Automated blast gel pack conditioning equipment is provided and includes a housing with an evaporator and heater and defining a void space for containing a set of gel packs, at least one fan for circulating air within the housing such that a path of air flow extends through an air insufflation end to an air return end within the housing, at least one temperature sensor located within the housing, and a controller for receiving temperature measurements from the at least one temperature sensor and for automatically controlling operation of the evaporator, heater, and fans during phase change processing and conditioning of gel packs. A method of phase change processing and conditioning gel packs and a temperature sensor assembly are also provided.