Julabo F25-MA Universal Heating and Cooling Circulating Bath

Overview

The Julabo F25-MA Universal Heating and Cooling Circulating Bath is a precision-engineered temperature control system designed for demanding laboratory applications requiring stable, bidirectional thermal regulation of external devices or internal baths. Operating on a closed-loop circulation principle, the unit integrates a high-efficiency single-stage compressor refrigeration system with robust resistive heating elements, enabling continuous operation across an exceptionally wide temperature range—from −28 °C to +200 °C—without fluid exchange or hardware modification. Its thermodynamic architecture employs forced convection via a SmartPump variable-speed circulation system, ensuring consistent heat transfer even with varying bath fluid viscosities (e.g., water, silicone oil, or ethylene glycol mixtures). The F25-MA complies with DIN 12876-1 Class III (FL) safety requirements for flammable liquid handling, making it suitable for use with organic solvents under controlled conditions. Its compact footprint (23 × 42 × 61 cm) and integrated casters facilitate integration into space-constrained analytical workstations, while front-mounted drainage and removable air-intake grilles support routine maintenance and long-term operational reliability.

Key Features

• PID2 digital temperature control algorithm delivering ±0.02 °C stability at setpoint, with 0.01 °C resolution in the −9.99 to 99.99 °C range and 0.1 °C above
• ATC3 three-point temperature calibration function for traceable accuracy verification against certified reference probes
• SmartPump technology dynamically adjusts motor power to maintain constant flow rate (11–16 L/min) and pressure (0.23–0.45 bar) across viscosity shifts
• Multi-parameter LED display showing real-time bath temperature, setpoint, pump pressure, safety status, and active alarm conditions
• Waterproof membrane keyboard with tactile feedback for secure parameter entry in humid or solvent-prone environments
• Comprehensive safety suite: low-level detection, overtemperature cutoff (user-adjustable via rotary knob), dry-run protection, and refrigerant leak monitoring
• RS232 serial interface supporting remote command execution, data logging, and integration with LabVIEW™ or custom SCADA systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The F25-MA accommodates a broad spectrum of heat-transfer media—including deionized water, aqueous glycol solutions, and silicone oils—with its chemically resistant stainless-steel reservoir and fluoropolymer-sealed pump head. Its DIN 12876-1 Class III (FL) certification confirms suitability for use with flammable liquids up to flash point 60 °C when operated within specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C). The unit meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1 and carries CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. For regulated environments, its deterministic alarm response, non-volatile event logging, and RS232 audit trail capability support alignment with GLP documentation practices; however, native 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires third-party software validation.

Software & Data Management

While the F25-MA operates autonomously via its onboard controller, its RS232 port enables bidirectional communication with host computers using ASCII-based command protocols. Users may configure temperature ramps, trigger alarms, read real-time sensor values, and export timestamped temperature/pump-pressure logs. Compatible terminal emulators (e.g., Tera Term, PuTTY) allow script-driven batch operations. Although Julabo does not bundle proprietary PC software with the F25-MA, its protocol is publicly documented and supports integration into LIMS or ELN platforms via standard serial-to-TCP bridges. All critical system events—including power cycles, alarm activations, and calibration actions—are stored in non-volatile memory for post-hoc forensic review.

Applications

• Temperature stabilization of spectrophotometer cells, calorimeters, and viscometers requiring precise thermal input
• External jacketing of reactors, columns, or distillation assemblies in synthetic chemistry and process development
• Calibration of thermistors, RTDs, and infrared sensors across extended thermal ranges
• Material testing under controlled thermal stress (e.g., polymer crystallinity studies, elastomer hysteresis analysis)
• Pre-conditioning of samples prior to DSC, TGA, or DMA measurements
• Support of enzymatic assays where reaction kinetics are highly temperature-sensitive

FAQ

What types of fluids are compatible with the F25-MA bath?

Deionized water, 30–50% aqueous ethylene or propylene glycol solutions, and methyl- or phenyl-substituted silicone oils are routinely used. Avoid halogenated solvents, strong acids/bases, or fluids with flash points below 35 °C unless additional engineering controls are implemented.
Can the F25-MA be used for sub-ambient cooling without pre-chilling?

Yes—the integrated R134a refrigeration system achieves −28 °C directly from ambient start-up, though time-to-target increases significantly below −10 °C depending on load mass and insulation.
Is external temperature feedback supported?

No—the F25-MA regulates based solely on its internal Pt100 sensor. External probe input requires a separate controller or third-party PID interface.
How often should the condenser grille be cleaned?

Inspect and vacuum debris every 2 weeks in standard lab environments; increase frequency to weekly in dusty or high-particulate settings to prevent compressor overheating.
Does the unit include tubing and connectors?

Yes—two push-fit hose barbs (for 8 mm and 12 mm ID tubing) with M10×1 internal threads are supplied as standard equipment.