Herxie CT-6 4L Cryogenic Cold Trap for Vacuum Centrifugal Concentrators

Overview

The Herxie CT-6 is a purpose-engineered cryogenic cold trap designed specifically for integration with vacuum centrifugal concentrators in analytical, pharmaceutical, and life science laboratories. Operating on the principle of cryo-condensation, the CT-6 provides a thermally stabilized low-temperature surface (down to –40 °C) that selectively condenses volatile solvents—such as ethanol, acetone, chloroform, and ethyl acetate—while allowing non-condensable gases (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor below dew point) to pass through the system. By removing solvent vapors upstream of the vacuum pump, the CT-6 prevents oil contamination, extends pump service intervals, improves ultimate vacuum performance by up to two orders of magnitude (from ~10^–2 mbar to ~10^–4 mbar), and enhances the efficiency and reproducibility of sample concentration workflows. Its compressor-based refrigeration architecture eliminates reliance on cryogens (e.g., dry ice or liquid nitrogen), ensuring operational continuity, safety, and compliance with laboratory environmental health and safety (EHS) protocols.

Key Features

• TFT-LCD true-color touchscreen display with dual-input interface (touch + physical keys), enabling simultaneous real-time monitoring of setpoint temperature, actual chamber temperature, timer status, and system alarms.
• 4 L cryogenic condensation chamber constructed from chemically resistant sodium-calcium glass; compatible with common organic solvents and mild aqueous solutions under vacuum.
• Integrated 200 mL collection flask (borosilicate glass optional upon request) positioned downstream for condensed liquid recovery; accessible via quick-release PTFE-sealed cap.
• Eco-compliant refrigeration system utilizing R404a refrigerant and a sealed, oil-lubricated compressor—certified per ISO 5149 and compliant with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU No. 517/2014).
• Precise temperature control (±1 °C) across –40 °C to ambient, with programmable pre-cooling and standby cooling modes to maintain thermal stability during idle periods.
• Fully enclosed recirculating coolant loop minimizes ambient heat exchange and eliminates external refrigerant leakage risk—critical for ISO 17025-accredited labs requiring documented environmental controls.
• Modular, split-body design enables flexible installation: base unit houses compressor and control electronics; upper condenser module mounts directly onto vacuum line manifolds or concentrator exhaust ports.
• Stainless steel (AISI 304) vacuum interface with standardized φ10 mm O-ring sealed quick-connect fitting—compatible with common vacuum tubing (e.g., Viton®, silicone, or PTFE-lined hoses) per ASTM D1418 specifications.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CT-6 is validated for use with rotary evaporators, vacuum centrifuges (e.g., Thermo Fisher Savant SPD series, Eppendorf Vacufuge), and parallel evaporation systems operating under rough vacuum (1–100 mbar). It supports solvent classes including alcohols, ketones, esters, halogenated hydrocarbons, and low-boiling-point ethers—provided vapor pressure at operating temperature remains above 0.1 mbar. The device meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment and conforms to CE marking directives. Its closed-loop operation supports GLP and GMP environments where traceability of vacuum integrity and solvent removal efficiency is required per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 data integrity guidelines.

Software & Data Management

While the CT-6 operates as a standalone hardware unit, its digital controller logs timestamped temperature profiles, run duration, and fault events (e.g., compressor overheat, sensor drift) to internal non-volatile memory. Optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface enables integration into centralized lab automation platforms (e.g., LabVantage, STARLIMS) for audit-trail generation, remote parameter adjustment, and preventive maintenance scheduling. All logged data adheres to ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) for regulatory submission readiness.

Applications

• High-throughput nucleic acid and protein sample concentration prior to LC-MS/MS or NMR analysis.
• Removal of residual solvents from synthetic intermediates in API purification workflows.
• Stabilization of thermolabile compounds (e.g., prostaglandins, oligonucleotides) during lyophilization support steps.
• Pre-concentration of environmental water extracts (EPA Method 525.3) without analyte loss or degradation.
• Protection of turbomolecular pumps in high-vacuum deposition systems used in materials science R&D.

FAQ

Can the CT-6 be used with corrosive solvents such as concentrated HCl or HF?
No. The sodium-calcium glass chamber is not resistant to strong mineral acids or hydrofluoric acid. For such applications, an optional quartz or PFA-lined condenser module must be specified at time of order.
Does the CT-6 require regular refrigerant recharging?
No. The hermetically sealed compressor system is designed for maintenance-free operation over 15,000 hours under normal lab conditions (per ISO 13374 condition monitoring standards).
Is validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) available?
Yes. Factory-issued IQ/OQ protocols—including temperature mapping, vacuum integrity verification, and alarm response testing—are provided with each unit. PQ templates aligned with USP Analytical Instrument Qualification are available upon request.
What is the maximum allowable inlet gas flow rate?
For optimal condensation efficiency (>95% capture), volumetric flow should not exceed 12 L/min at 25 °C and 100 mbar inlet pressure. Higher flows require staged trapping or auxiliary foreline filtration.
Can the CT-6 operate continuously for 72+ hours?
Yes. The unit is rated for continuous duty cycle (IEC 60034-1 S1 rating) and includes thermal cutouts, compressor current monitoring, and automatic defrost sequencing to ensure long-term reliability.