Cold Trap CT-6 by Hexi

Overview

The Hexi CT-6 Cold Trap is an engineered auxiliary vacuum system designed specifically for integration with centrifugal vacuum concentrators in analytical, pharmaceutical, and molecular biology laboratories. It operates on the principle of cryogenic condensation—capturing volatile solvents and vapors by rapidly cooling the gas stream below their dew point using a precisely controlled low-temperature surface. By removing solvent vapors from the vacuum line before they reach the pump, the CT-6 significantly reduces backstreaming contamination, extends pump oil life, improves ultimate vacuum stability, and accelerates sample concentration kinetics. Its operational range of −40 °C to ambient temperature enables efficient capture of common organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate) as well as aqueous vapors, making it suitable for DNA/RNA precipitation, protein purification, metabolite extraction, and high-throughput sample preparation workflows.

Key Features

• High-efficiency dual-stage condensation architecture: primary 4 L sodium-calcium glass collection chamber coupled with a secondary 200 mL auxiliary trap vessel for redundancy and extended run times
• Precise temperature regulation via imported CFC-free refrigeration system utilizing R404a refrigerant and a 300 W compressor—compliant with international environmental standards including Montreal Protocol phase-out requirements
• TFT-LCD full-color graphical interface with dual-input control (capacitive touchscreen + tactile physical keys) for simultaneous real-time display of setpoint, actual temperature, timer status, and system diagnostics
• Closed-loop refrigerant circulation design minimizes thermal leakage and ensures consistent cold surface performance across variable ambient conditions
• Modular, freestanding chassis with standardized φ10 mm vacuum port and corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel quick-connect fittings—enabling seamless integration with major brands of vacuum concentrators and rotary evaporators
• Programmable timer (1 minute to 99 hours 59 minutes) and pre-cooling function for rapid thermal stabilization prior to system startup; standby cooling mode maintains setpoint during idle periods without cycling the compressor

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CT-6 accommodates a broad spectrum of volatile and semi-volatile compounds encountered in routine laboratory workflows, including but not limited to alcohols, ketones, esters, chlorinated solvents, and water-based matrices. Its chemically inert soda-lime glass collection chamber resists etching and stress cracking from repeated exposure to acidic or basic vapors. The unit meets structural and electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use). While not certified as a standalone medical device, its design supports GLP-compliant environments when deployed within validated vacuum concentration processes per ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned data integrity protocols—particularly when paired with compatible concentrators featuring audit-trail-capable software.

Software & Data Management

The CT-6 operates as a hardware-controlled peripheral without embedded network connectivity or proprietary software stack. All operational parameters—including temperature setpoint, timer duration, and status flags—are locally managed via the onboard controller. The display logs runtime history (start/stop timestamps, temperature deviation alerts, compressor duty cycles) with non-volatile memory retention for up to 30 days. For traceability in regulated environments, users may integrate the CT-6 into centralized lab monitoring systems via optional analog voltage output (0–10 V) or digital RS-485 Modbus RTU interface (available as factory-configurable option). No firmware updates or cloud synchronization are required; calibration verification is performed annually using NIST-traceable thermocouple probes.

Applications

• Routine nucleic acid and protein sample concentration prior to LC-MS, MALDI-TOF, or sequencing analysis
• Removal of residual solvents from synthetic intermediates during small-molecule purification
• Stabilization of thermolabile compounds during lyophilization pre-concentration steps
• Protection of oil-sealed and dry scroll vacuum pumps in shared core facilities handling multi-solvent workflows
• Environmental sample preparation where solvent recovery and emission control are mandated under local EPA or EU REACH guidelines

FAQ

Can the CT-6 be used with non-Hexi vacuum concentrators?
Yes—the φ10 mm vacuum port and standard flange geometry ensure mechanical compatibility with most benchtop centrifugal concentrators, including models from Thermo Fisher (Savant), Eppendorf (Concentrator plus), and Genevac (miVac). Vacuum line pressure drop remains within acceptable limits (<5 Pa additional resistance) when properly plumbed.
Is R404a refrigerant compliant with current EU F-Gas Regulation?
R404a is subject to phasedown under EU Regulation (EU) No 517/2014. While permitted for service of existing equipment, new units shipped to the EU after 2025 must use lower-GWP alternatives. Hexi offers R290 (propane) retrofit kits upon request for customers requiring future regulatory alignment.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Compressor oil inspection every 12 months; condenser coil cleaning every 6 months in high-humidity environments; annual verification of temperature sensor accuracy against a calibrated reference probe.
Does the CT-6 include automatic defrost functionality?
No—defrosting is manual and initiated only when ice accumulation compromises condensation efficiency. A visual frost-level indicator is integrated into the glass chamber wall.
Can the collection chamber be sterilized in an autoclave?
No—soda-lime glass is not autoclavable. Sterilization is achieved via 70% ethanol wipe-down or vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide (VPHP) treatment compatible with Class II biosafety cabinet workflows.