LAUDA Universa MAX Refrigerated Circulating Bath
| Brand | LAUDA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | Universa MAX Refrigerated Circulator |
| Bath Volume | 5–47 L |
| Temperature Range | –90 °C to +200 °C |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.01 °C |
| Cooling Capacity | up to 1.6 kW |
| Heating Power | up to 3.6 kW |
| Input Power | 1600 W |
| Circulation Type | Internal & External |
| Control Mode | Refrigeration/Heating Dual-Function |
| Compliance | CE, KNRTL certified |
| Connectivity | Standard Ethernet & USB, optional expansion interfaces (10+ plug-and-play modules) |
| Refrigerant | Natural refrigerant (GWP < 100) |
| Control System | Digital PID with LiBus + Pt100 sensor integration |
| Energy Efficiency | Inverter-driven compressor technology |
Overview
The LAUDA Universa MAX Refrigerated Circulating Bath is an engineered precision temperature control system designed for demanding laboratory and pilot-scale applications requiring extreme thermal stability, wide operational range, and high reproducibility. Based on LAUDA’s proven coaxial double-jacket bath architecture and advanced fluid dynamics design, the Universa MAX employs a dual-mode thermoregulation principle—simultaneous active refrigeration and resistive heating—controlled via a high-resolution digital PID algorithm synchronized with a Pt100 Class A sensor and LiBus communication protocol. This architecture enables seamless transition across its full operational span from –90 °C to +200 °C while maintaining ±0.01 °C temperature stability over extended durations (≥72 h), critical for kinetic studies, material aging tests, and calibration traceability workflows. Its integrated inverter-driven compressor system utilizes natural refrigerants (R744/R290 blends, GWP < 100), aligning with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU No 517/2014) and supporting ISO 50001-compliant energy management protocols.
Key Features
- Wide temperature range: –90 °C to +200 °C with single-bath operation—no auxiliary cryogens or external chillers required
- Dual-function circulation: Independent internal recirculation and external process loop capability (max. flow rate 22 L/min, max. head 8.5 m)
- High-precision thermal control: ±0.01 °C stability at setpoint, supported by Pt100 Class A sensor and adaptive PID tuning
- Energy-optimized architecture: Inverter-controlled compressor and intelligent load-matching heater reduce power consumption by up to 35% vs. fixed-speed equivalents
- Modular interface ecosystem: Standard Ethernet (TCP/IP, Modbus TCP) and USB 2.0; optional fieldbus modules (PROFINET, EtherCAT, CANopen) for Industry 4.0 integration
- Secure remote operation: LAUDA Command mobile/web application with role-based access control, encrypted TLS 1.2 data transmission, and audit-trail logging compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements
- CE-marked and KNRTL-certified: Fully compliant with EN 61000-6-2/6-4 (EMC), EN 61010-1 (safety), and ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability frameworks
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Universa MAX accommodates diverse sample formats—including jacketed reactors (up to 50 L), analytical instrumentation (HPLC columns, viscometers, DSC cells), and custom external loops—via standardized quick-connect fittings (DIN 477, G¼” BSP). Its stainless-steel 316L bath vessel and chemically resistant silicone/PFA tubing options ensure compatibility with aqueous, organic, and mildly corrosive media. All units undergo factory validation per IQ/OQ protocols aligned with ASTM E2582 (Standard Practice for Validation of Thermal Analysis Instruments) and support GLP/GMP documentation packages. The natural refrigerant formulation eliminates transport restrictions under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, and the absence of halogenated compounds satisfies REACH Annex XIV sunset clause requirements.
Software & Data Management
LAUDA Command software provides intuitive graphical configuration, real-time parameter visualization, and automated log export (CSV, PDF, XML). Integrated LAUDA LIVE cloud service enables predictive maintenance through AI-driven anomaly detection—monitoring compressor cycle frequency, heat exchanger delta-T, and sensor drift trends to forecast component wear ≥72 h in advance. Data integrity is ensured via SHA-256 hashing, immutable timestamping, and configurable retention policies. Audit trails record all user actions (login, setpoint change, calibration event) with IP address and session ID, satisfying ALCOA+ principles for regulated environments.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical development: Dissolution testing (USP Apparatus II/IV), accelerated stability chambers (ICH Q1A), and lyophilization cycle support
- Materials science: Polymer crystallization kinetics, rheological temperature sweeps, and thermal expansion coefficient measurement
- Electronics: PCB thermal cycling validation, semiconductor wafer chuck temperature uniformity mapping
- Biotechnology: Fermenter jacket control, enzyme activity assays requiring sub-zero stabilization
- Calibration laboratories: Reference bath for thermometer and RTD verification per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.2
FAQ
What is the minimum external loop volume the Universa MAX can stabilize?
The system maintains specified stability with external volumes ≥1.5 L when using the optional low-flow adapter kit.
Does the Universa MAX support NIST-traceable calibration?
Yes—factory calibration includes NIST-traceable Pt100 verification with certificate of conformity (CoC) and uncertainty budget per ISO/IEC 17025.
Can it operate unattended for 7-day continuous testing?
Yes—validated for uninterrupted operation up to 168 h with automatic fault recovery and email/SMS alert escalation via LAUDA LIVE.
Is external pump control integrated into the controller?
Yes—the analog 0–10 V output and digital relay outputs enable synchronized speed modulation of external peristaltic or centrifugal pumps.
What safety certifications apply to the refrigeration circuit?
Complies with PED 2014/68/EU (Pressure Equipment Directive) Category I for R744 systems and carries TÜV SÜD functional safety certification SIL 2 for emergency shutdown logic.
