The Great Wall CT-40x Cold Trap
| Brand | The Great Wall |
|---|---|
| Origin | Henan, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | CT-40x |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Great Wall CT-40x Cold Trap is an engineered vacuum accessory designed for efficient condensate capture in laboratory-scale vacuum drying, rotary evaporation, and reduced-pressure concentration systems. Operating on the principle of cryogenic condensation, it intercepts solvent vapors—including water, ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and other common organic solvents—before they reach the primary vacuum pump. By thermally quenching these vapors within a precisely temperature-controlled stainless-steel chamber, the CT-40x significantly reduces vapor load on downstream vacuum pumps, thereby minimizing oil contamination, preventing pump corrosion, and extending service intervals. Its direct-cooling architecture eliminates reliance on consumable cryogens such as dry ice or liquid nitrogen, offering operational continuity and cost stability in routine QC, R&D, and pilot-scale preparation workflows.
Key Features
- Direct-contact cooling system with integrated refrigeration unit—no external cryogen supply required
- Condensation chamber fabricated from ASTM A240 06Cr19Ni10 (equivalent to AISI 304 stainless steel), ensuring chemical resistance to aqueous and polar organic solvents
- Digital LED temperature display with real-time monitoring of trap internal temperature, enabling synchronized activation of vacuum sources
- Bottom-mounted drain valve with PTFE-sealed ball mechanism for safe, drip-free liquid removal after condensation cycles
- Multi-layer safety protection: thermal cut-off switch, current overload relay, pressure-sensitive interlock, and compressor delay start (≥3 min) to prevent mechanical stress
- Compact footprint (W × D × H ≈ 320 × 380 × 520 mm) with four swivel casters featuring locking brakes for stable repositioning across lab benches and fume hoods
- Dual-mode utility: functions as both a cold trap and a low-temperature bath—capable of sustained operation at ≤ –40 °C for pre-freezing samples or maintaining cryogenic reaction conditions
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CT-40x is validated for use with volatile and semi-volatile compounds commonly encountered in pharmaceutical lyophilization support, natural product extraction, polymer solvent recovery, and analytical sample prep. Its 304 stainless-steel chamber complies with ISO 8502-3 surface cleanliness requirements and meets material compatibility benchmarks defined in USP for extractables testing apparatus. While not certified to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) or UL 61010-1 as a standalone instrument, it is intended for integration into CE-marked vacuum systems operating under GLP-compliant environments. No hazardous substance declarations (RoHS, REACH SVHC) are required per EU Directive 2011/65/EU, as the unit contains no intentional heavy metal additives or restricted flame retardants.
Software & Data Management
The CT-40x operates as a standalone hardware device without embedded firmware, network interface, or proprietary software. Temperature readings are displayed locally via a fixed-resolution digital panel; no data logging, USB export, or PC connectivity is provided. For laboratories requiring audit-trail compliance (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11), external validation of temperature readout accuracy—using NIST-traceable calibrated thermocouples—is recommended prior to GMP-critical applications. Routine maintenance records (e.g., refrigerant charge verification, seal integrity checks) should be retained per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 8.9 documentation requirements.
Applications
- Vacuum drying support for heat-sensitive APIs, peptides, and diagnostic reagents
- Solvent recovery during rotary evaporation of botanical extracts and synthetic intermediates
- Pre-condensation stage in freeze-dryer manifold systems to protect primary condenser capacity
- Cryogenic bath for controlled crystallization, low-temperature catalysis, or cold finger distillation setups
- Protection of diaphragm and scroll vacuum pumps in environmental testing labs performing EPA Method 502.2 and 8260 derivatization workflows
FAQ
What is the lowest achievable temperature of the CT-40x under standard ambient conditions (25 °C, 50% RH)?
The unit achieves ≤ –40 °C at the chamber wall surface when operated continuously in a well-ventilated space with ambient temperature below 30 °C.
Can the CT-40x be used with chlorinated solvents such as chloroform or DCM?
Yes—provided exposure duration is limited and chamber is thoroughly purged post-use; prolonged contact may accelerate gasket aging due to elastomer swelling.
Is the drain valve compatible with vacuum while open?
No—the drain valve must only be operated under atmospheric pressure; opening under vacuum will compromise trap integrity and cause rapid air ingress.
Does the CT-40x require annual refrigerant servicing?
Under normal operation and absence of physical damage or leakage, the sealed R404A refrigeration circuit requires no scheduled refrigerant replenishment; visual inspection of compressor oil clarity and frost pattern uniformity is advised quarterly.
Can this cold trap be mounted vertically inline with a vacuum line using standard NW25/KF25 flanges?
No—it is configured exclusively for horizontal side-arm connection via 25 mm inner diameter silicone or Viton tubing; custom flange adapters are not supplied or validated by the manufacturer.
