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1. Can I use the BioPak without the coolant canisters?
2. What is the purpose of the white triangular-shaped device that sits between the solid core carbon dioxide scrubbers in the BioPak 240R?
3. What is the liquid material inside the plastic ice canister?
4. Can the coolant shells of the BioPak 240R be filled with ice cubes instead of using the ice canister?

Can I use the BioPak without the coolant canisters?
In order to maintain certification of the BioPak the coolant canisters must be utilized. Some users that always work within a low temperature environment have determined that in their particular circumstance they can safely operate the BioPak without the coolant canisters.

What is the purpose of the white triangular-shaped device that sits between the solid core carbon dioxide scrubbers in the BioPak 240R?
This device, know as the PCM, is an internal heat exchanger that will absorb heat generated by the carbon dioxide scrubbers to assist the coolant canisters in maintaining cool breathing temperatures. The device contains a phase change material that will regenerate once it has cooled. This device is a required component for NIOSH certified units and an optional component for EN145 and MA certified units.

What is the liquid material inside the plastic ice canister?
The liquid is nothing more than distilled water. Water is the best heat absorption material known on earth that is both low-cost and non-toxic.

Can the coolant shells of the BioPak 240R be filled with ice cubes instead of using the ice canister?
NO. The use of coolants other than what is specified by the manual will violate the certification of the BioPak. The use of ice cubes will also result in reduced cooling capacity as it will be impossible to pack as much ice density into the coolant shell using ice cubes as is possible with the ice canister. The use of ice cubes in the coolant shells will also result in the loss of cold melt water from the coolant shells as the shells are not sealed against such leakage. The loss of melt water will further reduce cooling capacity as compared to the ice canisters. Finally the use of ice cubes in place of the ice canister will result in cold melt water running down the BioPak to be deposited on the back on the user, soaking the pants and legs.