JULABO FP45-HE Professional Heating and Cooling Circulator

Overview

The JULABO FP45-HE is a high-precision, professional-grade heating and cooling circulator engineered for demanding laboratory and industrial applications requiring stable, wide-range temperature control of external systems or internal baths. Utilizing a dual-mode thermodynamic architecture—combining resistive heating with a single-stage air-cooled R134a refrigeration circuit—the FP45-HE delivers exceptional thermal performance across an extended operating range of −42 °C to +200 °C. Its core design integrates Intelligent Cascade Control (ICC), a proprietary algorithm that dynamically coordinates compressor modulation, heater duty cycling, and pump response to minimize overshoot and stabilize temperature within ±0.01 °C—even under dynamic load conditions or ambient fluctuations. The unit is purpose-built for both internal bath regulation (26 L stainless-steel reservoir) and precise external temperature control via integrated Pt100 sensor input and programmable setpoint referencing. Its robust mechanical construction—including reinforced insulation to prevent frost formation at sub-zero operation, removable air-intake grilles for condenser maintenance, and ergonomic transport features (integrated handles and casters)—ensures long-term reliability in GLP-compliant environments.

Key Features

• Intelligent Cascade Control (ICC) with auto-tuning capability for adaptive optimization of PID parameters under varying thermal loads
• TCF (Temperature Control Function) enabling fine-grained suppression of oscillations during rapid ramping or low-viscosity fluid transitions
• ATC3 three-point calibration support for traceable accuracy verification against NIST-traceable reference standards
• SmartPump™ variable-output circulation system: automatically adjusts motor torque and pressure output based on real-time fluid viscosity feedback, maintaining consistent flow (22–26 L/min) and backpressure (0.4–0.7 bar) across temperature-dependent media
• VFD white-backlit display with simultaneous multi-parameter readout (bath temp, external sensor reading, setpoint, alarm status, program step)
• Full-featured programmable controller supporting 6 independent ramp-and-soak profiles, each with up to 60 steps (time/temp/pump/solenoid logic)
• Integrated solenoid valve interface and HSP booster pump port for automated cooling water management and pressure-boosted external loops
• RS232 standard interface with optional RS485 or Profibus modules for integration into SCADA, LIMS, or centralized HVAC control systems
• Comprehensive safety architecture: low-bath-level detection, overtemperature cut-off with latching alarm, dry-run protection, and IP20-rated electrical enclosure

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FP45-HE supports a broad spectrum of heat transfer media—including water, water-glycol mixtures, silicone oils, and synthetic heat-transfer fluids—within its specified viscosity and flash point limits. Its M16×1 pump ports accommodate standard 8 mm and 12 mm ID flexible tubing (included), while the integrated external Pt100 input enables direct feedback control of jacketed reactors, calorimeters, or chromatography columns per ASTM E2877 and ISO 17025 traceability requirements. The device complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, and RoHS 2011/65/EU. Its firmware architecture supports audit-ready logging (via optional analog I/O or serial export) aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity principles when paired with validated software platforms.

Software & Data Management

While the FP45-HE operates autonomously via its front-panel interface, its RS232 port enables bidirectional communication with Windows-based JULABO LabSoft or third-party applications (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python via PySerial). All setpoints, actual temperatures, pump status, alarms, and program execution states are accessible in real time. Logged data can be timestamped and exported as CSV for post-processing. Optional analog I/O modules provide 0–10 V or 4–20 mA outputs for PLC interfacing or legacy DCS integration. Firmware updates are performed via USB-to-serial adapter; version history and configuration snapshots are retained in non-volatile memory to support GxP change-control documentation.

Applications

• Calibration laboratories: Reference temperature source for thermometer, RTD, and thermocouple validation per ISO/IEC 17025
• Pharmaceutical QC: Dissolution testing apparatus temperature control (USP , )
• Materials science: Thermal aging studies of polymers and composites under controlled thermal cycling
• Chemical synthesis: Precise exotherm/endotherm management in jacketed glass reactors
• Instrument conditioning: Stabilization of HPLC column ovens, viscometers, and spectrophotometer sample compartments
• Aerospace R&D: Fluid property measurement across cryogenic to high-temperature regimes

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended fluid volume for stable operation?
The 26 L reservoir must be filled to at least 70 % capacity (≥18.2 L) to ensure proper pump priming, sensor immersion, and thermal mass stability.
Can the FP45-HE operate continuously at −42 °C?
Yes—provided ambient conditions remain within 5–40 °C and the heat transfer fluid has a pour point ≤−50 °C and vapor pressure suitable for closed-loop circulation at sub-ambient temperatures.
Is external calibration required after ATC3 adjustment?
ATC3 corrects for sensor offset across three defined points but does not replace periodic full-system calibration using certified reference thermometers per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.
Does the unit meet GLP data integrity requirements?
When used with validated software and appropriate access controls, its logged timestamps, operator IDs (if enabled), and immutable event records satisfy ALCOA+ principles for audit trails under GLP and GMP frameworks.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the R134a refrigeration system?
No routine refrigerant servicing is required; however, annual visual inspection of condenser fins, airflow clearance, and electrical connections is advised per JULABO Maintenance Bulletin MB-FP45-02.