LAUDA Proline Kryomate Floor-Standing Refrigerated Circulating Bath
| Brand | LAUDA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | Proline Kryomate |
| Temperature Range | –90 °C to +200 °C |
| Bath Volume | 30 L or 40 L |
| Cooling Method | Air-Cooled (e.g., RP 4050 C, RP 3090 C, RP 4090 C) or Water-Cooled (e.g., RP 4050 CW, RP 3090 CW, RP 4090 CW) |
| Pump Pressure Control | 4-Stage Adjustable |
| Display | Backlit Graphical LCD with High-Resolution Interface + Dedicated Green LED Temperature Display |
| Control Interface | Cursor Keys, Soft Numeric Keypad, Tmax Override Key |
| Remote Operation | Detachable LAUDA Command Console |
| Control Algorithm | Fully Electronic PID Controller (Internal & External Loop) |
| Condensation Mitigation | Integrated Rim & Bridge Heating |
| Self-Diagnostic Function | Built-in System Check Assistant |
| Compliance | Designed for GLP/GMP-aligned laboratory environments |
Overview
The LAUDA Proline Kryomate is a floor-standing, high-performance refrigerated circulating bath engineered for demanding thermal control applications in R&D laboratories, material testing facilities, and industrial process validation. Utilizing a fully integrated vapor-compression refrigeration system combined with precision electric heating, the unit delivers stable, reproducible temperature control across an exceptional operating range of –90 °C to +200 °C. Its design follows fundamental thermodynamic principles for closed-loop liquid circulation, where heat exchange occurs via forced convection through a thermally optimized stainless-steel bath reservoir and external jacketed systems or test chambers. The Proline Kryomate is not a simple immersion heater or chiller—it functions as a full-featured temperature management platform capable of both active cooling and rapid heating with minimal overshoot, making it suitable for applications requiring tight thermal gradients, long-term stability, and dynamic ramping profiles.
Key Features
- Wide operational temperature span (–90 °C to +200 °C) enabled by dual-mode refrigeration-heating architecture and high-efficiency compressor staging.
- Modular cooling configuration: air-cooled (RP-series C models) or water-cooled (RP-series CW models), allowing flexible integration into lab infrastructure with varying HVAC or facility water constraints.
- Four-stage adjustable pressure pump ensures consistent flow delivery across variable backpressure conditions—critical for maintaining uniform heat transfer in complex external loops or viscometry setups.
- Dual-display interface: high-resolution graphical LCD with configurable display modes (e.g., setpoint/actual/PID status) plus dedicated green LED for at-a-glance temperature verification—enhancing operator situational awareness during extended experiments.
- LAUDA Command detachable console enables remote operation up to 2 m from the unit, supporting ergonomic workflow design and reducing physical interaction during cryogenic or high-temperature operations.
- Integrated rim and bridge heating eliminates condensation formation at low temperatures, preventing moisture ingress, corrosion, and electrical hazards—particularly essential in humid ambient environments or during sub-zero operation.
- Self-diagnostic assistant performs automated system checks on startup and during idle periods, reporting faults such as sensor drift, refrigerant pressure anomalies, or pump blockage—supporting proactive maintenance planning.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Proline Kryomate accommodates a broad spectrum of sample configurations through its large bath opening (standardized for 30 L and 40 L variants) and compatibility with external circulation manifolds, jacketed reactors, calorimeters, and rheometers. It supports both internal bath temperature regulation and precise external loop control via integrated PT100 inputs and analog/digital I/O interfaces. From a regulatory perspective, the unit is constructed in accordance with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meets CE marking requirements for the European Economic Area. While the hardware itself does not constitute a regulated medical device, its architecture supports compliance with GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) frameworks when deployed with validated procedures and connected to 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data acquisition software.
Software & Data Management
The Proline Kryomate operates autonomously via its embedded microprocessor-based controller but is fully compatible with LAUDA’s PC-based software suite—including LAUDA LabView drivers and optional OPC UA integration—for centralized monitoring, parameter logging, and remote scheduling. Temperature profiles, pump speed settings, alarm thresholds, and PID tuning parameters can be exported/imported in CSV format. Audit trails—including user login events, setpoint changes, and system warnings—are stored locally and accessible via USB export. When paired with third-party LIMS or ELN platforms, the unit supports timestamped, tamper-evident data capture aligned with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).
Applications
- Material characterization: thermal aging studies, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) measurements, and polymer crystallinity analysis under controlled thermal cycling.
- Instrument calibration: serving as a reference temperature source for calibrating thermocouples, RTDs, infrared cameras, and differential scanning calorimeters (DSC).
- Process simulation: replicating industrial thermal profiles for pharmaceutical lyophilization development, battery electrolyte testing, or aerospace composite curing validation.
- Chemical synthesis: temperature-controlled reaction kinetics studies in jacketed glass reactors with precise exotherm management.
- Quality control: viscosity testing per ASTM D445/D2161, density determination per ISO 12185, and thermal conductivity measurement using guarded-hot-plate methods.
FAQ
What is the minimum achievable temperature with the Proline Kryomate, and what coolant is required?
The unit achieves –90 °C using a proprietary mixed-refrigerant blend; no external cryogens (e.g., liquid nitrogen) are required. Ethylene glycol/water or silicone oil baths are recommended depending on temperature range and chemical compatibility.
Can the Proline Kryomate be used for external circulation with high-viscosity fluids?
Yes—the four-stage pressure pump provides up to 2.5 bar maximum head pressure, enabling reliable circulation of oils and glycols with viscosities up to 1000 mm²/s at 20 °C.
Is the unit suitable for use in cleanroom or ISO 17025-accredited laboratories?
It complies with mechanical and electrical safety standards applicable to accredited labs; full accreditation requires documented IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, traceable calibration certificates, and environmental monitoring of installation site.
How does the rim and bridge heating function prevent condensation?
Heating elements embedded along the bath perimeter and structural bridge maintain surface temperature above dew point, eliminating moisture accumulation without affecting bath homogeneity or thermal stability.
Does the Proline Kryomate support Ethernet or Modbus communication?
Standard models include RS232 and USB ports; optional Ethernet (TCP/IP) and Modbus RTU modules are available for industrial automation integration.
