The Great Wall VT-2000L Cryogenic Vapor Trap

Overview

The Great Wall VT-2000L Cryogenic Vapor Trap is a high-capacity, dual-refrigerant cold trap engineered for reliable condensation and removal of water vapor, solvents, and volatile contaminants from vacuum systems. It operates on the principle of cryogenic condensation—utilizing a precisely controlled low-temperature chamber to thermodynamically capture vapors below their dew points, thereby preventing backstreaming into vacuum pumps and maintaining system integrity. Designed for integration with freeze dryers, rotary evaporators, vacuum ovens, and industrial drying lines—including capacitor electrode and battery cell manufacturing environments—the VT-2000L serves both as a primary vapor barrier and as a functional low-temperature bath (−80 °C minimum empty-load temperature). Its direct-contact cooling architecture ensures rapid thermal response and stable temperature maintenance across extended operation cycles, supporting reproducible process control in GMP-aligned production and regulated R&D workflows.

Key Features

• Two operational configurations: direct-chamber trapping (stainless steel 304 trap vessel) and optional glass condenser bottle attachment for compatibility with aggressive media (e.g., acidic or halogenated solvents)
• Dual-stage refrigeration system employing R404A (high-stage) and R23 (low-stage) refrigerants, enabling sustained performance down to −80 °C with graded cooling capacity (40 W at −80 °C; 110 W at −60 °C; 260 W at −40 °C)
• Pt100 platinum resistance thermometer integrated with digital display for real-time, traceable temperature monitoring—critical for validation protocols and SOP adherence
• Robust 06Cr19Ni10 (AISI 304) trap chamber construction, corrosion-resistant to aqueous and ethanol-based vapors; glass condenser option extends chemical compatibility to HCl, HF, acetone, THF, and other organic solvents
• Comprehensive safety architecture including compressor delay start, overcurrent cutoff, and redundant overtemperature shutdown—certified for continuous unattended operation under ISO 13849-1 PLc requirements
• Standardized Ø12 mm flexible hose vacuum interface enables seamless retrofitting into existing vacuum manifolds without custom adapters

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VT-2000L accommodates diverse sample matrices and process chemistries across pharmaceutical, electrochemical, and materials science applications. Its stainless steel chamber is validated for use with water, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and aqueous buffer systems per ASTM E2654-22 guidelines for cold trap performance verification. When equipped with borosilicate glass condensers, it supports USP compliant handling of acidic reagents and chlorinated organics. The unit meets CE marking requirements (2014/30/EU EMC Directive and 2014/35/EU LVD), conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 emissions standards, and supports GLP/GMP audit readiness through its calibrated Pt100 sensor and non-volatile temperature logging capability (when paired with external data acquisition systems).

Software & Data Management

While the VT-2000L operates as a standalone analog-controlled instrument, its digital temperature display outputs a 0–5 V analog signal compatible with third-party SCADA platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, DeltaV, Siemens Desigo) via optional signal converter modules. All temperature setpoints and actual readings are manually recorded in accordance with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 principles when used in regulated environments. For full electronic recordkeeping, integration with The Great Wall’s optional TC-Link™ serial interface module (RS-485 Modbus RTU) enables time-stamped parameter logging, alarm event capture, and remote status polling—facilitating IQ/OQ documentation and periodic performance verification per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 5.9.

Applications

• Vacuum-assisted lyophilization support: prevents ice and solvent vapor from reaching oil-sealed or dry scroll pumps, extending pump service intervals by up to 3× compared to non-trapped operation
• Battery electrode drying lines: removes residual NMP, DMF, or water vapor during vacuum baking of cathode/anode foils, reducing moisture-induced SEI instability in Li-ion cells
• Capacitor manufacturing: eliminates hydrolyzable impurities during high-vacuum impregnation of electrolyte into etched aluminum foil
• Chemical synthesis under reduced pressure: captures HCl, SO₂, or low-boiling organics during distillation or reflux, minimizing fume hood load and improving lab air quality
• Pre-freezing station: functions as a −80 °C bath for sample pre-chilling prior to cryo-milling or cryo-SEM preparation

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable vapor load for continuous operation?
The VT-2000L is rated for ≤1 kg of condensed water per 24-hour cycle under nominal ambient conditions (25 °C, 50% RH); solvent-specific capacities vary—consult the manufacturer’s condensation efficiency curves for acetone, methanol, or ethyl acetate.
Can the unit be operated horizontally or tilted?
No. The VT-2000L must be installed upright on a level surface to ensure proper oil return in the dual-stage compressor and uniform refrigerant distribution across evaporator surfaces.
Is the stainless steel chamber suitable for hydrogen fluoride (HF) exposure?
No. HF requires glass or PFA-lined trapping surfaces; only the optional borosilicate glass condenser bottle is chemically resistant to HF—never introduce HF into the 304 stainless chamber.
Does the unit include vacuum gauge connectivity?
No. Vacuum monitoring is external; however, the Ø12 mm hose port accepts standard vacuum gauge tees (e.g., MKS 925 series) for inline pressure measurement upstream of the trap.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Compressor oil analysis every 5,000 operating hours; condenser coil cleaning every 6 months in dusty environments; annual calibration verification of the Pt100 sensor against NIST-traceable reference standards.