Tongzhou Weipu IceStar AS Compact Low-Temperature Circulating Chiller
| Brand | Tongzhou Weipu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | IceStar AS |
| Instrument Type | Integrated Unit |
| Cooling Method | Water-Cooled |
| Temperature Control Range | 5–35 °C |
| Cooling Capacity | 600 W |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.1 °C |
| Circulating Pump Pressure | 1 bar |
| Circulating Pump Flow Rate | 8–20 L/min |
| Reservoir Volume | 15 L |
| Operation Mode | Continuous |
Overview
The Tongzhou Weipu IceStar AS is an integrated, water-cooled circulating chiller engineered for precision temperature control in laboratory and analytical instrumentation environments. It operates on a closed-loop refrigeration cycle utilizing R-134a or equivalent environmentally compliant refrigerant, delivering stable thermal management across a regulated range of 5 °C to 35 °C. Designed specifically for continuous-duty applications, the IceStar AS maintains high reproducibility in heat exchange performance—critical when supporting sensitive vacuum and distillation systems where thermal drift directly impacts process integrity and measurement fidelity. Its compact footprint and self-contained architecture eliminate the need for external condenser units or auxiliary plumbing, making it suitable for benchtop integration in QC labs, R&D facilities, and university teaching laboratories.
Key Features
- Integrated design with built-in refrigeration circuit, reservoir, circulation pump, and PID-controlled temperature regulation system
- Precision temperature stability of ±0.1 °C over full operating range, achieved via dual-sensor feedback and adaptive heating/cooling modulation
- Adjustable flow rate (8–20 L/min) with pressure-rated output up to 1 bar, compatible with variable hydraulic resistance in downstream equipment
- 15-liter stainless-steel reservoir with level sensor, corrosion-resistant internal wetted parts, and integrated air venting to prevent cavitation
- Water-cooled condenser optimized for ambient temperatures ≤32 °C and supply water at 10–25 °C; includes flow interlock protection to prevent dry-run operation
- Front-panel digital interface with real-time display of setpoint, actual bath temperature, flow status, and fault codes
- Over-temperature, low-flow, and refrigerant pressure monitoring with automatic shutdown and audible/visual alarm
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The IceStar AS is routinely deployed as a thermal management solution for vacuum-based and heat-sensitive laboratory instruments—including turbomolecular pumps, rotary evaporators, short-path distillation systems, and cold traps. Its consistent cooling capacity (600 W at 20 °C setpoint) ensures reliable condensation efficiency during solvent recovery and prevents thermal overload in high-vacuum foreline applications. The unit complies with GB/T 19001–2016 (ISO 9001:2015) quality management standards and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per GB/T 18268.1–2010 (IEC 61326-1). While not certified for medical or pharmaceutical GMP production environments, its operational logs and parameter traceability support GLP-aligned documentation practices in research and development settings.
Software & Data Management
The IceStar AS operates as a standalone instrument without proprietary software dependency. All operational parameters are configured and monitored via the front-panel interface. Optional RS-485 serial communication (Modbus RTU protocol) enables integration into centralized lab infrastructure for remote status polling and basic alarm reporting—compatible with SCADA platforms and building management systems. No onboard data logging is provided; however, external data acquisition systems may record temperature, flow, and alarm events via analog 4–20 mA outputs (available upon request). The device does not implement FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures or audit trails, and is intended for use in non-regulated or lightly regulated workflows.
Applications
- Thermal stabilization of turbomolecular pump forelines to maintain optimal compression ratio and minimize backstreaming
- Cooling condenser jackets in rotary evaporation systems to maximize solvent recovery yield and reduce bumping risk
- Temperature regulation of short-path and fractional distillation apparatus for controlled boiling point separation
- Supporting cryogenic trapping in gas chromatography sample introduction modules
- Providing stable coolant supply to laser sources, spectrophotometer Peltier elements, and other optoelectronic components requiring thermal load mitigation
FAQ
What is the minimum ambient temperature required for stable operation?
The unit is rated for continuous operation in ambient environments between 10 °C and 32 °C. Below 10 °C, condenser efficiency declines significantly, potentially triggering low-pressure safety cutoffs.
Can the IceStar AS be used with ethylene glycol/water mixtures?
Yes—up to 30% v/v ethylene glycol is compatible; higher concentrations increase viscosity and reduce heat transfer efficiency, requiring flow rate adjustment and verification of pump head margin.
Is external water cooling mandatory?
Yes—the water-cooled condenser requires a continuous supply of clean, deionized or softened water at 10–25 °C and ≥2 L/min flow to ensure rated cooling capacity and long-term compressor reliability.
Does the unit include a filtration system for the circulating fluid?
A 50-µm inlet strainer is factory-installed to protect the pump; users must install additional inline filtration (e.g., 5–10 µm) if particulate contamination is expected in the recirculation loop.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Compressor oil and refrigerant charge require inspection every 24 months under continuous operation; reservoir cleaning and biocide treatment are advised every 6 months when using tap water.
