Julabo FLW1701 Circulating Chiller

Overview

The Julabo FLW1701 Circulating Chiller is an integrated, water-cooled temperature control system engineered for precision thermal management in demanding laboratory and pilot-scale industrial applications. Based on vapor-compression refrigeration with a single-stage hermetic compressor and R404A refrigerant, the FLW1701 delivers stable, continuous cooling across a wide operational range of −20 to +40 °C. Its design eliminates reliance on municipal tap water for heat rejection—replacing wasteful once-through cooling with a closed-loop, environmentally responsible alternative. With a nominal refrigeration capacity of 1.7 kW at 20 °C ambient and sustained flow delivery of 23 L/min at 1.0 bar pressure, the unit supports high-heat-load instruments including NMR spectrometers, laser systems, rotary evaporators, and analytical chromatography detectors. The compact footprint (50 × 76 × 64 cm) and robust steel enclosure make it suitable for benchtop or floor-mounted installation in space-constrained laboratories.

Key Features

• Integrated water-cooled architecture with external condenser circuit connection (G3/4″ male thread), enabling efficient heat dissipation without ambient air heating
• Precision temperature stability of ±0.5 °C over full operating range, supported by PID-controlled digital thermostat and 0.1 °C resolution LED display
• High-flow, low-pulsation circulation pump delivering up to 23 L/min at 1.0 bar—optimized for low-pressure-drop external loops
• Expandable reservoir volume (12–17 L) with integrated level indicator and optional pressure gauge (standard on FL1201 and above)
• Chemically compatible wetted materials: stainless steel reservoir, EPDM seals, brass fittings; validated for use with deionized water, 30–50% ethylene glycol/water mixtures, and JULABO Thermal series heat transfer fluids
• Maximum allowable return fluid temperature of 80 °C, permitting integration with exothermic processes or pre-heated recirculation loops
• Optional digital communication interfaces (RS232 and Profibus) support remote monitoring, setpoint scripting, and audit-trail-capable data logging in GLP/GMP environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FLW1701 is designed for compatibility with a broad spectrum of heat-transfer media commonly used in regulated scientific workflows. It meets material compatibility requirements per ASTM D1384 (corrosion resistance of cooling fluids) and is routinely deployed in laboratories adhering to ISO/IEC 17025, USP , and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with optional data logging and electronic signature capabilities. The unit operates within ambient conditions of 5–40 °C and complies with EU Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive) and EN 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards). Refrigerant charge (320 g R404A) and associated CO₂-equivalent impact (1.255 t) are documented per F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 for end-of-life reporting.

Software & Data Management

While the FLW1701 operates autonomously via its front-panel interface, optional RS232 or Profibus connectivity enables integration into centralized lab infrastructure. When paired with Julabo’s optional LabSoft software or third-party SCADA platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, DeltaV), users can configure multi-step temperature programs, export time-stamped process data (temperature, flow status, compressor runtime), and generate CSV-formatted logs compliant with ALCOA+ principles. Audit trail functionality—including user login, parameter change history, and timestamped event records—is achievable through configuration with validated industrial controllers meeting GAMP 5 guidelines.

Applications

• Continuous cooling of high-power lasers and optical components requiring thermal drift suppression below ±0.5 °C
• Temperature stabilization of NMR probe preamplifiers and cryoconsole heat exchangers
• Condenser cooling for rotary evaporation under reduced pressure, especially with low-boiling solvents
• Thermal regulation of HPLC/UHPLC column ovens, detector cells, and autosampler chillers
• Process support in pilot-scale chemical synthesis where jacketed reactor cooling must remain uninterrupted over 24/7 operation
• Environmental test chambers requiring stable low-temperature fluid supply with minimal vibration transmission

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable inlet fluid temperature for the FLW1701?
The unit accepts return fluid temperatures up to 80 °C—enabling safe integration with warm process streams or pre-heated recirculation loops.

Can the FLW1701 be used with pure water in a deionized water loop?
Yes; however, long-term operation requires corrosion-inhibiting additives or periodic biocide treatment per ASTM D4627 to prevent microbial growth and scaling.

Is the R404A refrigerant compliant with current European environmental regulations?
R404A is permitted for service and maintenance of existing equipment under EU F-Gas Regulation, though new installations are increasingly transitioning to lower-GWP alternatives such as R450A or R513A.

Does the FLW1701 support external safety interlocks?
Yes—the unit provides dry-contact alarm outputs (e.g., high-temp, low-flow, refrigerant fault) that can be wired into facility emergency shutdown systems or PLC-based safety circuits.

What hose sizes are supported at the pump outlet?
The standard M16×1 male thread port accommodates both 8 mm and 12 mm ID flexible tubing via included dual-bore bayonet fittings.