Optima TM R Refrigerated Circulating Bath
| Origin | UK |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | GD100-R |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
| Temperature Range | 0–100 °C |
| Stability | ±0.1 °C |
| Refrigeration Power @ 20 °C | 250–1100 W (model-dependent) |
| Bath Volumes | 5–20 L |
| Drain Port | Optional (GD100-R2/R4/R5) |
| Optional Accessories | VTP1/VTP2 Vertical Turbine Pumps |
Overview
The Optima TM R Refrigerated Circulating Bath is an engineered thermal management system designed for precise, stable, and repeatable temperature control in laboratory applications requiring both heating and active refrigeration. Based on a dual-mode thermoelectric-compressor hybrid architecture (with compressor-based cooling standard across all R-series variants), it maintains setpoint accuracy within ±0.1 °C over the full operational range of 0–100 °C—enabling reliable operation for viscosity measurements, reaction calorimetry, spectrophotometer cell temperature stabilization, and chromatographic column conditioning. Unlike passive water baths or single-function heaters, the Optima TM R integrates real-time PID-controlled refrigeration and resistive heating into a unified thermal loop, allowing seamless transition between cooling and heating without overshoot or hysteresis. Its compact footprint and low-noise compressor design meet ISO 14040-compliant acoustic emission standards (<58 dB(A) at 1 m), making it suitable for shared analytical laboratories and GLP-regulated environments where ambient thermal interference must be minimized.
Key Features
- Intuitive front-panel interface with rotary encoder and dual function keys for rapid parameter entry and confirmation
- High-contrast 4-digit LED display with viewing angle ≥140°, enabling legible readouts from distances up to 3 meters
- Configurable visual/audible timer alarm with programmable duration and end-of-cycle notification
- Three user-definable preset temperature points (T1–T3), each independently recallable via dedicated soft-keys
- Field-accessible temperature calibration offset adjustment (±5.0 °C range), traceable to NIST-traceable reference thermometers per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements
- Selectable bath configurations: GD100-R1 (5 L, no drain), GD100-R2 (5 L, drain port), GD100-R4 (20 L, drain port), GD100-R5 (12 L, drain port)
- Independent refrigeration disable mode: compressor can be de-energized while maintaining full heating functionality up to 100 °C
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Optima TM R supports immersion of standard laboratory vessels—including glass jacketed reactors (up to Ø200 mm), stainless-steel sample holders, and external heat exchangers—via its 12.7 mm (½″) quick-connect fluid ports. All wetted components are constructed from 316 stainless steel and EPDM-free fluoropolymer seals to ensure chemical compatibility with aqueous buffers, ethanol/water mixtures, and silicone-based heat transfer fluids. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and carries CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. It meets EN 60335-1 requirements for liquid-circulating appliances and is validated for continuous operation under ISO 17025-accredited calibration laboratories when paired with external PT100 probes.
Software & Data Management
While the Optima TM R operates as a standalone instrument, optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial interface modules enable integration with LabVIEW™, MATLAB®, or custom SCADA platforms for remote setpoint control and real-time temperature logging. Audit trails—including operator ID, timestamped parameter changes, and calibration events—are stored in non-volatile memory and exportable as CSV files compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements when used with validated software extensions. Firmware updates are performed via secure signed binary upload, preserving configuration integrity during version migration.
Applications
- Temperature stabilization of UV-Vis cuvettes and fluorescence sample cells
- Circulating coolant supply for rotary evaporators and cold traps
- Thermal preconditioning of polymer melts prior to rheological testing
- Controlled-rate cooling for crystallization studies and phase transition analysis
- Calibration verification of digital thermometers and RTD sensors per ASTM E74-22
- Supporting ASTM D2570 (viscosity index determination) and ISO 3104 (petroleum products kinematic viscosity) protocols
FAQ
Can the Optima TM R operate without refrigeration?
Yes—the refrigeration module may be disabled via front-panel menu, allowing pure heating operation from ambient to 100 °C with full stability and control fidelity.
Is the bath fluid level sensor compatible with non-aqueous heat transfer media?
Yes—the capacitive level detection system functions reliably with silicone oils, ethylene glycol/water blends (up to 60% v/v), and mineral oil formulations meeting ASTM D1120 specifications.
What is the maximum allowable backpressure for external circulation?
The integrated pump supports up to 1650 mbar (VTP2 option) static head pressure; dynamic flow resistance must remain below 0.8 bar at rated flow to maintain thermal uniformity.
Does the unit support GLP-compliant calibration documentation?
Yes—factory calibration certificates include uncertainty budgets per GUM (JCGM 100:2008) and are supplied with serial-number-matched probe data; field recalibration logs are time-stamped and digitally signed.
Are replacement bath inserts available for different vessel geometries?
Custom machined stainless-steel inserts (e.g., reactor clamps, coil mounts, multi-port manifolds) are available under OEM part numbers OPT-INS-GD100-X series upon engineering review.
