Grant TXF200 R Series Refrigerated Circulating Bath

Overview

The Grant TXF200 R Series Refrigerated Circulating Bath is a high-precision, dual-mode temperature control system engineered for demanding laboratory applications requiring stable, programmable thermal environments across an extended range—from cryogenic cooling to high-temperature heating. Unlike conventional water baths, the TXF200 R integrates a robust built-in circulation pump with a dedicated refrigeration module (R-series), enabling precise active cooling without external chillers. Its core thermoregulation architecture employs adaptive Intelligent Control Optimization (ICO), a proprietary PID algorithm that continuously adjusts proportional, integral, and derivative parameters in real time based on load dynamics, fluid viscosity, and ambient conditions—ensuring minimal overshoot and rapid stabilization even during step changes or prolonged dwell periods. The system operates in two distinct thermal modes: full refrigerated circulation (–47 °C to +100 °C) using R1–R5 modular refrigeration units, and high-temperature heating-only operation (–50 °C to +200 °C) when refrigeration is disabled via independent control. This modularity supports method flexibility while maintaining compliance with DIN 12876-1:2018 for laboratory thermostats—specifically validated for stability and uniformity of ±0.1 °C in both water and 50% ethylene glycol solutions at 10 °C.

Key Features

• Adaptive ICO temperature control algorithm delivering high reproducibility across variable thermal loads and fluid viscosities
• High-capacity internal circulation pump: adjustable flow up to 23 L/min at 530 mbar maximum pressure, optimized for closed-loop systems with long tubing runs or high-resistance accessories
• QVGA TFT color display with intuitive icon-driven menu navigation; supports five language options (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian)
• Dual-point user recalibration capability for both internal sensor and external probe inputs (TXPEP/TXSEP), traceable to NIST-traceable standards
• Comprehensive safety architecture: adjustable overtemperature cut-off, low-fluid-level detection via mechanical float switch, and configurable audible/visual high/low temperature alarms
• Integrated USB and RS232 interfaces supporting bidirectional communication with Labwise™ software for remote parameter setting, real-time data logging, and graphical trend analysis
• Onboard memory stores up to 10 multi-stage programs (100 stages per program), enabling complex thermal profiles for material testing, reaction kinetics, or calibration workflows
• Modular R-series refrigeration units (R1–R5) with individual relay control, anti-freeze protection, and pressure-sensing safety interlocks (R4/R5 include 27 bar high-pressure switches)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TXF200 R accommodates a wide range of heat transfer media—including deionized water, 50% aqueous ethylene glycol, silicone oils, and other non-corrosive, low-volatility fluids—subject to chemical compatibility verification per Grant’s Material Compatibility Guide. Its bath chamber design permits immersion of standard laboratory vessels (e.g., glass flasks, metal jackets, jacketed reactors) up to 200 mm above and 135 mm below the bath rim. All R-series refrigeration modules use R134a refrigerant and comply with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 and U.S. EPA SNAP requirements. The unit meets electromagnetic compatibility standards per EN 61326-1:2013 (Class B) and carries CE and UKCA markings. For regulated environments, optional Labwise™ software supports audit-trail-enabled data recording compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with appropriate IT infrastructure and user access controls.

Software & Data Management

Labwise™ PC software provides full remote configuration, real-time monitoring, and automated data acquisition. Users can define temperature ramps, holds, and cycling sequences directly from the host PC, synchronize timestamps with system clocks, and export time-stamped CSV or XML datasets for LIMS integration. Graphical overlays support comparison of multiple channels (e.g., internal bath temperature, external probe reading, setpoint trajectory). The software implements role-based user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails—including operator ID, timestamp, parameter change history, and reason-for-change fields—facilitating GLP/GMP-aligned documentation. Raw data files are stored in platform-independent formats compatible with statistical process control (SPC) tools and ISO/IEC 17025-compliant calibration reporting.

Applications

This system is routinely deployed in analytical chemistry laboratories for HPLC column oven conditioning, in materials science for polymer crystallization studies and rheological sample preconditioning, and in pharmaceutical QC labs for dissolution apparatus temperature validation per USP . It serves as a stable thermal source/sink in calorimetry setups, environmental stress screening of electronic components, and calibration of temperature-sensitive sensors (e.g., RTDs, thermistors) across extended ranges. Its programmable multi-stage capability supports accelerated aging protocols (e.g., IEC 60068-2-14), while the high-flow pump enables efficient thermal coupling with external devices such as spectrophotometer cuvette holders or electrochemical cells.

FAQ

Can the TXF200 R operate without the refrigeration module?
Yes—the refrigeration unit can be fully disabled via front-panel control or Labwise™ software, allowing standalone heating operation from –50 °C to +200 °C.
What is the maximum allowable bath fluid volume for optimal thermal stability?
Stability specifications assume a nominal fill level of 12–18 L depending on selected R-series unit; refer to Grant’s Application Note AN-TXF200-01 for volume-dependent performance curves.
Is external probe compensation supported during active refrigeration?
Yes—TXPEP and TXSEP external probes support real-time temperature compensation and user-defined offset correction, applicable in both heating and refrigerated modes.
Does the system meet ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited calibration labs?
When used with documented procedures, traceable calibration artifacts, and Labwise™ audit-trail configuration, the TXF200 R satisfies metrological traceability and uncertainty reporting requirements outlined in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.9.
How is firmware updated?
Firmware updates are delivered via USB stick using Grant’s official update utility; version history and release notes are published in the Technical Support Portal under document TS-TXF200-FW.