Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines are vital to the medical industry. They use a magnetic field and radio waves to take photos of internal soft tissue and organs. This imaging helps medical professionals identify issues like tumors, joint injuries, heart problems and brain anomalies. However, MRI machines are expensive, heavy and extremely temperature sensitive, making them a challenge to transport with traditional methods.
To transport MRI machines safely worldwide, shipping companies use powered cooling containers that keep machines at the required temperature. These containers are also called refrigerated containers or reefers. Learn more about MRI transportation and the importance of cooling containers in this article.
Key Factors in Transporting MRI Machines
MRI machines require extra consideration and planning for transportation due to their cost and complexity. The following are three key considerations for transporting MRI machines:
1. Temperature Control
MRI machines contain a large magnet that must remain at -269 degrees Celsius (-452 degrees Fahrenheit). The machines have a cooling system that uses liquid helium to keep the magnet at this temperature. Without it, a phenomenon called “quenching” can occur. Quenching refers to the rise in temperature within the magnet coils that disrupts its magnetic field. This process can damage the magnet, which impacts imaging quality and patient safety. Quenching can also irrevocably destroy the magnet, leading to downtime and costly repairs.
2. Transport Security
Security is vital when transporting MRI machines due to their cost and importance for patient care. Shipping companies must consider security at each point in the transportation process. With extra precautions and planning, you can reduce the risk of damage, theft or tampering.
Before transportation, all staff must receive security protocol training. Facilities should restrict access to shipping and storage areas for authorized personnel only. For transportation, MRI machine containers should have global positioning system (GPS) trackers and surveillance to monitor the equipment’s location throughout its journey. Remote monitoring devices are also necessary to record shipping conditions frequently. These devices should notify relevant parties immediately when issues arise.
3. Equipment Safety
Professional technicians calibrate MRI machines to ensure they are accurate and reliable. Calibration is crucial for trustworthy imagery and legal compliance. The magnet within MRI equipment is sensitive and frequently requires calibration to retain its accuracy and functionality. During transportation, the machine can undergo intense vibrations and movement. Without sufficient protection, this movement can affect the machine’s internal components and calibration.
To protect MRI machines during transportation, shipping companies must use the right equipment to lift and place machines into their containers. Once inside, they use custom cradles, straps and clamps to prevent movement. It’s also crucial to control the humidity levels during transport, as moisture can damage electronic components.
Benefits of Reliable Cooling Containers for MRI Transportation
Transporting MRI machines long distances requires specialized cooling containers. These containers keep machines at the temperature necessary to prevent magnet quenching. For this reason, standard shipping solutions are unsuitable for MRI transportation. You should also choose a reliable shipping company with the right equipment, experience and protocols to keep MRI machines safe the entire way.
Choosing a reputable shipping company with reliable cooling containers will offer the following benefits:
- Reduced downtime: Keeping MRI machines cool throughout transportation will allow facilities to install and use them quickly upon arrival. This keeps downtime and service interruptions to a minimum.
- Supply chain efficiency: Combining cooling technology with the machine’s container reduces the need to move machines to cooled locations during shipment. This can streamline the shipping process.
- Cost efficiency: With cooling containers, MRI machines can travel by sea. While transportation times may be longer, it is a more economical shipping method than by air.
- Improved patient care: By using the correct transportation equipment and procedures, MRI machines remain accurate and safe. This allows facilities to trust the machine and provide quality imaging services to clients.
- Regulatory compliance: Shipping companies must adhere to local and international regulations when transporting MRI machines. A reputable company will ensure they meet all relevant laws, regulations and standards.
- Environmental impact: Airplanes produce more carbon emissions than ships, making shipment by sea more environmentally friendly. Thanks to innovative cooling containers, companies can now ship MRI machines by sea. This choice can drastically reduce environmental impact.
Understanding the Technology Behind MRI Cooling Containers
A cooling or refrigerated shipping container employs innovative technology to keep its contents cool. And the MRI Cooling Containers are no exception as they are equipped with special glycol heat exchange systems specifically designed for MRI machine transportation. The reefer container maintains the correct internal temperature. Additionally, the heat exchange system rejects heat from the machine’s helium compressor. An attached generator powers the container and helium compressor, which maintains the machine’s magnetic field integrity and reduces the risk of quenching.
Why Trust Us for MRI Machine Transport Information?
Klinge Corporation is the leading specialized refrigerated transport container manufacturer globally. For over 40 years, we have provided our clients with the best and latest reefer container technology. We create some of the most reliable, robust refrigerated containers available through innovation, research and testing. Part of our product line includes specialized cooling containers for MRI machines. We’ve helped companies worldwide transport MRI machines safely and securely.
Our extensive knowledge of reefer containers offers us a unique insight into shipping MRI machines. We understand precisely what it takes to transport high-cost medical equipment. Our containers are ISO 9001 certified and undergo stringent testing to ensure they hold up in harsh shipping environments. Thanks to years of experience, our design team can even customize containers to meet the needs of each client.
Contact Klinge Corporation for Specialized MRI Transportation
We are thrilled to offer specialized solutions for the transportation of MRI machinery. By choosing us for your reefer container needs, you can rest assured that your valuable cargo will arrive in the best condition. We’re the top choice when standard shipping products cannot meet your unique needs.
Founded in 1984, Klinge was acquired by Trane Technologies’ Thermo King in 2024 and continues on the mission to improve lives through reliable, temperature-controlled supply chain solutions. We provide refrigerated solutions for the food processing, military, medical and oil and gas industries. Whether you need heating, tank, refrigerated, freezer or quick-thaw units, we can help.
Talk to a specialist today by calling 1-717-840-4500 or filling out our online contact form. We’ll help you find the best solution from our product line or create a customized option. If you already know what you need, we can send you a free quote.