Julabo FL1201 Circulating Chiller
| Brand | Julabo |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | FL1201 |
| Cooling Method | Air-Cooled |
| Temperature Range | -20 to +40 °C |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.5 °C |
| Refrigeration Capacity | 1200 W at 20 °C |
| Circulating Pump Flow Rate | 23 L/min |
| Pump Pressure | 1.0 bar |
| Reservoir Volume | 12–17 L |
| Operating Mode | Continuous |
| Refrigerant | R404A (GWP = 3922) |
| Compressor | Single-Stage |
| Communication Interface | RS232 (optional Profibus) |
| Ambient Operating Temperature | 5–40 °C |
| Dimensions (W×L×H) | 50 × 76 × 64 cm |
| Weight | 76 kg |
| Sound Pressure Level (1 m) | ≤61 dBA |
| Compatible Fluids | Water, Water/Glycol Mixtures, JULABO Thermal Bath Fluids |
Overview
The Julabo FL1201 Circulating Chiller is a high-performance, air-cooled refrigerated recirculator engineered for precise temperature control in demanding laboratory and pilot-scale industrial applications. Based on vapor-compression refrigeration with a single-stage R404A system, the FL1201 delivers stable thermal management across a wide operating range of –20 °C to +40 °C, with temperature stability maintained within ±0.5 °C under continuous load. Its 1200 W nominal cooling capacity at 20 °C—scalable across ambient conditions per ISO 5151 and EN 14511 test protocols—supports heat removal from analytical instruments (e.g., ICP-MS, HPLC column ovens, laser sources), reactor jackets, and vacuum pump condensers. Designed for integration into closed-loop systems, it eliminates reliance on municipal tap water for cooling, reducing resource consumption and enabling compliance with institutional water conservation policies and ISO 14001 environmental management frameworks.
Key Features
- Air-cooled condenser architecture eliminates need for external water supply or drainage infrastructure—ideal for laboratories with limited utility access or strict plumbing regulations.
- Integrated circulation pump delivering up to 23 L/min at 1.0 bar pressure, compatible with standard 8 mm and 12 mm ID tubing via M16×1 male threaded ports and included dual-bore quick-connect fittings.
- Large reservoir volume (12–17 L) minimizes frequency of fluid top-ups and enhances thermal inertia for improved stability during transient thermal loads.
- LED-based digital temperature display with 0.1 °C resolution and real-time pressure monitoring (FL1201 and above) support operational transparency and rapid fault identification.
- Robust mechanical design certified to IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emissions), with sound pressure level ≤61 dBA at 1 m—suitable for shared lab environments.
- Refrigerant charge (460 g R404A) complies with EU F-Gas Regulation (No. 517/2014) reporting thresholds; full CO₂-equivalent impact (1.804 t) documented for sustainability reporting.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FL1201 is validated for use with aqueous coolants—including deionized water, 20–50% ethylene glycol/water blends, and JULABO-certified Thermal G bath fluids—enabling operation down to –20 °C without freezing risk. Inlet fluid temperature tolerance extends to 80 °C, permitting integration with exothermic processes requiring hot-inlet compatibility. All wetted materials meet USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 standards for indirect food contact. Device firmware supports audit-ready logging when paired with optional RS232 or Profibus interfaces—facilitating alignment with GLP, GMP, and ISO/IEC 17025 quality system requirements where electronic record integrity is mandated.
Software & Data Management
While the FL1201 operates autonomously via front-panel controls, its RS232 interface enables bidirectional communication with host PCs or PLCs using ASCII protocol (baud rate 9600, 8N1). Third-party software (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, SCADA platforms) can read real-time temperature, pressure, and status flags; issue setpoint changes; and trigger alarms via configurable digital outputs. Optional Profibus-DP integration supports deterministic cyclic data exchange in industrial automation environments compliant with IEC 61158. All communication events are timestamped and stored in non-volatile memory for traceability—supporting 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails when deployed with validated software layers.
Applications
- HPLC and UHPLC column thermostats requiring sub-±0.5 °C stability over multi-hour gradients.
- Cooling of RF generators, Nd:YAG lasers, and mass spectrometer ion sources where thermal drift directly impacts signal reproducibility.
- Temperature control of jacketed glass reactors (1–5 L scale) during exothermic synthesis or cryogenic crystallization.
- Supporting vacuum systems by condensing solvent vapors in cold traps operating at –15 °C to –20 °C.
- Pilot-scale bioreactor temperature regulation where consistent jacket coolant delivery ensures metabolic uniformity.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable inlet fluid temperature?
The FL1201 accepts return fluid at temperatures up to 80 °C—enabling safe integration with equipment generating significant waste heat.
Can the unit operate unattended for extended periods?
Yes. Its continuous-duty compressor, low-maintenance pump, and leak-detection–enabled reservoir design support 24/7 operation in validated environments.
Is remote monitoring supported out of the box?
RS232 connectivity is standard; Ethernet or Wi-Fi modules are not built-in but can be added via third-party serial-to-Ethernet converters meeting IEC 62443 cybersecurity guidelines.
Does the device comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives?
Yes—certified to EN 61326-1 (industrial environment) and fully compliant with CE marking requirements for EMC and safety (EN 61010-1).
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Compressor oil and refrigerant levels require verification every 24 months; air filter cleaning is advised quarterly under typical lab conditions (ISO 14644 Class 8 environment).
