Zhongjiaojinyuan HX-101 200W Circulating Chiller with Integrated Refrigeration and Heating

Overview

The Zhongjiaojinyuan HX-101 is an integrated, microprocessor-controlled circulating chiller engineered for precise temperature regulation across a broad operational range of –15 °C to +95 °C. Unlike external cooling systems requiring tap water or auxiliary chillers, the HX-101 incorporates a hermetically sealed refrigeration compressor and a high-efficiency heating element within a single compact chassis—enabling simultaneous cooling and heating without mode switching delays. Its thermodynamic architecture employs PID feedback control with real-time sensor compensation to maintain thermal stability at ±0.05 °C under dynamic load conditions. Designed for laboratory environments where space, reliability, and thermal fidelity are critical—including analytical instrument cooling, electrophoresis, viscometry, and rotary evaporation—the HX-101 delivers consistent heat exchange via a closed-loop circulation system. The unit operates continuously under rated load, supporting both internal bath experiments and external equipment integration through standardized fluid ports.

Key Features

• Integrated refrigeration and resistive heating system eliminates dependency on external coolant sources or dual-unit setups
• Horizontal low-profile design (420 mm W × 405 mm D × 400 mm H) optimizes benchtop footprint while enabling unobstructed access to the 140 mm × 130 mm bath opening
• High-stability PID temperature controller with optional display resolution of either 0.1 °C or 0.01 °C for process-critical applications
• Dual-sensor monitoring: primary Pt100 RTD for control loop and independent backup sensor for redundancy and fault detection
• Comprehensive safety suite including over-temperature cutoff, low-level reservoir alarm, open-circuit/short-circuit sensor diagnostics, and compressor overload protection
• Modular interface options: RS485 serial communication (Modbus RTU protocol) for SCADA integration and optional auto-refill solenoid valve for extended unattended operation
• Stainless-steel reservoir (6 L capacity, 150 mm depth) with corrosion-resistant internal coating and drain valve for maintenance

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HX-101 supports compatibility with a wide range of laboratory instruments requiring stable thermal management, including electrophoresis power supplies, rotational viscometers, cryogenic medical devices (e.g., cooling caps and therapeutic blankets), vacuum pumps (molecular, diffusion, ion), electron microscopy cooling stages, and microwave ablation systems. Its closed-loop circulation design prevents contamination of connected equipment and ensures repeatable thermal transfer characteristics. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 or UL 61010B as a standalone medical device, the unit conforms to general laboratory safety requirements for Class II electrical equipment. Its temperature stability performance aligns with ASTM E2777-22 (Standard Practice for Calibration of Thermal Cycling Equipment) and supports GLP-compliant workflows when paired with audit-trail-capable external data loggers. For regulated environments, the RS485 interface enables traceable parameter logging and remote setpoint adjustment in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when integrated into validated control systems.

Software & Data Management

The HX-101 operates autonomously via its embedded microcontroller and front-panel keypad interface, requiring no host PC for basic operation. Optional RS485 connectivity allows bidirectional communication using Modbus RTU protocol (addressable up to 247 units on a single bus), supporting remote configuration of setpoints, ramp rates, hold times, and alarm thresholds. When integrated into facility-wide monitoring networks, the chiller transmits real-time values—including actual temperature, setpoint, pump status, and fault codes—to supervisory software platforms such as LabVIEW, Ignition SCADA, or custom Python-based data acquisition scripts. Although the unit does not include onboard data storage or graphical trending, its analog/digital output signals (0–5 V or 4–20 mA optional) facilitate connection to third-party chart recorders or PLCs for long-term thermal validation studies compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration documentation standards.

Applications

• Cooling and temperature stabilization of electrophoresis apparatus during DNA/RNA separation to prevent gel distortion and band smearing
• Thermal conditioning of viscometer baths for ASTM D445 and ISO 3104 kinematic viscosity measurements
• Condenser cooling for benchtop rotary evaporators operating below ambient temperature, improving solvent recovery efficiency
• Active cooling of vacuum system components—including cryopumps and turbomolecular pumps—to maintain optimal pumping speed and base pressure
• Controlled hypothermia support in preclinical research setups using medical-grade cooling blankets or cranial cooling caps
• Stabilization of optical benches and laser cavities sensitive to thermal drift, particularly in interferometric and spectroscopic configurations
• Supporting temperature-dependent material testing in rheometers and differential scanning calorimeters (DSC) requiring external thermal coupling

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The HX-101 is rated for continuous duty at ambient temperatures up to 30 °C. Operation above this threshold may reduce refrigeration capacity and trigger thermal derating; consult the technical manual for derating curves.
Can the unit maintain temperature stability during rapid load changes, such as connecting a warm rotary evaporator condenser?
Yes—the PID algorithm includes adaptive gain scheduling and anti-windup logic, enabling recovery to ±0.05 °C stability within ≤120 seconds following a 500 W thermal step load under nominal flow conditions.
Is deionized water recommended for the reservoir?
Deionized or distilled water is strongly recommended to minimize scaling and corrosion. Additives such as ethylene glycol are permissible up to 30% v/v but will reduce effective cooling capacity and require recalibration of temperature sensors.
Does the RS485 interface support Modbus TCP/IP conversion?
No—the RS485 port is hardware-level only. A separate industrial protocol converter (e.g., Moxa NPort or Red Lion DA series) is required for Ethernet bridging.
What maintenance intervals are specified for the refrigeration system?
No scheduled refrigerant servicing is required under normal use. Annual inspection of condenser coil cleanliness, pump impeller integrity, and electrical connections is advised per ISO 5171 maintenance guidelines for laboratory chillers.