limits. Since our foundation in 1999, we have been working with Yokogawa measurement systems. For long-term storage, we use a fully validated GX20 system with a security module.
This department operates on a wired network, which has also been fully validated from sensor to recorder. Each freezer has undergone extensive temperature mapping to determine compliance with specifications and to identify the warmest and coldest points.
Every freezer is equipped with a fixed alarm connection, ensuring that any technical malfunction is reported immediately rather than after several hours.
The entire facility is connected to an emergency power supply, which activates automatically and continuously maintains controlled temperatures.
High quality standards!
TCU mapping
Every freezer or TCU* has its own characteristic behaviour, similar to a heartbeat of the freezer or refrigerator. For the pharmaceutical sector, and increasingly also for biotechnology, we are an integral link in the quality chain.
This is one of the reasons why we apply such high standards to quality and its assurance.
Mapping a freezer is an important part of this process and typically takes several days per unit. We carry this out in-house, which also allows us to respond quickly when a new unit needs to be brought into operation.
*TCU Temperature Controlled Unit
Emergency power supply and 24/7 standby service
Fortunately, power outages are still relatively uncommon in the Netherlands, but they do occur. We have experienced this a few times, with the longest outage lasting five hours.
If any phase in the power grid drops below a set threshold, the system automatically switches to the emergency power generator. We test the generator periodically and perform a full annual test by completely shutting down the main power supply.
This provides significant peace of mind, and if this should ever be insufficient, dry ice and emergency protocols are also in place.
Validated network
Validation extends beyond the recorders and sensors to encompass the entire network infrastructure.
Inventory management
Inventory is carried out at the level required by the customer. In most cases, this is at box level, and in some cases also at individual vial level.
After all, it is essential to know which product belongs to which customer and where it is stored. For this purpose, we use a unique barcode system. This barcode contains all relevant information, including the product, customer, expiry date (if applicable), and storage location.
The unique barcode system also prevents incorrect actions by blocking unauthorized or invalid operations.
Temperature monitoring
To demonstrate that products have remained within the specified temperature limits, a temperature file of each TCU is generated on a weekly basis.
This file is reviewed and stored as a PDF. In addition, the original master file is retained, which can only be opened with dedicated software and is not editable or tamperable.
Access control
All areas within Kelvinbox B.V. are secured through access control using a personal key fob.
Access to the building and its internal areas is only permitted when accompanied by an authorised staff member. All movements are also logged and recorded.
Our products & services
Kelvinbox BV
VAT: NL867538016B01
CoC: 96266430
IBAN: NL65INGB0110809807
Swift: INGBNL2A
Kelvinbox BV -About us
We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to supporting our clients. We deliver on our commitments and are transparent when a request falls outside the scope of what we can provide.