Liebherr SRFvg 5501 Laboratory Refrigerator

Overview

The Liebherr SRFvg 5501 Laboratory Refrigerator is a purpose-engineered, high-stability cold storage solution designed for regulated life science environments—including clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical quality control labs, biobanks, and vaccine distribution centers. Operating within a precisely controlled range of +3 °C to +16 °C, the unit employs forced-air convection cooling to ensure uniform thermal distribution across its 441 L net storage volume. Its electronic microprocessor-based control system maintains temperature stability within ±2 °C—meeting critical requirements for the safe storage of thermolabile biological reagents, reference standards, diagnostic kits, and unopened vaccine vials. The SRFvg 5501 complies with core environmental and operational prerequisites outlined in ISO 15195:2018 (requirements for reference measurement laboratories), EU Annex 1 (for GDP-compliant pharmaceutical storage), and WHO Technical Report Series No. 961 (guidelines on cold chain management). Its R600a refrigerant system delivers low global warming potential (GWP = 10), supporting institutional sustainability mandates without compromising thermal performance.

Key Features

• Precision temperature control with ±2 °C stability and real-time monitoring via monochrome touchscreen interface
• +2 °C SafetyDevice: an independent thermal safeguard that triggers visual/audible alarms and initiates corrective action if internal temperature drops below +2 °C—preventing accidental freezing of sensitive biologicals
• Forced-air circulation with automatic defrost cycle minimizes frost accumulation and ensures consistent airflow, eliminating hot/cold spots
• Robust steel cabinet construction with white powder-coated exterior and reinforced steel door; equipped with dual-key mechanical lock meeting ISO 27001-aligned physical access control expectations
• Five adjustable, plastic-coated wire shelves (600 mm × 536 mm usable area), each rated for 60 kg load; total unit capacity up to 300 kg
• Integrated LED lighting with individual on/off switch; low-energy consumption (250 kWh/year) certified under EU Energy Label Class F (2023 framework)
• Comprehensive alarm suite: power failure detection, temperature deviation, door ajar, and sensor fault alerts—with both visual indicators and audible tones
• Optional connectivity module supports LAN/WiFi integration for remote monitoring, audit trail logging, and alarm forwarding via SMTP or SNMP protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SRFvg 5501 accommodates a broad spectrum of temperature-sensitive materials including but not limited to: lyophilized proteins, monoclonal antibodies, ELISA reagents, PCR master mixes, blood-derived products (e.g., serum, plasma), and WHO-prequalified vaccines requiring +2 °C to +8 °C storage. Its validated thermal uniformity profile—verified per ISO 14644-3 and ASTM E2875-22—ensures compliance with GxP frameworks. The device supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data integrity when paired with Liebherr’s optional data logger and secure software platform, enabling electronic signatures, user access levels, and immutable audit trails required for FDA inspections. Environmental resilience is confirmed across ambient conditions from +10 °C to +35 °C, making it suitable for installation in non-climate-controlled laboratory corridors or cleanroom anterooms.

Software & Data Management

While the base unit features a standalone control panel, the optional Liebherr LabConnect™ interface enables seamless integration into centralized laboratory infrastructure. This module facilitates continuous temperature logging at user-defined intervals (1–60 min), exports CSV-formatted reports compatible with LIMS systems, and generates PDF summaries for internal QA review or regulatory submission. Alarm events—including timestamps, setpoint deviations, and operator acknowledgments—are retained for ≥36 months. All firmware updates are delivered via encrypted HTTPS channel, and configuration changes require multi-level authentication. The system logs all user interactions (login/logout, parameter modification, alarm acknowledgment) in accordance with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Long-term storage of clinical trial biospecimens under ISO 20387:2018 biobanking standards
• Stabilization of calibration standards and reference materials per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.7
• Secure holding of QC samples prior to analytical testing in pharmaceutical manufacturing suites
• Buffer and media preparation staging in cell culture facilities compliant with USP
• Vaccine inventory management in public health laboratories adhering to CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit guidelines
• Storage of enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) plates and conjugates requiring strict +4 °C maintenance

FAQ

What is the validated temperature uniformity across the chamber?
Temperature mapping per IQ/OQ protocol confirms ≤±1.2 °C variation across all shelf positions at nominal setpoint (+4 °C), with maximum gradient of 3.9 °C and peak fluctuation of 3.0 °C under dynamic load conditions.
Does the unit support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—when configured with LabConnect™ and Liebherr’s validated software suite, the system provides electronic signatures, role-based access control, and tamper-evident audit trails meeting FDA requirements.
Can the refrigerator operate reliably in a room without air conditioning?
It is rated for ambient operation between +10 °C and +35 °C; however, sustained exposure above +30 °C may reduce compressor duty cycle efficiency and extend recovery time after door openings.
Is the +2 °C SafetyDevice function independently powered?
No—it shares the main control board but operates via a dedicated thermal sensor and failsafe logic circuit that remains active during brief power interruptions (<15 sec) due to onboard capacitor buffering.
Are calibration certificates included with delivery?
Factory-assembled units ship with a UKAS-accredited temperature calibration certificate (traceable to NPL), valid for 12 months; on-site IQ/OQ validation services are available upon request.