XH5K Circulating Chiller

Overview

The XH5K Circulating Chiller is an engineered thermal management solution designed specifically for precise temperature control and sustained heat removal in benchtop analytical instrumentation environments. Operating on a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle with R134a or equivalent environmentally compliant refrigerant, the unit delivers stable cooling performance across a defined operational range of 5–35 °C—calibrated under standard laboratory conditions (20 °C ambient). Its ±1 °C temperature stability ensures repeatable thermal conditions critical for instruments sensitive to thermal drift, including HPLC column ovens, spectrophotometer detectors, laser sources, and small-scale rheometers or calorimeters. The chiller’s continuous-duty architecture supports unattended operation over extended periods, making it suitable for integration into automated lab workflows where thermal consistency directly impacts data integrity and measurement reproducibility.

Key Features

• Stable temperature control within ±1 °C across the full 5–35 °C setpoint range, verified per ISO 17025-aligned calibration protocols.
• 1000 W nominal refrigeration capacity—sufficient to offset heat loads from multiple low-to-moderate power analytical devices simultaneously.
• High-efficiency circulation pump delivering up to 15 L/min flow rate with adjustable discharge pressure (0.6–0.8 bar), enabling compatibility with both low-resistance jacketed vessels and higher-backpressure instrument manifolds.
• Robust stainless steel reservoir (capacity: ~12 L) with integrated level sensor and dry-run protection to prevent pump damage during low-fluid conditions.
• Intuitive digital PID controller with real-time display of setpoint, actual bath temperature, and pump status—supports manual override and programmable ramp-hold profiles via optional external interface.
• Compact footprint (W×D×H ≈ 320 × 450 × 520 mm) optimized for placement beneath fume hoods or adjacent to chromatography workstations without compromising service access.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XH5K is compatible with standard 1/4″–3/8″ OD fluidic connections and integrates seamlessly with OEM cooling interfaces on major analytical platforms—including Agilent, Waters, Shimadzu, and Thermo Fisher instruments requiring external coolant loops. It meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). While not certified to UL or CSA standards out-of-the-box, the unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment safety when operated within specified environmental limits (indoor use, non-corrosive atmosphere, max. 80% RH non-condensing). For GLP/GMP-regulated environments, the chiller supports audit-ready documentation packages—including factory calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) and optional IQ/OQ validation templates.

Software & Data Management

The XH5K operates as a standalone hardware-controlled system with no embedded software stack or network connectivity. However, its analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA process output signals (temperature and pump status) are compatible with third-party SCADA systems, LabVIEW-based monitoring frameworks, and PLC-driven facility management platforms. Optional RS485 Modbus RTU communication module enables remote parameter readout and setpoint adjustment—supporting time-stamped logging of thermal events for compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated data acquisition software. All firmware updates are performed locally via USB interface; no cloud dependency or automatic telemetry is implemented.

Applications

• HPLC and UHPLC column compartment cooling to maintain retention time stability and reduce peak broadening.
• Temperature stabilization of CCD/CMOS detectors in UV-Vis, fluorescence, and Raman spectrometers.
• Cooling of RF amplifiers, laser diodes, and optical enclosures in metrology-grade instrumentation.
• Heat dissipation for compact mass spectrometer ion sources and vacuum pump chillers.
• Controlled-temperature operation of small-volume viscometers, density meters, and thermal conductivity analyzers.
• Support of accelerated stability testing chambers requiring auxiliary cold-side heat rejection.

FAQ

What is the recommended coolant mixture for long-term operation?
A 30% v/v aqueous solution of ethylene glycol (inhibitor-free grade) is recommended to prevent microbial growth and corrosion while maintaining optimal thermal conductivity and viscosity.
Can the XH5K be used with deionized water only?
Yes—though prolonged use of pure DI water may accelerate internal corrosion and scaling; periodic flushing and inhibitor addition are advised.
Is the unit suitable for cleanroom environments (ISO Class 5 or better)?
It is not rated for cleanroom use due to lack of HEPA filtration and potential particulate shedding from fan-cooled condensers; installation outside the cleanroom with remote coolant routing is required.
Does the chiller support external temperature feedback control?
Yes—the unit accepts external PT100 or thermistor input signals for cascade control configurations, enabling instrument-mounted sensor feedback loops.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
Condenser coil cleaning every 3 months (or more frequently in dusty environments), reservoir fluid replacement annually, and pump seal inspection every 24 months under continuous use.