Julabo FP90-SL-150C Ultra-Low Temperature Heating and Cooling Circulating Bath
| Brand | Julabo |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | FP90-SL-150C |
| Temperature Range | -90 to +150 °C |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.05 °C |
| Bath Volume | 22 L |
| Circulation Type | Internal & External |
| Control Mode | Heating & Refrigeration Dual Function |
| Display | VFD + LCD Backlit |
| Pump Flow Rate | 22–26 L/min |
| Max. Pump Pressure | 0.7 bar |
| Heating Power | 3 kW |
| Refrigeration Power (at -80 °C) | 0.15 kW |
| Compressor Stages | Two-stage (R404A / R23) |
| Communication Interface | RS232, RS485 (optional Profibus) |
| Compliance | DIN 12876-1 Class III (FL) |
| Weight | 195 kg |
| Dimensions (W×L×H) | 59 × 76 × 116 cm |
Overview
The Julabo FP90-SL-150C is an ultra-low temperature heating and cooling circulating bath engineered for high-precision thermal control in demanding laboratory and industrial applications. It employs a dual-stage refrigeration system—comprising primary R404A and secondary R23 compressors—to achieve a continuous operational range from –90 °C to +150 °C with exceptional stability (±0.05 °C). Unlike single-stage systems limited by condensation pressure constraints at cryogenic temperatures, this architecture enables stable sub–80 °C operation while maintaining rapid thermal response and low energy consumption across the full span. The unit integrates active heat exchange via a high-capacity circulation pump (22–26 L/min, up to 0.7 bar pressure), supporting both internal bath temperature regulation and external process cooling/heating through closed-loop jacketed reactors, calorimeters, or spectroscopic cells. Its design complies with DIN 12876-1 Class III (FL) safety standards for flammable liquid environments, ensuring safe use with organic solvents and low-flashpoint media.
Key Features
- Two-stage cascade refrigeration system enabling reliable operation down to –90 °C without performance degradation
- Intelligent ICC (Intelligent Control Concept) auto-tuning algorithm dynamically optimizes PID parameters for load- and ambient-dependent conditions
- TCF (Temperature Control Function) mode enhances stability during transient thermal loads by modulating compressor duty cycle and heater output simultaneously
- ATC3 three-point calibration support for traceable accuracy verification using external Pt100 sensors
- SmartPump technology automatically adjusts motor torque and flow rate based on fluid viscosity changes—critical when operating with silicone oils or ethylene glycol/water mixtures across wide temperature spans
- VFD white-backlit display with simultaneous readout of bath temperature, setpoint, external sensor input, pump status, and alarm history
- Waterproof membrane keyboard with tactile feedback for parameter entry under wet or gloved-hand conditions
- Dual-level safety: hardware-based overtemperature cutoff (mechanical rotary dial) and software-configurable high/low limit alarms with relay output
- Integrated electromagnetic valve interface for coordinated control of auxiliary cooling water supply and HSP high-static-pressure booster pumps
- Removable front air grille and side-access service panels simplify routine maintenance of condenser coils and refrigerant lines
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FP90-SL-150C accommodates diverse thermal media—including deionized water, 50/50 ethylene glycol/water, silicone oils (e.g., DC200 series), and fluorinated heat transfer fluids—within its 22 L stainless steel reservoir. Its Class III (FL) classification per DIN 12876-1 certifies suitability for use with flammable liquids in enclosed laboratory settings. All wetted components are chemically resistant to common solvents; optional PTFE-coated pump impellers and seals are available for aggressive media. The unit meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements and incorporates leakage current protection, reinforced insulation, and ground-fault monitoring. For regulated environments, audit-ready event logging (via RS232/RS485) supports GLP/GMP workflows compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated data acquisition software.
Software & Data Management
Standard RS232 serial communication allows bidirectional command execution and real-time telemetry transfer—including temperature, pump speed, compressor status, and alarm flags—to host PCs running Julabo’s LabView-compatible WinTherm software or third-party SCADA platforms. Optional RS485 and Profibus DP modules enable integration into centralized building management or automated synthesis systems. The onboard 6×60-step programmable controller supports complex ramp-soak-hold profiles with time-stamped execution logs stored in non-volatile memory. All configuration changes, calibration events, and fault codes are timestamped and retained for post-event forensic analysis—a requirement for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
Applications
- Low-temperature reaction kinetics studies in synthetic organic chemistry and polymerization processes
- Calibration of infrared detectors, bolometers, and cryogenic sensors requiring stable thermal sinks
- Material testing per ASTM D5272 (low-temp impact resistance) and ISO 6722 (automotive wire insulation)
- Controlled cooling of NMR probe preamplifiers and laser diode mounts
- Thermal validation of pharmaceutical freeze-drying cycles and stability chambers
- Environmental stress screening (ESS) of electronic assemblies per MIL-STD-810G Method 502.6
- Viscometry and rheology measurements where bath temperature must remain invariant within ±0.02 °C over multi-hour runs
FAQ
What is the minimum achievable temperature with full load capacity?
The FP90-SL-150C maintains –90 °C at ambient ≤25 °C with standard 22 L fill volume and no external heat load. Under continuous external circulation (≤2 m head), stable operation at –85 °C is guaranteed.
Can the unit operate unattended overnight?
Yes—integrated low-level fluid detection, overtemperature cutoff, compressor overpressure protection, and automatic restart suppression after power failure ensure safe autonomous operation.
Is remote monitoring supported via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
The base model includes RS232 and RS485; Ethernet connectivity requires the optional Profibus-to-Ethernet gateway module (Julabo part #9352790N150-ETH).
How often does the refrigerant require servicing?
Under normal operation and proper ventilation, the sealed dual-stage system requires no scheduled refrigerant replenishment over a 10-year service life. Annual inspection of condenser cleanliness and electrical connections is recommended.
Does the unit comply with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014?
Yes—the total CO₂-equivalent refrigerant charge (8.958 t) falls below the 10 t threshold triggering mandatory leak-check frequency, and both R404A and R23 are listed in Annex I as authorized for laboratory equipment until 2030.

