Thermo Scientific™ VersaCool™ Recirculating Chiller

Overview

The Thermo Scientific™ VersaCool™ Recirculating Chiller is an engineered thermal management solution designed for precision temperature control in laboratory applications requiring both active cooling and heating. Utilizing a closed-loop refrigeration cycle with integrated electric heating elements, the VersaCool delivers stable, programmable thermal environments across a broad operational range—from cryogenic cooling at −20 °C to high-temperature operation up to +150 °C. Its dual-mode capability eliminates the need for separate chillers and heating circulators in many workflows, supporting applications such as viscometry, spectrophotometry, chromatography column conditioning, reactor jacketing, and material testing. The system employs a hermetic compressor, variable-speed circulation pump, and electronically commutated (EC) fans to optimize energy use while maintaining high reproducibility under dynamic load conditions.

Key Features

• Compact, Space-Optimized Design: Controller module is removable—enabling unobstructed access to the full 7 L bath chamber for larger sample configurations or external device integration. The footprint (17.3 cm W × 15.0 cm D × 57.0 cm H) minimizes benchtop occupancy without compromising thermal capacity.
• Intelligent Energy Management: Automatic Eco Mode dynamically adjusts compressor speed, pump RPM, and fan duty cycle based on real-time thermal demand—reducing power consumption by up to 35% during low-load operation. Compatible with global voltage inputs (100–120 V / 200–240 V, 50/60 Hz), eliminating regional hardware variants.
• Multi-Protocol Connectivity: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, micro-USB, standard USB-A, RS-232 (front/rear), RS-485, Ethernet (future-enabled), and Smart-Vue™ remote monitoring port. Supports seamless integration with Thermo Scientific Smart-Vue wireless platform and optional NesCom™ software for centralized fleet management and audit-ready data logging.
• User-Centric Interface: 5.7-inch full-color capacitive touchscreen with glove- and stylus-compatible operation. Intuitive menu navigation enables rapid setpoint adjustment, ramp/soak programming, and alarm configuration without training overhead.
• Enhanced Safety & Maintenance: Tool-free removable sample rack accommodates diverse vessel geometries (e.g., 250 mL beakers, 15–50 mL centrifuge tubes). Bath lid features reversible left/right opening mechanism and condensate-trapping geometry to prevent drips and minimize evaporation losses. Optional peaked lid available for enhanced vapor containment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VersaCool accommodates aqueous, glycol-based, and silicone oil heat transfer fluids—validated for continuous operation with viscosity ranges up to 50 cSt. External circulation supports flow rates up to 14.6 L/min at 1200 mbar maximum pressure, enabling stable thermal coupling with calorimeters, rheometers, and custom-built reaction systems. All electrical and mechanical subsystems comply with CE, RoHS, and WEEE directives. UL/cUL and CSA certification documentation is in final review stage and will be available upon shipment for North American installations. The system architecture supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through optional audit-trail-enabled firmware (via Smart-Vue or NesCom), satisfying requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record integrity where configured with user authentication and event logging.

Software & Data Management

Smart-Vue™ cloud-connected monitoring provides real-time temperature traceability, remote alarm notification (SMS/email), and historical trend analysis via web browser or mobile app (iOS/Android compatible). NesCom™ desktop software extends functionality with multi-unit scheduling, CSV export of time-stamped sensor data (bath temp, outlet temp, flow rate, compressor status), and customizable report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards. All communication channels support TLS 1.2 encryption; local data storage uses non-volatile memory with battery-backed clock for uninterrupted timestamping during power loss.

Applications

• Temperature stabilization of UV-Vis and FTIR spectrophotometer cells and flow cells
• Active cooling of HPLC and UHPLC column ovens and detector compartments
• Thermal conditioning of rotational and capillary rheometers
• Jacketed reactor temperature control in synthetic chemistry and polymerization studies
• Calibration of thermocouples, RTDs, and infrared sensors against NIST-traceable references
• Environmental stress screening of electronic components and packaging materials

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum operating temperature of the VersaCool chiller?
The unit operates from −20 °C to +150 °C, with stability maintained at ±0.1 °C under steady-state conditions.
Can the VersaCool be used with silicone oil or other non-aqueous heat transfer fluids?
Yes—compatible with water, 30%–50% ethylene glycol/water mixtures, and methyl silicone oils (up to 50 cSt); fluid compatibility must be verified per manufacturer’s chemical resistance chart.
Does the system support external temperature feedback control?
Yes—equipped with a dedicated remote sensor input port for PT100 or thermistor probes, enabling cascade PID control using external process temperature readings.
Is the VersaCool suitable for GxP-regulated environments?
When deployed with Smart-Vue or NesCom software and configured with role-based access control, electronic signatures, and audit trail activation, it meets foundational requirements for 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 compliance.
What is the warranty coverage for electronic and mechanical components?
Three-year limited warranty on all electronic components; two-year limited warranty on mechanical assemblies including compressor, pump, and heat exchanger.