VWR DW-50W255 Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | DW-50W255 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The VWR DW-50W255 Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer is an engineered solution for long-term, stable cryogenic storage of biological specimens, reagents, vaccines, plasma, and other temperature-sensitive life science materials. Designed around a single-compressor auto-cascade refrigeration architecture, it delivers precise, energy-efficient cooling to –60 °C under ambient conditions of 10–25 °C—exceeding standard –50 °C operational requirements while maintaining thermal uniformity across the entire chamber volume. Its closed-cycle refrigeration system employs an environmentally compliant, non-ozone-depleting mixed refrigerant blend (R508B/R23), eliminating chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in accordance with Montreal Protocol guidelines and EPA SNAP program criteria. The unit is intended for installation in ISO Class 7–8 cleanrooms, GxP-compliant laboratories, and clinical storage environments where uninterrupted cold chain integrity is critical.
Key Features
- Microprocessor-based temperature control system with Italian-sourced high-stability PID controller, enabling setpoint adjustment from –30 °C to –60 °C in 0.1 °C increments
- Dual-stage compressor protection logic: automatic start-up delay (≥3 minutes) and mandatory off-cycle interval (≥5 minutes) to prevent mechanical stress and extend compressor service life
- Hermetically sealed refrigeration circuit with enhanced heat exchange surface area, delivering rapid pull-down time (<3.5 hours from 25 °C to –60 °C, empty load)
- Corrosion-resistant stepped stainless steel interior liner with reinforced corner welds and integrated specimen basket rails—compatible with standard 2-inch and 5-inch cryobox configurations
- Three-point mechanical door lock with tamper-evident latch mechanism, supporting access control integration via optional external audit trail modules
- Double-pane vacuum-insulated glass door with anti-condensation heater and magnetic gasket seal, minimizing thermal bridging and moisture ingress
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DW-50W255 supports storage of primary human tissues, PBMCs, stem cell lines, RNA/DNA extracts, monoclonal antibodies, and lyophilized standards without compromising structural integrity or functional activity over extended periods. Chamber dimensions (W × D × H: 600 × 650 × 1,350 mm) accommodate up to 24 standard 5L cryogenic canisters or 360 individual 2-inch cryovial racks. The unit complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions), IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), and UL 61010-1 safety standards. It meets the environmental performance benchmarks outlined in ASTM F745-22 (“Standard Specification for Laboratory Freezers for Biological Materials”) and supports validation protocols aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records/signatures) when paired with VWR’s certified data logging software suite.
Software & Data Management
Equipped with RS-485 serial interface and Modbus RTU protocol support, the freezer integrates seamlessly into centralized laboratory infrastructure monitoring platforms (e.g., Siemens Desigo CC, Schneider EcoStruxure). Optional Ethernet-enabled data logger provides continuous temperature recording at user-defined intervals (1–60 min), with local SD card backup and encrypted cloud synchronization. All logged data includes timestamp, sensor ID, alarm status, and operator authentication—enabling full traceability for GLP/GMP audits. Alarm history retains ≥10,000 events with configurable SMS/email notification thresholds for deviations exceeding ±2 °C from setpoint.
Applications
- Long-term archival storage of clinical biospecimens in biobanks and tissue repositories
- Cold-chain maintenance for mRNA vaccine intermediates and viral vector preparations
- Stabilization of thermolabile enzymes, cytokines, and diagnostic reference standards
- Backup storage for critical cell line master banks in cGMP manufacturing facilities
- Environmental simulation pre-chilling for materials testing per ISO 17025-accredited calibration workflows
FAQ
What is the recommended ambient operating environment for optimal performance?
The unit is validated for continuous operation at ambient temperatures between 10 °C and 25 °C with relative humidity ≤60% non-condensing. Installation in rooms exceeding 28 °C may reduce cooling capacity and increase compressor duty cycle.
Does the DW-50W255 support IQ/OQ/PQ qualification documentation?
Yes—VWR provides factory-issued IQ/OQ templates compliant with Annex 15 (EU GMP) and ASTM E2500-13. PQ execution requires on-site verification using NIST-traceable calibrated thermistors and validated mapping procedures.
Can the freezer be integrated into a Building Management System (BMS)?
Yes—via BACnet MS/TP or Modbus TCP gateway (sold separately), enabling real-time monitoring of cabinet temperature, compressor status, door-open duration, and alarm states within enterprise-wide facility dashboards.
Is remote firmware update capability available?
Firmware updates require local USB connection and authorized VWR service technician credentials; no over-the-air (OTA) update functionality is implemented for security and regulatory compliance reasons.

