HX-5A Intelligent Precision Circulating Chiller / Constant Temperature Bath

Overview

The HX-5A Intelligent Precision Circulating Chiller / Constant Temperature Bath is a compact, self-contained thermal management system engineered for high-stability temperature control across laboratory and analytical applications. It integrates dual-mode thermoregulation—refrigeration and resistive heating—within a single stainless-steel reservoir, enabling precise setpoint maintenance from −10 °C to +99 °C with a stability of ±0.1 °C under steady-state conditions. The unit operates on a closed-loop circulation principle: a centrifugal pump delivers conditioned fluid (water, water–glycol mixtures, or low-viscosity silicone oils) at a rated flow rate of 10 L/min through external equipment via flexible tubing. This architecture supports both direct immersion experiments in the bath chamber and remote temperature control of peripheral instruments—including rotary evaporators, viscometers, electrophoresis systems, cryogenic medical devices (e.g., therapeutic cooling caps and hypothermia blankets), and vacuum system components such as diffusion pumps, ion pumps, and electron microscopes requiring active thermal stabilization.

Key Features

• Hermetically sealed, air-cooled compressor system with imported high-efficiency refrigeration components, delivering rapid cooldown and stable low-temperature operation down to −10 °C
• Optimized evaporator design based on large-volume heat exchange principles—ensuring uniform thermal distribution and minimizing axial/radial gradients within the reservoir
• Digital PID temperature controller with touch-sensitive soft-key interface, real-time digital display of setpoint and actual bath temperature, and programmable timer functions (delayed start and timed shutdown)
• Integrated safety monitoring: dual-limit overtemperature protection and differential temperature alarm (ΔT alarm) to detect abnormal thermal drift or flow interruption
• Corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel inner tank (305 × 145 × 115 mm) with a shallow open-bath configuration (185 × 140 × 110 mm opening) optimized for compatibility with standard lab accessories and probe insertion
• Compact footprint (430 × 285 × 575 mm) and low power consumption (300 W nominal)—designed for benchtop deployment in space-constrained environments without auxiliary ventilation requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HX-5A accommodates a wide range of heat-transfer media, including deionized water, 30% aqueous ethylene glycol solutions (for sub-zero operation), and low-volatility silicone oils (up to 99 °C). Its reservoir geometry and flow dynamics are validated for use with common laboratory peripherals requiring external coolant supply—such as circulating chillers for FTIR spectrometer detectors, condenser jackets for distillation setups, and thermal regulation modules in material testing rigs. While not certified to UL/CSA or CE for medical device integration, the unit meets general-purpose industrial safety standards for electrical insulation and thermal enclosure integrity (IEC 61010-1 Class I). For regulated environments—including GLP-compliant QC labs and pharmaceutical R&D facilities—the HX-5A supports manual calibration traceability and provides stable, repeatable thermal output suitable for method validation per ASTM E2777 (Standard Practice for Calibration of Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers) and ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.6 (Equipment Verification).

Software & Data Management

The HX-5A operates via embedded firmware without proprietary PC software; all configuration and monitoring occur locally via its front-panel interface. However, analog voltage output (0–5 V or 0–10 V, selectable) is provided for integration into third-party data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, SCADA, or PLC-based environmental monitoring networks). Optional RS-485 Modbus RTU communication (available on upgraded variants) enables remote readout of real-time temperature, status flags (alarm active, pump running), and setpoint synchronization—supporting audit-ready logging when paired with compliant DAQ hardware. Though lacking native 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature capability, its deterministic control loop and non-volatile parameter storage support reproducible experimental conditions essential for SOP-driven workflows.

Applications

• Temperature-controlled sample conditioning prior to rheological, calorimetric, or spectroscopic analysis
• Circulating coolant source for rotary evaporation systems to maintain condenser efficiency during solvent recovery
• Thermal stabilization of electrophoresis tanks and capillary electrophoresis instrumentation
• Active cooling of high-power optical components (e.g., laser diodes, CCD detectors) and vacuum system forelines
• Calibration reference bath for thermometer verification and sensor drift assessment
• Controlled-temperature reaction baths for kinetic studies in synthetic organic and polymer chemistry

FAQ

What fluids are compatible with the HX-5A reservoir?
Deionized water, 20–30% ethylene glycol/water mixtures (for operation below 0 °C), and low-volatility silicone oils (viscosity ≤ 50 cSt at 25 °C) are recommended. Avoid halogenated solvents, strong acids/bases, or high-salinity solutions.
Can the HX-5A be used for external cooling only—without immersion experiments?
Yes. The unit is designed for dual-mode operation: direct bath use and closed-loop external circulation via 1/4″ compression fittings (standard G1/4″ thread). Flow direction and pressure drop must remain within pump specifications (max. 0.2 bar backpressure).
Is the ±0.1 °C stability specification achievable across the full temperature range?
Stability is verified at key reference points (−10 °C, 25 °C, 60 °C, and 99 °C) under no-load, static-fluid conditions per internal QA protocol. Actual performance in dynamic or high-heat-load configurations may vary slightly and should be confirmed during application-specific qualification.
Does the HX-5A include a drain valve for fluid replacement?
Yes—a bottom-mounted brass drain valve with PTFE seal allows complete reservoir emptying without disassembly.
What is the maximum allowable ambient operating temperature?
For optimal compressor longevity and thermal stability, ambient temperature should not exceed 30 °C with ≥15 cm clearance around all sides and unobstructed rear airflow.