The Great Wall VT-5000HC Cryogenic Vapor Trap

Overview

The Great Wall VT-5000HC Cryogenic Vapor Trap is a laboratory-grade cold trap engineered for high-efficiency condensation and removal of water vapor, solvents, and volatile contaminants from vacuum systems. It operates on the principle of cryogenic condensation—using a closed-circuit refrigeration system to cool a stainless-steel trapping chamber or interchangeable borosilicate glass condenser flasks to as low as −40°C (no-load), thereby capturing vapors that would otherwise overload or corrode downstream vacuum pumps. Designed for integration with vacuum drying ovens, rotary evaporators, freeze dryers, and low-pressure concentration systems, the VT-5000HC enhances ultimate vacuum stability, extends pump service life, and mitigates environmental emissions of hazardous volatiles—including alcohols, acetone, ethyl acetate, and acidic vapors—without requiring consumables or secondary absorbents. Its dual-mode configuration supports both direct-chamber trapping (for aqueous and ethanol-based processes) and glass-flask-based trapping (for aggressive solvents and acidic media), ensuring material compatibility across diverse analytical and manufacturing workflows.

Key Features

• Stainless steel 304 cold trap chamber (Ø250 × 250 mm) rated for continuous operation with water and ethanol-based vapors
• Three interchangeable DIN 3.3 borosilicate glass condenser flasks (Ø50 × 300 mm) compliant with ISO 3585 for chemical resistance in acidic and organic solvent applications
• Pt100 precision temperature sensor with digital display enabling real-time monitoring and programmable setpoint control within the operational range
• Multi-layer safety architecture including delayed compressor start, overcurrent cutoff, and overtemperature shutdown
• Optimized indirect cooling system using R404A refrigerant, delivering 920 W cooling capacity at −10°C and maintaining stable thermal performance down to −40°C
• Ergonomic front-access design with integrated flexible vacuum tubing port (12 mm OD) for rapid system coupling and leak-tight connections

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VT-5000HC accommodates a broad spectrum of volatile species commonly encountered in pharmaceutical lyophilization, battery electrode drying (e.g., cathode/anode slurry solvent removal), capacitor moisture scavenging, and QC sample preparation. Its 304 stainless steel chamber meets ASTM A240 standards for corrosion resistance in neutral-to-mildly acidic environments, while the borosilicate glass flasks conform to ISO 3585 and USP for pharmaceutical-grade glassware. The unit is designed for use in GLP-compliant laboratories and supports audit-ready operation when paired with validated vacuum system protocols. Though not intrinsically rated for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations, it complies with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and operates within ambient specifications defined by ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom support environments.

Software & Data Management

The VT-5000HC operates via an embedded microcontroller with local digital interface—no external software or PC dependency required. Temperature data is continuously logged to internal non-volatile memory with timestamped records accessible via front-panel navigation. While the base model does not include Ethernet or USB connectivity, its analog temperature output (0–5 V or 4–20 mA, optional upon request) enables integration into centralized SCADA or LIMS platforms supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic record retention. All parameter changes—including setpoint adjustment and alarm threshold configuration—are subject to operator authentication via physical key lock, satisfying basic ALCOA+ data integrity requirements for traceability.

Applications

• Vacuum-assisted drying of lithium-ion battery electrodes and supercapacitor components to achieve residual moisture levels <50 ppm
• Pre-freezing and intermediate-stage condensation in pharmaceutical freeze-drying cycles per USP
• Solvent recovery and vapor scrubbing upstream of oil-sealed or dry scroll vacuum pumps in rotary evaporation systems
• Moisture and outgassing control in vacuum encapsulation of optoelectronic devices and MEMS packaging lines
• Environmental mitigation in academic and industrial labs handling chlorinated solvents, formic acid, or low-boiling esters under reduced pressure

FAQ

Can the VT-5000HC be used continuously at −40°C?
Yes—the unit is rated for sustained operation at −40°C under no-load conditions; actual achievable temperature under vapor load depends on flow rate, vapor enthalpy, and system conductance.
Is the glass condenser flask autoclavable?
No—DIN 3.3 borosilicate glass is resistant to thermal shock but not rated for autoclave sterilization (121°C, saturated steam); cleaning is recommended via solvent rinse and nitrogen purge.
Does the VT-5000HC meet RoHS or REACH requirements?
Yes—all structural metals, refrigerants (R404A), and electrical components comply with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS2) and Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH) Annex XIV exclusion lists.
Can it be integrated with a PLC-controlled vacuum system?
Yes—via optional analog I/O modules (0–5 V temperature signal output and relay-controlled compressor enable/disable), supporting Modbus RTU or discrete I/O handshaking.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Compressor oil inspection every 12 months; condenser coil cleaning every 6 months in high-humidity environments; Pt100 calibration verification annually against NIST-traceable reference.