1 General
1.1 Why is it important to avoid waste?
Waste in the logistics chain due to cargo damage is common. Nobody likes this. It has financial consequences and can also have a negative impact on efficiency. Think about consequential damage, time investments, the impact on transport insurance, your reputation and customer satisfaction.
1.2 What solutions offer protection against moisture?
Praxas offers various solutions that can prevent moisture damage. These include container liners, the Praxas Container Pack, cargo covers and desiccants. Would you like to know which solution is most suitable for your transport needs? Please contact us and we will be happy to look into it with you.
1.3 How long has Praxas been around?
In 2001 Praxas was founded as a producer and supplier of Oxylene ethylene filters. Over the years, more solutions have been added to prevent cargo damage. At this moment Praxas offers a wide range of solutions that contribute to the mission to have 0% waste in the logistics chain.
1.4 Where is Praxas located?
Praxas is located in Breda, the Netherlands.
1.5 What is the mission of Praxas?
Mission
Create efficiency in the logistics chain by reducing wastage of goods due to cargo damage.
VisionWe believe in 0% wastage of goods in the logistics process. No waste is efficiency. To realize this ambition, we follow a strategy based on three pillars: specialism, development, and quality.
1.6 Where can I find the general terms?
You can find the general terms on the following page: General Terms
2 Temperature loggers
2.1 LOGTAG
2.2 Certificates
2.3 Download certificates
You can view, download and print calibration certificates for your loggers directly from LogTag Analyzer 3.
2.4 How long is my certificate valid?
Calibration certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of first configuration, or first recorded temperature, whichever comes first.
The latest possible date of issuance of a certificate is 18 months from the production date of the device, which takes into account 6 months of storage in our warehouses, and another 12 months of storage at the customer’s site.
If a logger was first configured more than 18 months from the production date, the date of certificate issuance will be 18 months from the production date.
2.5 My calibration certificate is not available
Calibration certificates are only available in the software if the logger was manufactured after April 2019.
You should only use the logger with LogTag Analyzer 3. If you or someone else first configured a logger with LogTag Analyzer 2 before using it with LogTag Analyzer 3, a certificate will not be available.
Calibration certificates are also not available for vaxtag loggers, or for indicator products TIC20, TICT, and iS0ºTag.
If you have requested a calibration from a lab, and the lab has modified the logger, the factory calibration certificate will no longer be available.
2.6 ANALYZER
2.7 Are you getting an error message?
Make sure you are always using the latest version of LogTag Analyzer. This will in most cases resolve the errors you have, including the “$1 internal error”. This error occurs when the software tries to communicate with a model that is newer than your current version of LogTag Analyzer supports.
Update your software through LogTag Analyzer by going to “Help” and “Check Internet for Updates”. Or go to our website to download the latest software version. If you are currently using an older version, the software will automatically update your version.
An error message can also be the cause of a low battery. To be sure, check the life of your battery.
2.8 Did you receive any of the following error messages; “Cannot connect to Logtag…” or “$4:USB.0012345” or “No response [20]” or simply error [20]?
These are very general error messages that simply mean that LogTag Analyzer found an interface and determined the presence of a Logger in the interface, but was unable to establish communication. The letters and numbers after $4 represent the type and serial number of the interface.
Often this error will disappear by simply repeating the action you were performing when the error occurred, but sometimes it can be a little more difficult to locate the cause. Here are some scenarios in which these errors can occur and what you should do to fix the problem:
There is a poor electrical connection between the Logger’s contact pads and the interface pins; this can happen if the contact pads are dirty or have been exposed to a corrosive environment. Usually this can be remedied by cleaning the contact pads on the Logger. Use a soft, damp cloth for this purpose. For stubborn stains, you can also use a soft pencil eraser.
A contact pin is “stuck” in the interface; look in the slot, three contact pins should be visible, they should slide in and out with moderate resistance when force is applied to them (e.g. with the end of a pencil). Check that all pins move freely.
The interface (USB) is not getting enough power; We have seen this error when USB interfaces are used on USB hubs with no power supply to which other devices are also connected. USB ports have a limited ability to provide power and we always recommend connecting USB interfaces directly to the computer or using a powered hub.
Communication has been terminated prematurely; sometimes a user removes the Logger from the interface too soon, causing this error to be displayed. In this case, simply perform the action again with the Logger properly connected throughout the communication.
The USB port is defective; try another port and see if the error persists.
The Logger’s battery is low.
The LogTag has just been removed from a cold environment. Lithium cells and in fact all batteries exhibit lower battery voltage in cold conditions, sometimes significantly lower, so downloading units e.g. directly from a freezer may have communication problems. In this case, it may be useful to wait until the unit has acclimated to room temperature or slightly above.
Water has entered the unit; different Logger models have different protection against water damage and are not waterproof. If water has gotten into the unit, it will continue to work for a while, but eventually communications will stop working.
The Logger has been exposed to strong EMC fields or radiation, which has damaged the internal memory.
2.9 LOGTAG ONLINE
2.10 LogTag Online Activation Codes
If you want to take full advantage of your LogTag Online account, you must purchase Activation Codes and add them to your account. Some features of LogTag Online are only available with a paid subscription, which you can access by adding Activation Codes.
2.11 LOGTAG ONLINE FIXED SITE MONITORING
Activation codes may include any of the following paid features:
One or more location subscriptions
Notification units
A location subscription is usually valid for one location, for one year, but you can also purchase subscriptions for multiple years, and multiple locations. Subscriptions give you the right to upload and store more files and to use the SMS and WhatsApp notification systems, instead of just email. You can also add multiple locations to your team.
To monitor multiple locations (using multiple loggers), you need as many subscriptions as you have locations. Each location can contain data from one logger. Good to know that the first subscription will upgrade your first location to the paid features.
2.12 LOGTAG ONLINE TRANSIT MONITORING
Activation codes may include any of the following paid features:
- Notification Units
- Dispatch units
- One or more location subscriptions
Shipment units are required to create and track shipments, and Notification units are required to send notifications about shipment deliveries. Location subscriptions can be used in the same way as fixed location monitoring if you want to track fixed equipment, but they are not required for shipment tracking.
2.13 How do I purchase an activation code?
Activation codes can be purchased through Praxas. Please feel free to contact us and one of our specialists will be happy to assist you.
2.14 LASCAR
2.15 EL-CC
2.16 Is my EL-CC-2 waterproof?
It comes in an IP67 certified plastic case. It is waterproof until you tear the seal of the case.
2.17 How can I tell if my CC-2 logger is working normally?
You can obtain status information about the logger by pressing the red and white round button, which will cause an LED indicator to flash. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for an explanation of what the blinks mean.
2.18 EasyLog USB loggers
2.19 When I try to install the EasyLog Software, I get an error message that Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 needs to be installed. What to doWhen I try to install the EasyLog Software, I get an error message that Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 needs to be
This happens on new Windows 10 computers, which do not make previous versions of the .NET Framework available by default. You need to enable the .NET Framework 3.5 through the Windows Control Panel, click here to see how to do this – https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/install/dotnet-35-windows
2.20 The software says that no EasyLog USB Data Logger is found when my device is connected, what is the problem?
Lithium metal batteries naturally form a passivation layer that prevents self-discharge and effectively extends their life. When they are first inserted into the data logger, this may cause a momentary drop in voltage, which will reset the data logger.
Remove the battery from the logger and using a conductive wire or metal paper clip, connect the negative and positive metal ends of the battery. Hold this for 30 seconds to break up any passivation residue. Place the battery back into the logger and see if the problem persists.
Remove the battery from the logger and using a conductive wire or metal paper clip, connect the negative and positive metal ends of the battery. Hold this for 30 seconds to break up any passivation residue. Place the battery back into the logger and see if the problem persists.
2.21 EasyLog WiFi recorders
2.22 Why does my logger not connect to the wireless network?
You can try one or more of the following steps to solve this problem:
- Verify that the password being entered is correct.
- Your access point or router must have 802.11b enabled if your EL-WiFi device is a Type One; the MAC address starts with MAC:98:8B:AD:0X:XX:XX or MAC:98:8B:AD:1X:XX:XX for a Type One device. Otherwise, 802.11b, g or n must be enabled on your access point or router.
- Make sure that MAC filtering is not enabled on the access point or router. If it is enabled, only known devices can connect to your router.
- Verify that your network has an Internet connection.
- Verify that the device is within range of the router.
- Check that the router has the latest firmware.
- If the access point or router has WEP encryption, check that the HEX key is entered instead of the password. You can find the HEX key in the internal settings of your access point or router. You can also search the Internet for tools to convert your password into a HEX key.
- Check that the DHCP service is active. This allows the device to be assigned an IP address. Normally the DHCP service runs in your router or on a network server. Make sure the configured DHCP IP address range allows the addition of new devices, if not, expand the range.
- If your wireless network uses WPA Enterprise, make sure the correct authentication type is selected in the drop-down list. Only the types listed are supported.
- If your access point or router has a wireless mode setting, it should be set to ‘Mixed’, not ‘Greenfield’.
- Make sure the SSID name does not contain any spaces.
2.23 How do I reset my sensor?
The device can be reset by pressing and holding the key for 10 seconds. Release the key when RST appears on the screen. The device retains all settings, but loses any data that had not been transferred to the PraxasCloud. The device remains connected to the account it was set up with and simply starts a new recording session.
If necessary, a full factory reset can also be performed by pressing and holding the button for 20 seconds until FArS appears on the screen. This will return the device to its factory status, clearing all settings and erasing all remaining data. The device will no longer be connected to a network or PraxasCloud account.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU ARCHIVE THE DEVICE TO YOUR PRAXASCLOUD DEVICES PAGE BEFORE PERFORMING A FACTORY RESET.
2.24 Can you explain what 21CFR Part 11 is?
The US FDA (Food & Drugs Administration) Code of Federal Regulations 21 Part 11, is an extension of existing regulations that define what electronic records and signatures should be considered accurate to replace paper records for the pharmaceutical and medical industries. Our system is designed to help companies comply with these regulations.
3 Cargo Covers
3.1 Is my Cargo Cover reusable?
Yes, the Cargo Cover can be reused multiple times as long as the material is not damaged in any way. The Cargo Cover is also 100% recyclable which means it can be remelted and used for everyday household items.
3.2 Do I need to use a base with my Cargo Cover?
If you are protecting against heat gain, we do not recommend a bottom, as a loose-fitting cover without a bottom is more effective against shocking temperatures over several days. However, if you want to protect against cold conditions, a bottom is optimal because it retains heat within your pallet.
3.3 Is the Cargo Cover waterproof?
Yes, the Cargo Cover is fully waterproof and breathable, meaning it wicks moisture away from your pallet while protecting against the harshest weather conditions.
4 Container Protection
4.1 What is container insulation?
“The thermal blanket makes the environment for food cargoes more hygienic and reduces the risk of spoilage during travel. The composition prevents dirt and unpleasant odours from accumulating in the container.
Both the person shipping the cargo and the person receiving the cargo benefit from it.
Its multilayer composition makes it the best insulator and protector of cargo. It fits perfectly in any size container and does not come loose from the walls. It does not need to be washed when the container is empty. You just remove it and store it until the next time you use it.
It is particularly convenient for transportation:
– Beverages such as wine, water, juices, and spirits.
– Foods such as oil, chocolate, and candy.
– Bags of grain, to prevent them from absorbing odours from other loads and from spreading insects.
– High value-added products, such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals (cosmetics and paints) and leather goods.
Container protection from Praxas is the most economical and sustainable alternative to refrigerated containers, and acts as a thermal insulator in containers.”
4.2 What is the purpose of container insulation?
Its purpose is to protect ship exports in Dry Van containers from the extreme temperature changes to which cargo is exposed. These changes and the condensation of water that forms during long journeys can cause irreversible chemical, biological or physical damage. This may include changes in food flavour, corrosion of metals, mould growth, or damage caused by falling cardboard boxes weakened by humidity.
4.3 Why should we use container insulation?
Shipping containers can reach temperatures in excess of 60º C during the day. That temperature can drop by 15º C or more at night, causing condensation to form on the walls and ceilings.
Container protection from Praxas solves 4 situations that can occur:
- Damage by temperature
- Damage by moisture
- By completely insulating the load from odours, products such as fertilizers and fur/leather can be transported.
- Isolating cargo from dirt saves on subsequent container cleaning costs.
In addition to protecting, enhancing and ensuring the image of the exporter and the brand, the quality of the product upon arrival is ensured.”
4.4 How is the container protection mounted?
“- The next assembly system can be even faster, because the fixed bars are already inserted into their guides in the fabric of the thermal container blanket.
– The third system is the most complex of all, because it is intended for use in taller standard containers, such as 40 ft. high (HC 40′) cubes. You will need a ladder to reach the roof. However, this installation can be completed in about 20 minutes. This type of installation uses straps and carabiners to lift the structure inside the container.
The telescoping rods that make up the structure are color-coded to facilitate assembly (red, yellow, and blue), indicating where each type of rod should go (top front, top back, and bottom back).
The blue and yellow rods meet at the rear of the container (the side opposite the door).
The magnets help to match the interior space of the fixed thermal blanket to the interior walls of the container.”
4.5 What guarantees and scope of protection does container insulation from Praxas offer?
“The position of the container on the ship, the itinerary, the time of year and the duration of transport all bring a wide range of conditions.
Thanks to the tests carried out by certified laboratories under extreme conditions and our practical experience with data loggers, we can say with certainty that the container temperature differs by 10-20ºC from the temperature reached inside the container.
We can provide cost-effective data loggers that record internal conditions. Graphs showing the results can be downloaded using a USB, so that details of temperature changes during transport can be verified.”
4.6 I am selling under Ex Works. Why should we use container insulation?
“Of course, there is no obligation. However, it is worth averting risks that could damage our product image in the destination country, with all the consequences that entails. It is not easy or cheap to get customers who are later lost due to unsuitable transportation.
Importers are not always aware of the risks and it may happen that they let their guard down in terms of adequately protecting the cargo for transportation. Taking this into account, it is little trouble to propose the Container Protection to the customer and include it in the invoice.
The customer will consider the proposal positively before putting his precious cargo at risk.”
5 Desiccants
5.1 How much desiccant should I use?
The amount of desiccant needed to prevent moisture damage during the transport of a container will vary depending on various factors such as transport time, climate conditions, air volume in the container, type of cargo, type of packaging used, etc.
For advice you can always contact one of our specialists.
5.2 What temperature is most ideal for desiccants?
The ideal temperature of our container desiccants and in-box desiccants is -20 °C to 70 °C (-4 °F to 158 °F).
5.3 What is the absorption capacity of desiccants?
The absorption capacity of a desiccant depends on the concentration of calcium chloride (the higher the concentration of CaCl2, the higher the absorption) and the blend with starch.
AbsorGel® container desiccants use 94-97% CaCl2 with an optimized blend of modified starches to achieve the highest possible absorption. Absorbency is often measured in how much moisture the desiccant can absorb relative to the initial weight of the desiccant (weight of the absorbent). For example, if a 1 kg desiccant can absorb 1 litre of moisture, it has absorbed 100%.
To validate the absorption capacity, it is common to use a climate chamber with a set temperature and relative humidity that ensures the desiccant has a constant supply of available moisture.
Normally a relative humidity of 90% and a temperature of 30°C for 30 days is used, but this can vary. The higher the relative humidity, the temperature, and the number of days the test is used, the higher the absorption capacity will be.
These desiccants are among the top performers on the market with an absorption of over 300% in a climate chamber with rH 90% and 30 °C for 30 days, and can perform even better if these three factors are exceeded.
5.4 What is the shelf life of a desiccant?
The shelf life of our desiccants is three years from the production date printed on the package label. It is recommended to store the desiccants in the original packaging supplied by Absortech at a storage temperature between 5 °C and 25 °C (41 °F to 77 °F).
If the original package has been opened, but not all desiccants have been used, we recommend that you make the package as airtight as possible.
5.5 Can I reuse the desiccant?
The desiccants are intended for single use, so they cannot be reused.
5.6 Are drying agents dangerous or toxic?
Our drying agents are made from calcium chloride. Calcium chloride is not classified as hazardous to the environment, but classified as H319 (may cause severe eye irritation) according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. The classification as hazardous to health has implications for how our products should be disposed of.
All our products comply with the legal requirements for risk communication. Warning labels are printed or applied to our products and packaging to alert users to the risks associated with their use and to inform them of precautions.
5.7 Do the desiccants meet the requirements of the US FDA regarding contact with food?
The FDA, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, regulates food additives, among other things. According to FDA regulations, a food additive is a component of an article that comes into contact with food and can reasonably be expected to migrate into food. Food additives are subject to the premarket approval requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and must be FDA compliant.
Our moisture absorbers are not a food additive and therefore the desiccants are not subject to FDA food additive regulations and do not require FDA approval.
Our desiccants can be safely used to protect packaged food, and other agricultural products in bags or pouches, from moisture damage.
6 Ethylene Filters
6.1 What is ethylene?
Ethylene is a natural hormone produced by fruits and vegetables, it facilitates ripening and decay. Although this is natural, it is highly undesirable when produce shelf life is one of the key factors determining business profitability.
6.2 Which produce items are most sensitive to Ethylene?
Examples of produce items that are more sensitive to the effects of Ethylene gas are apples, bananas, broccoli, carrots, cauliflowers, cucumbers, and kiwi. The fact is that most fresh fruits and vegetables are in some degree sensitive to Ethylene.
6.3 Are flowers sensitive to ethylene?
Yes. Flowers are sensitive even to low concentrations of ethylene. That is why it is important to protect it from natural levels of ethylene commonly present in ambient air (in addition to fruits and vegetables, the other common source of ethylene is internal combustion engines).