Grant Optima™ LTC2 Refrigerated Circulating Chiller System

Overview

The Grant Optima™ LTC2 Refrigerated Circulating Chiller System is an integrated, precision-engineered temperature control solution designed for laboratory applications requiring stable, bidirectional (heating and cooling) thermal management of external equipment or immersed samples. Built upon Grant’s proven TC120 digital temperature controller and R2 refrigeration unit architecture, the LTC2 operates on a closed-loop circulation principle—using a high-efficiency internal pump to deliver conditioned fluid (e.g., water, 50% aqueous glycol) through insulated tubing to external devices such as spectrophotometers, rotary evaporators, calorimeters, or reactor jackets. Its core thermodynamic design incorporates adaptive intelligent PID control with Intelligent Control Optimization™ (ICO™), enabling dynamic response to load changes while maintaining ±0.1 °C stability (per DIN 12876-1 at 10 °C in water or 50/50 glycol–water). The system supports a wide operational range from –30 °C to +100 °C, with refrigeration capacity rated at 140 W at 0 °C ambient—sufficient for moderate heat loads in analytical, pharmaceutical, and materials science workflows.

Key Features

• Integrated TC120 digital controller with 4-digit LED display—designed for legibility at distance and intuitive operation via single rotary knob and two push buttons
• Adaptive ICO™ PID algorithm enabling automatic adjustment of heating power and temperature ramp rates based on fluid type and thermal load
• Internal circulation pump delivering up to 16 L/min flow rate (adjustable) with maximum pressure of 210 mbar (water)
• Three user-definable preset temperatures plus programmable timer (1 min to 9999 min) for automated start/stop sequences
• Comprehensive safety architecture: adjustable overtemperature cutoff (up to 100 °C limit), low-level float switch protection, high-pressure refrigerant cutout (27 bar), and anti-freeze function to prevent bath solidification below –30 °C
• Self-calibration capability with two-point offset correction for long-term measurement traceability
• Acoustic alarm with configurable alert thresholds for deviation, timer completion, or fault conditions
• Drain valve integrated into the 5 L bath reservoir for safe fluid exchange and maintenance

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LTC2 is compatible with standard laboratory heat-transfer fluids—including deionized water, ethanol–water mixtures, and 50% ethylene glycol–water solutions—enabling operation across cryogenic to near-boiling conditions without degradation of thermal stability. Its construction meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU (Class B emission profile). While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or GLP/GMP out-of-the-box, the system supports audit-ready operation when deployed with documented calibration procedures and user-defined SOPs. Its ±0.1 °C uniformity and stability (DIN 12876-1 compliant) make it suitable for applications referenced in ASTM E2251 (standard practice for calibration of liquid-in-glass thermometers) and USP (thermal analysis instrumentation qualification). All refrigeration units are sealed and use R134a refrigerant, compliant with current EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014.

Software & Data Management

The LTC2 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded software or network connectivity. Temperature setpoints, timers, alarms, and calibration offsets are configured directly via the front-panel interface. For integration into regulated environments, users may log operational parameters manually or via external data acquisition systems connected to the optional relay-controlled alarm output (dry contact). While the device does not natively support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance (no electronic records or signature functionality), its deterministic control logic, hardware-based safety interlocks, and auditable physical controls align with foundational GxP principles when paired with procedural controls for calibration, maintenance, and usage logs.

Applications

• Temperature stabilization of HPLC column ovens and detector cells
• Cooling of laser sources, CCD detectors, and X-ray generators requiring vibration-free thermal management
• Controlled-rate crystallization studies in pharmaceutical development
• Thermal conditioning of viscometers, rheometers, and DSC sample stages
• Process validation support for freeze-drying cycle development (pre-cooling phase)
• Environmental simulation of material test specimens under controlled thermal stress

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature achievable with the LTC2 using standard coolant?
The LTC2 achieves –30 °C with 50% ethylene glycol–water mixture at ambient 20 °C; performance below –20 °C requires glycol-based fluid and adequate insulation of external lines.
Can the TC120 controller operate independently of the R2 chiller unit?
Yes—the TC120 can be used as a standalone heater/circulator with compatible non-refrigerated baths or external heaters, provided power and pump connections are properly configured.
Is the 4-year warranty transferable if the unit is resold?
No—the Grant 4-year limited warranty applies only to the original end-user purchaser and requires registration within 30 days of installation.
Does the LTC2 support remote monitoring or analog output signals?
No—this model lacks RS232, USB, or 0–10 V analog interfaces; remote operation is limited to the dry-contact alarm relay.
What maintenance is required to sustain long-term accuracy?
Annual verification of temperature sensor calibration using NIST-traceable reference standards is recommended; periodic inspection of bath fluid pH, conductivity, and particulate content ensures optimal pump life and thermal transfer efficiency.