TRILOS HC250 High-Low Temperature Circulating Bath
| Brand | TRILOS |
|---|---|
| Model | HC250 |
| Origin | USA |
| Instrument Type | Circulating Bath |
| Temperature Range | −10 °C to +90 °C |
| Heating Power | 600 W |
| Cooling Capacity | 250 W @ 20 °C ambient / 20 °C bath setpoint |
| Pump Flow Rate (Max) | 8 L/min |
| Voltage/Frequency | 220 V~, 50 Hz |
| Rated Current | 10 A |
| IP Rating | IP20 |
| Refrigerant | R404A |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 250 mm × 480 mm × 535 mm |
| Circulation Mode | Internal & External |
Overview
The TRILOS HC250 High-Low Temperature Circulating Bath is an engineered thermal management system designed for precise, stable temperature control across a broad operational range of −10 °C to +90 °C. Built on a dual-mode thermoelectric and compressor-based architecture, it integrates heating and active refrigeration within a single compact chassis to support both exothermic and endothermic experimental conditions. Its core operating principle relies on forced liquid circulation—via a magnetically coupled centrifugal pump—to maintain uniform thermal distribution in external jackets, reactor sleeves, or analytical instrument cooling blocks. The bath employs a PID-controlled digital thermostat with high-resolution (0.01 °C) setpoint resolution and ±0.05 °C typical stability under static load conditions. Unlike passive water baths, the HC250’s closed-loop circulation enables reproducible heat transfer coefficients and minimizes thermal gradients—critical for applications requiring strict adherence to ASTM E2777 (Standard Practice for Thermal Stability Testing) or ISO 17025-compliant calibration workflows.
Key Features
- Wide operational temperature span (−10 °C to +90 °C) enabled by optimized R404A refrigeration circuit and 600 W resistive heating element
- Dual-circulation capability: supports internal recirculation for bath homogeneity and external loop connection via standardized ½″ BSP ports for integration with jacketed reactors or spectrometer chillers
- High-flow, low-pulsation circulation pump delivering up to 8 L/min at ≤0.3 bar backpressure—engineered for compatibility with narrow-bore tubing and high-resistance external loops
- Intelligent temperature controller with real-time deviation monitoring, auto-tuning PID algorithm, and programmable ramp/soak profiles
- IP20-rated enclosure with insulated stainless-steel reservoir (capacity: ~12 L), leak-resistant gasketing, and acoustic dampening to suppress mechanical noise below 45 dB(A)
- Safety-certified design compliant with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment, including overtemperature cutoff, dry-run protection, and refrigerant pressure monitoring
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HC250 is compatible with aqueous solutions, silicone oils (up to 100 cSt viscosity), and glycol-water mixtures—making it suitable for use with glassware, metal-jacketed vessels, and OEM-integrated modules. It meets material compatibility requirements per USP for non-reactive thermal transfer media and supports GLP/GMP environments through configurable audit-trail logging (when paired with optional TRILOS LabLink software). While not intrinsically rated for hazardous locations, its sealed refrigeration system and absence of open flame or spark sources permit deployment in general-purpose labs adhering to NFPA 45 and ANSI Z9.5 ventilation guidelines. All electrical components are CE-marked and certified to UL 61010-1 Edition 3.
Software & Data Management
The HC250 operates autonomously via its front-panel interface but supports RS232 and optional Ethernet connectivity for remote supervision. When integrated with TRILOS LabLink v3.x (Windows/Linux), users gain access to time-stamped temperature logging (≥1 Hz sampling), automated report generation in PDF/CSV, and electronic signature-enabled protocol execution aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. The software enforces role-based access control, session audit trails, and data integrity checks—including CRC validation for all transmitted setpoints and sensor readings. Raw temperature data is stored in IEEE 754 double-precision format to preserve numerical fidelity during long-term stability assessments.
Applications
- Calibration of temperature-sensitive sensors (RTDs, thermistors, IR cameras) per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.10
- Thermal conditioning of HPLC columns, viscometers, and differential scanning calorimeters (DSC)
- Controlled-rate cooling/heating cycles in polymer crystallization studies (ASTM D3418)
- Stabilization of laser diodes, photomultiplier tubes, and CCD detectors in spectroscopic systems
- Support of accelerated aging tests per ICH Q1A(R3) and ASTM F1980 for medical device packaging
- Pre-conditioning of reference standards prior to gravimetric or volumetric analysis
FAQ
What fluids are approved for use in the HC250 bath?
Deionized water, 30–50% ethylene glycol/water mixtures, and low-volatility silicone oils (e.g., Dow Corning 200 Fluid, 50 cSt) are validated. Avoid halogenated solvents, acetone, or low-flash-point hydrocarbons.
Can the HC250 maintain ±0.1 °C stability during external circulation?
Yes—under nominal external loop resistance (<2 m head loss) and ambient fluctuations <±3 °C, the system achieves ±0.08 °C stability over 24 h (per internal verification per ISO 17025 Annex A.3).
Is the refrigerant R404A compliant with current environmental regulations?
R404A is permitted for servicing existing equipment under EPA SNAP Program exemptions (as of 2024); TRILOS offers R450A retrofit kits for new installations seeking lower-GWP alternatives.
Does the unit include a drain valve for maintenance?
Yes—a front-access, quick-release drain valve with integrated sediment trap is located at the reservoir base.
What is the maximum allowable external loop pressure?
The circulation pump and fittings are rated for continuous operation at ≤0.5 bar (7.3 psi) static pressure; exceeding this may compromise seal integrity and void warranty.
