Grant Optima™ LTC4 Circulating Chiller System

Overview

The Grant Optima™ LTC4 Circulating Chiller System is a high-precision, dual-function temperature control platform engineered for demanding laboratory applications requiring stable, programmable cooling and heating across an extended range. Built upon the modular architecture of the TX150 digital temperature controller and the R4 refrigeration unit, the LTC4 integrates DIN 12876-compliant thermal stability (±0.1 °C in water or 50/50 water–glycol at 10 °C) with robust refrigeration performance—delivering up to 500 W of cooling power at 0 °C and operating continuously from –30 °C to +100 °C. Its core principle relies on closed-loop thermoelectric and compressor-based refrigeration, coupled with PID-controlled resistive heating and a high-flow internal circulation pump (up to 18 L/min, 310 mbar max pressure), enabling precise thermal management of external equipment such as spectrometers, rotary evaporators, calorimeters, and reaction jackets. The system complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (Class B electromagnetic compatibility) and incorporates multiple hardware-level safety interlocks—including adjustable overtemperature cut-off, low-level float switch protection, high-pressure refrigerant monitoring (27 bar trip threshold), and freeze-protection logic—to ensure safe operation under variable load and fluid composition conditions.

Key Features

• Modular TX150 digital controller with QVGA color TFT display, supporting real-time visualization of setpoint, actual bath temperature, and system status via intuitive icon-driven menu navigation
• Programmable 30-step temperature ramping protocol with user-defined dwell times, accessible via front-panel interface or Labwise™ PC software
• Three user-configurable preset temperatures for rapid operational switching without reprogramming
• Integrated circulation pump with continuously adjustable flow rate (0–18 L/min) and pressure regulation, compatible with standard 6/11 mm ID/OD tubing
• Dual-sensor capability: simultaneous use of internal bath probe and external process probe (TXPEP/TXSEP), both field-reconfigurable via two-point calibration
• USB and RS232 communication interfaces supporting remote parameter configuration, real-time data streaming, and timestamped logging compliant with GLP audit requirements
• Configurable audible alarm and relay-triggered alert outputs for high/low temperature deviation, timer expiration, or fault conditions
• Drain valve-equipped 20 L stainless steel bath with ergonomic clamp-mount design for rapid replacement and maintenance
• Temperature compensation function to offset sensor drift or ambient thermal gradients during long-duration experiments
• Multi-language UI support (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian) for international laboratory deployment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LTC4 accommodates a wide range of heat-transfer fluids—including deionized water, 50/50 water–ethylene glycol mixtures, and other low-viscosity, non-corrosive coolants—enabling application-specific optimization of thermal capacity and low-temperature reach. Its R4 refrigeration module uses R134a refrigerant and features integrated anti-freeze logic that dynamically adjusts compressor duty cycle to prevent bath solidification below –30 °C. All components meet CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. Thermal performance data are validated per DIN 12876-1:2015 for stability and uniformity, while electrical safety conforms to EN 61010-1:2010. For regulated environments, Labwise™ software supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure user access levels when configured with appropriate IT infrastructure.

Software & Data Management

Labwise™ is a Windows-based configuration and data acquisition suite designed specifically for Grant Optima™ instruments. It enables full remote control of the TX150 controller—including parameter editing, program upload/download, real-time graphing of up to four channels (bath temp, external probe, setpoint, relay state), and automated CSV export with ISO 8601 timestamps. Data logs include operator ID, instrument serial number, and environmental metadata required for quality assurance documentation. The software supports scheduled backups, password-protected configuration locking, and configurable alarm escalation protocols. USB-connected units retain onboard memory for up to 72 hours of 1-second-interval logging independent of PC connectivity—ensuring continuity during network outages or unplanned shutdowns.

Applications

• Controlled-temperature sample preparation for HPLC column ovens, GC injectors, and viscometer baths
• Stabilization of laser sources, photomultiplier tubes, and CCD detectors in analytical instrumentation
• Cooling of exothermic chemical reactions in jacketed reactors and flow chemistry systems
• Calibration of temperature-sensitive sensors and transducers under traceable thermal profiles
• Material testing under defined thermal cycling conditions per ASTM E1530 or ISO 11357 standards
• Long-term stability studies of pharmaceutical formulations and biological reagents

FAQ

What is the minimum achievable temperature with the LTC4 using standard coolant?
The system achieves –30 °C with water–glycol mixture; –47 °C requires optional R5 refrigeration module and specialized low-temperature coolant.
Can the LTC4 operate unattended for extended periods?
Yes—its programmable timer (1 min to 99 h 59 min), relay alarms, and low-level protection enable overnight or multi-day operation with fail-safe shutdown logic.
Is Labwise™ software validated for GxP environments?
Labwise™ provides configurable audit trail, electronic signature, and data integrity features; final validation must be performed by the end-user per their internal SOPs and regulatory jurisdiction.
How is temperature uniformity verified across the bath volume?
DIN 12876-1 specifies measurement at five defined points (center + four quadrants); Grant certifies ±0.1 °C uniformity at 10 °C in water and 50/50 glycol solution.
Does the system support external temperature feedback control?
Yes—the TX150 accepts input from external probes (TXPEP/TXSEP) and can execute cascade control loops where the bath acts as a secondary thermal actuator for a primary process loop.