Hanuo YC-1 Chromatography Refrigerator

Overview

The Hanuo YC-1 Chromatography Refrigerator is an engineered low-temperature environmental chamber specifically designed to support preparative and analytical chromatographic workflows under tightly controlled thermal conditions. Unlike standard laboratory refrigerators, the YC-1 integrates structural, thermal, and ergonomic features optimized for vertical column handling—enabling safe, vibration-dampened operation of gravity-fed or low-pressure liquid chromatography systems (e.g., gel filtration, ion exchange, and affinity chromatography) at stable temperatures between 1 °C and 10 °C. Its 1.7 m internal height accommodates columns up to 1.5 m in length without requiring disassembly or tilting, while its compact external footprint (1.95 m total height) ensures compatibility with standard laboratory doorways and freight elevators. The unit employs a high-efficiency imported hermetic compressor with forced-air circulation and multi-point temperature sensing to maintain ±0.5 °C uniformity across the full 800 L working volume—critical for reproducible elution profiles and biomolecule stability during extended runs.

Key Features

• Full stainless steel interior (AISI 304) with seamless welded corners—resistant to organic solvents, acids, and repeated UV disinfection cycles
• Dual-pane tempered glass door with magnetic gasket seal and integrated mechanical lock—provides visual monitoring while minimizing condensation and thermal leakage
• Two adjustable stainless steel column support rods (M10 thread, 1.2 m vertical travel) and two perforated load-bearing shelves (rated to 35 kg each) for modular column and fraction collector arrangement
• Dedicated 220 V/50 Hz grounded power outlet inside the chamber—enables direct connection of peristaltic pumps, fraction collectors, or UV detectors without external extension cords
• Integrated LED task lighting (5000 K, 150 lux at working plane) and 254 nm UV-C germicidal lamp (30 W, timer-controlled)—supports both operational visibility and routine cabinet decontamination
• Dual-stage thermal alarm system: independent over-temperature cutoff (12 °C threshold) and differential-temperature alert (triggered when top/bottom sensor delta exceeds 1.5 °C), with audible buzzer and illuminated status indicator
• Four swivel casters with locking brakes—enables repositioning on epoxy or vinyl flooring without floor damage

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YC-1 is validated for use with common chromatographic media including Sephadex®, Sepharose®, Toyopearl®, and silica-based resins. Its non-vibrating platform design minimizes band broadening in gravity-flow systems, while the corrosion-resistant interior prevents metal ion leaching that could interfere with metal-affinity purification. Though not certified to IEC 61010-1 or ISO 13485 out-of-the-box, the unit complies with general electrical safety requirements for Class II laboratory equipment operating within ambient lab conditions (15–30 °C, <80% RH). When equipped with the optional RS-232 interface, it supports basic data logging for GLP-aligned temperature traceability—though for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, third-party validation and audit-trail software integration are required.

Software & Data Management

The base YC-1 operates via a microprocessor-based digital controller with a 4-digit LED display showing real-time setpoint and measured temperature. No embedded software or touchscreen interface is included; all configuration (e.g., alarm thresholds, light timers) is performed manually using push-button navigation. The optional RS-232 port outputs ASCII-formatted serial data (9600 baud, N-8-1) containing timestamped temperature readings from three internal sensors (top, middle, bottom), enabling integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom SCADA systems for centralized environmental monitoring. Data export does not include user authentication, electronic signatures, or audit trail generation—these must be implemented at the host system level per institutional quality management protocols.

Applications

• Preparative protein purification via size-exclusion or ion-exchange chromatography at 4 °C
• Storage and equilibration of temperature-sensitive affinity resins (e.g., Ni-NTA, Protein A)
• Low-temperature buffer conditioning prior to HPLC or FPLC injection
• Long-duration cold extraction of plant metabolites or nucleic acid-binding matrices
• Controlled-temperature storage of enzyme-conjugated detection reagents (e.g., HRP-labeled antibodies)
• Backup cold storage for electrophoresis reagents and polyacrylamide gel solutions

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The YC-1 is rated for uninterrupted use in laboratories maintained between 15 °C and 30 °C. Operation above 32 °C may reduce cooling capacity and increase compressor duty cycle.

Can the UV lamp be operated simultaneously with the refrigeration system?
Yes—the UV-C lamp and cooling system operate independently; however, UV exposure should be limited to decontamination cycles only (typically 15–30 minutes), as prolonged irradiation may degrade certain polymer components over time.

Is the interior lighting compatible with photosensitive samples?
The white LED array emits negligible UV output (<0.1 µW/cm² at 365 nm) and is suitable for handling light-sensitive compounds such as riboflavin, chlorophyll derivatives, or photoactivatable crosslinkers.

Does the unit meet IP rating standards for dust or moisture ingress protection?
No IP rating is assigned. The cabinet is intended for indoor dry-lab environments only—not for wet chemistry hoods or high-humidity cleanrooms.

Are replacement parts (e.g., door gaskets, UV lamps, fuses) available through Hanuo’s global distribution network?
Yes—standard consumables and wear components are stocked by authorized Hanuo distributors in North America, EU, and APAC regions, with lead times averaging 2–4 weeks ex-warehouse.