DRETOP FRC-5-10PLC 30L Low-Temperature Constant-Temperature Reaction Bath

Overview

The DRETOP FRC-5-10PLC is a programmable, dual-mode circulating constant-temperature reaction bath engineered for precise thermal control in laboratory-scale chemical synthesis, enzymatic assays, and material stability testing. Unlike passive water baths, this unit integrates active refrigeration and resistive heating within a single 30 L double-walled stainless steel reservoir, enabling stable setpoint maintenance across a wide operational range (typically −10 °C to +100 °C, dependent on medium and ambient conditions). Its core architecture follows the principle of forced liquid circulation—via an integrated centrifugal pump—to ensure uniform temperature distribution both internally (within the bath) and externally (through user-supplied reactors or jacketed vessels). The system is explicitly designed for integration into automated workflows: its RS-485 interface supports Modbus RTU protocol, allowing bidirectional communication with industrial PLCs for remote start/stop commands, real-time status monitoring, and closed-loop temperature setpoint adjustment.

Key Features

• Dual-stage heating power output (1.5 kW / 3.0 kW) enables rapid ramp-up and fine-grained thermal regulation under varying load conditions.
• Internal/external circulation mode supports both standalone bath operation and connection to external jacketed reactors up to 5 L capacity.
• Stainless steel 30 L double-walled tank with insulated lid minimizes evaporation loss and improves thermal efficiency during prolonged operation.
• Programmable temperature hold function allows users to define precise dwell times at target setpoints—critical for kinetic studies and standardized thermal protocols.
• RS-485 communication port provides addressable I/O mapping for integration into SCADA or distributed control systems; includes discrete signals for heater/pump run status and analog feedback for real-time bath temperature.
• Compatible with external thermal insulation (e.g., fiberglass or ceramic wool wraps) for enhanced energy retention during high-temperature operation or low-ambient environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FRC-5-10PLC accommodates standard laboratory glassware—including round-bottom flasks, jacketed reactors, and immersion-cooled probes—when used with appropriate circulation adapters. As a Class II laboratory thermal management device, it conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in measurement, control, and laboratory equipment. While not certified for hazardous area use (e.g., ATEX or IECEx), its design meets general GLP-compliant infrastructure requirements when deployed in validated QC/QA laboratories. Temperature stability performance (±0.1 °C over 2 h at 45 °C, typical) aligns with ASTM E1112 and ISO/IEC 17025 traceability expectations for supporting instrumentation in method validation.

Software & Data Management

This unit operates as a hardware-level thermal actuator without embedded GUI software. All configuration and monitoring are performed via external PLC logic or HMI panels using the provided Modbus register map (e.g., Holding Register 40001 = Setpoint °C; Input Register 30002 = Actual Temp ×10). Audit-ready data logging requires integration with third-party SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition, Siemens WinCC) that support Modbus RTU polling and timestamped value capture. For regulated environments, the system supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when paired with validated data acquisition software featuring user authentication, change tracking, and digital signature capabilities.

Applications

• Controlled-temperature reaction kinetics: maintaining 45 °C ±0.2 °C for enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis or polymerization initiation.
• Thermal stability assessment of pharmaceutical intermediates per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines.
• Calibration support for thermocouples, RTDs, and infrared sensors using NIST-traceable reference points.
• Pre-conditioning of samples prior to rheological or spectroscopic analysis where thermal history must be tightly controlled.
• Supporting multi-vessel parallel synthesis systems where individual reactor jackets require synchronized but independent thermal profiles.

FAQ

What temperature range is achievable with water as the bath medium?
With deionized water, the practical operating range is +5 °C to +95 °C. For sub-zero operation, a water–ethylene glycol mixture (e.g., 30:70 v/v) extends the lower limit to −10 °C.
Is the unit suitable for continuous 24/7 operation in a production lab environment?
Yes—its industrial-grade pump motor, sealed refrigeration circuit, and thermal overload protection enable unattended operation under stable ambient conditions (<30 °C, <70% RH).
Can the RS-485 interface support multiple devices on a single bus?
Yes—Modbus RTU allows up to 32 slave devices on one daisy-chained bus; each FRC-5-10PLC must be assigned a unique slave address (default: 1, configurable via DIP switch).
Does the system include built-in data logging memory?
No—data persistence requires external logging via PLC or SCADA; the unit transmits live values only.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Inspect coolant level and pump strainer every 3 months; replace heat transfer fluid annually if operating above 80 °C continuously; verify refrigerant pressure annually via service port.