Julabo FC1200S Circulating Chiller

Overview

The Julabo FC1200S Circulating Chiller is a high-performance, air-cooled, integrated temperature control system engineered for precision thermal management in demanding laboratory and pilot-scale applications. Based on vapor-compression refrigeration with integrated electric heating, the FC1200S delivers stable, programmable temperature control across a wide operational range of −15 °C to +80 °C — making it suitable for both cooling-intensive processes (e.g., condenser jacketing, rotary evaporator cooling, spectrometer thermal stabilization) and applications requiring precise heating-assisted temperature maintenance (e.g., reaction calorimetry, viscosity testing, or controlled crystallization). Its compact footprint (46 × 61 × 49 cm) and robust mechanical architecture align with ISO/IEC 17025-compliant laboratory infrastructure requirements, while its closed-loop circulation eliminates reliance on municipal tap water — reducing resource consumption, eliminating scaling risk, and ensuring consistent thermal performance independent of facility water temperature or pressure fluctuations.

Key Features

• Integrated dual-mode thermal control: Simultaneous refrigeration (up to 1200 W at 20 °C ambient) and resistive heating (1.2 kW) enable seamless ramping, soaking, and overshoot-free temperature transitions within the full −15 °C to +80 °C range.
• High-flow, low-pulsation circulation: A magnetically coupled centrifugal pump delivers up to 22 L/min at 1.2 bar pressure, with real-time pressure monitoring (0–2.5 bar scale) and compatibility with standard 8 mm and 12 mm ID silicone or fluoropolymer tubing.
• Dual LED display interface: Independent, high-contrast displays for setpoint and actual bath temperature provide immediate visual verification — critical during GLP/GMP-regulated procedures where operator confirmation is auditable.
• Intelligent fluid management: Transparent reservoir with integrated level indicator, top-fill port for spill-free refilling, and automatic low-level shutdown safeguard against dry-run damage.
• Flexible integration architecture: Standard analog output (0–10 V or 4–20 mA) and optional RS232 serial interface support connection to external PLCs, SCADA systems, or validated temperature data loggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Environmental compliance: R-404A or R-507A refrigerant (subject to regional phase-down regulations), energy-efficient compressor design, and acoustic enclosure achieving ≤57 dB(A) at 1 m meet EU Ecodesign Directive 2019/2023 and ISO 7730 thermal comfort guidelines.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC1200S is designed for indirect thermal coupling via external heat exchangers, jackets, or cold fingers — supporting compatibility with glassware (e.g., 5–50 L rotary evaporators), analytical instruments (ICP-MS chillers, HPLC column ovens), and material testing rigs. Its maximum allowable return fluid temperature of ≤80 °C ensures safe integration with heated reactors or steam-traced lines. The unit conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, and RoHS 2011/65/EU. Optional factory calibration documentation supports traceability to national standards (e.g., DKD/DAkkS or NIST), fulfilling audit requirements under ISO/IEC 17025, USP , and ASTM E2913-13 for analytical instrument qualification.

Software & Data Management

While the FC1200S operates autonomously via its front-panel controller, its analog and RS232 interfaces enable integration into centralized lab informatics platforms. When paired with Julabo’s optional WinTherm software or third-party SCADA-compatible drivers (e.g., OPC UA wrappers), users can implement automated temperature profiles, remote parameter adjustment, and time-stamped data acquisition with audit trail functionality. All digital communications support configurable logging intervals (1 s to 60 min), cyclic buffer storage, and CSV export — facilitating compliance with ALCOA+ data integrity principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Condensation control in rotary evaporation systems operating under reduced pressure
• Thermal stabilization of high-resolution NMR probe preamplifiers and laser sources
• Cooling of X-ray diffraction (XRD) detectors and CCD sensors to reduce thermal noise
• Temperature regulation in accelerated stability chambers (ICH Q1A)
• Process cooling for small-scale continuous flow reactors and microreactors
• Calibration baths for thermocouple and RTD verification per ASTM E74-22

FAQ

What is the maximum permissible inlet fluid temperature when using the FC1200S in cooling-only mode?
The unit accepts return fluid up to 80 °C — enabling integration downstream of heated reactors or jacketed vessels without auxiliary pre-cooling stages.

Can the FC1200S maintain ±0.2 °C stability under dynamic load conditions?
Yes — the stability specification applies under steady-state operation with a well-insulated, thermally matched load (e.g., 20 L jacketed reactor with 10 W/K thermal resistance); dynamic deviation is minimized by adaptive PID tuning and 0.1 °C resolution feedback control.

Is the reservoir volume adjustable or fixed?
The internal reservoir holds 8–11 L depending on fill level and expansion; no user-adjustable capacity modification is provided — consistent with ASME BPE-2021 recommendations for single-use fluid circuits.

Does the FC1200S support external temperature sensing for process-critical control?
Yes — an optional Pt100 input allows direct measurement at the application point (e.g., reactor jacket outlet), enabling cascade control where the chiller modulates based on process temperature rather than bath temperature.

What refrigerant is used, and are service kits available globally?
Units shipped post-2023 use R-507A (GWP = 3985); legacy R-404A units remain supported. Julabo-certified service partners in >65 countries stock replacement compressors, expansion valves, and refrigerant recovery kits meeting EN 378-2:2016 standards.