South Africa: Renergen displays Covid-19 vaccine transport solution Cryo-Vacc, made from Aluminium

On 15^th February 2021, Renergen, South Africa’s emerging domestic natural gas and helium producer displayed Cryo-Vacc, its Covid-19 transportation solution.

The Cryo-Vacc, made from aluminium has been designed to keep Covid-19 vaccines ultra-cold during transportation for up to 30 days,  permitting the vaccines to be transported over longer distances and to reach remote areas.

Renergen admitted: “The Cryo-Vacc has a temperature range of -150 ºC to 8 ºC, making it highly versatile for a range of vaccines.”

“The solution is intended to simplify the logistics of moving vaccines at extremely cold temperatures of between -70 °C and 8 °C for more than four weeks, and without the need for any power supply.”

Combined with best-in-class cold chain monitoring and asset tracking technology from Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider Beyond Wireless, a World Health Organisation Performance, Quality and Safety (PQS) certified remote temperature monitoring solution provider, the Cryo-Vacc can provide accurate temperature readings of the vaccines while in transit, as well as global positioning system tracking to ensure the chain of custody can be audited.

Stefano Marani, CEO, Renergen explained during the disclosure: “The Cryo-Vacc is suitable for both air and ground transportation, as it uses liquid nitrogen to transport by road and helium to transport by air.”

Along the side from helium being only a ‘fraction of the weight’ of nitrogen, thereby significantly reducing its cost in airfreight, when used in Cryo-Vacc, helium can accommodate up to 12 times more vials per flight than other cryogens based on current flight safety regulations.

Renergen has tied up with local express courier partner DPD Laser, which is part of The Laser Group and known for its last-mile courier express capabilities and infrastructure throughout South Africa, post the release of the National Department of Health tender for the distribution of vaccines in the country.

Marani said it was granted the patent rights within three days of application.

As the device is made of aluminium, it is durable and has a long lifespan for end-users. A reservoir has been built into the device, which is filled with liquid helium, the coldest liquid available globally.