Grant Optima TX150 R Series Refrigerated Circulating Bath

Overview

The Grant Optima TX150 R Series Refrigerated Circulating Bath is a high-precision, dual-mode temperature control system engineered for demanding laboratory applications requiring stable, programmable, and reproducible thermal environments across an exceptionally wide operational range—from −47 °C to +100 °C. Unlike conventional water baths or immersion circulators, the TX150 R integrates a robust hermetic refrigeration circuit with a high-efficiency heating element and a digitally controlled variable-speed circulation pump—enabling simultaneous cooling and heating within a single fluid loop. Its core architecture adheres to DIN 12876–1:2018 standards for laboratory thermostats, ensuring traceable temperature uniformity (±0.1 °C in water at 10 °C) and stability under dynamic load conditions. Designed for integration into analytical workflows—including viscometry, calorimetry, spectroscopy cell temperature control, and reaction monitoring—the unit delivers consistent thermal transfer to external equipment via standardized 6/11 mm inlet/outlet ports, supporting closed-loop circulation with minimal thermal lag.

Key Features

• Wide operational temperature range: −47 °C to +100 °C, selectable per R-series refrigeration module (R1–R5), each optimized for specific low-temperature performance and heat load capacity
• High-resolution QVGA TFT color touchscreen with intuitive icon-driven menu navigation; supports five language options (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian)
• Precision digital temperature control with 0.1 °C setting resolution (0.01 °C achievable via Labwise™ software)
• Programmable 30-step temperature ramping protocol with user-defined dwell times, ramp rates, and endpoint actions
• Integrated circulation pump delivering up to 18 L/min flow (adjustable) and 310 mbar pressure head—engineered for low-noise, continuous operation with minimal pulsation
• Dual-probe capability: internal sensor plus optional external probe inputs (TXPEP/TXSEP) for real-time bath-to-sample temperature correlation and user-calibratable two-point offset correction
• Comprehensive safety architecture: adjustable over-temperature cutoff (up to 100 °C), low-level float switch protection, anti-freeze mode activation below 0 °C, and high-pressure refrigerant cutout (27 bar on R4/R5 models)
• USB and RS232 interfaces enable full remote configuration, real-time parameter monitoring, and time-stamped data logging compliant with GLP audit requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TX150 R series accommodates a broad spectrum of heat transfer fluids—including deionized water, 50:50 water–ethylene glycol mixtures, silicone oils, and specialized low-temperature solvents—each supported by fluid-specific power modulation and thermal inertia compensation algorithms. All R-series units comply with DIN 12876–1 for temperature uniformity and stability verification, and meet CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU (Class B). The controller firmware implements non-volatile memory retention for calibration offsets and alarm history, satisfying essential elements of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records when used with Labwise™ software’s audit-trail-enabled session logging. Units are certified to IEC 61010–1:2010 for laboratory electrical safety and include integrated ground-fault detection.

Software & Data Management

Labwise™ software (Windows-based, included) provides full graphical configuration, real-time visualization, and secure data archival. Users may define multi-segment temperature programs, assign relay-triggered events (e.g., start/stop external devices), and monitor live PID status variables. All logged data—including setpoint, actual temperature, pump speed, refrigeration stage status, and alarm flags—are timestamped with millisecond precision and exported in CSV or XML format for post-acquisition analysis in MATLAB, Python, or LIMS platforms. Software-enforced user access levels support role-based permissions (operator, technician, administrator), while encrypted local storage ensures integrity of calibration logs and historical sessions—critical for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories conducting method validation or equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ).

Applications

• Temperature control of external analytical instruments: HPLC column ovens, UV-Vis cuvette holders, FTIR sample compartments, and rheometer Peltier stages
• Calorimetric studies requiring sub-zero baseline stabilization and precise enthalpy step transitions
• Long-duration kinetic assays where thermal drift must remain below ±0.05 °C over 24+ hours
• Material testing under controlled thermal cycling: polymer glass transition (T_g) characterization, elastomer modulus profiling, and battery electrolyte viscosity mapping
• Biological incubation support for cold-adapted enzyme kinetics or cryopreservation process development
• Validation of temperature-sensitive reagents and reference standards per USP and environmental monitoring protocols

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature achievable with the TX150 R3 model using a 50:50 water–glycol mixture?
The R3 unit achieves −10 °C at ≥120 W refrigeration output under standard ambient (20 °C) conditions; performance degrades predictably below −10 °C due to reduced coefficient of performance—consult the published R-series cooling curve for fluid-specific derating.
Can the TX150 R operate without external software for basic temperature maintenance?
Yes—the front-panel controller supports standalone operation with manual setpoint entry, three user-defined presets, timer-based on/off scheduling, and audible alarm triggers—no PC or Labwise™ installation required.
Is the circulation pump flow rate adjustable during active temperature control?
Yes—flow rate is continuously adjustable from 0% to 100% via touchscreen or Labwise™, independent of temperature PID activity, enabling optimization of thermal exchange efficiency for high-viscosity or low-flow applications.
How does the system handle calibration traceability for regulatory audits?
The TX150 R supports NIST-traceable two-point calibration using external reference probes (TXPEP/TXSEP); all calibration events—including date, operator ID, reference values, and applied offsets—are stored in non-volatile memory with tamper-resistant timestamps.
Are replacement refrigeration modules field-swappable without service technician intervention?
No—R-series refrigeration units are factory-integrated assemblies containing sealed R134a circuits, high-pressure valves, and oil-lubricated compressors; module replacement requires authorized Grant service personnel and refrigerant handling certification per F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014.