LabTech SH150-3000 Circulating Chiller

Overview

The LabTech SH150-3000 Circulating Chiller is an engineered thermal management solution designed for continuous, stable cooling of laboratory instruments requiring precise temperature regulation—including rotary evaporators, spectrophotometers, ICP-MS systems, laser sources, and analytical chromatography modules. It operates on a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle enhanced by Hot Gas Bypass (HGBP) modulation, enabling dynamic load adaptation without compressor cycling. Combined with a high-resolution PID control algorithm and real-time feedback from dual platinum resistance thermometers (PT100), the system maintains setpoint stability within ±0.1 °C across its full operational range of 8–35 °C. Its compact footprint and integrated 3.5 L stainless-steel reservoir support benchtop deployment while minimizing footprint and fluid inventory.

Key Features

• High-efficiency microchannel parallel-flow heat exchanger architecture—reduces refrigerant charge by >40% versus conventional finned-tube designs, supporting environmental compliance with low-GWP, zero-ozone-depletion-potential (ODP = 0) refrigerants.
• Industrial-grade 7-inch capacitive touchscreen HMI with embedded firmware for local parameter configuration, trend logging, and alarm history review.
• Dual-sensor monitoring: digital pressure transducer (0–10 bar range, ±0.5% FS accuracy) and electromagnetic flow meter (0–15 L/min, ±1% reading accuracy) provide real-time hydraulic status feedback.
• Integrated multi-layer safety protocol: independent overtemperature detection (supply & return lines), low-level reservoir sensor, differential pressure monitoring, flow interruption alert, and return-line temperature deviation warning.
• Robust mechanical construction featuring corrosion-resistant stainless-steel reservoir, sealed IP54-rated electrical cabinet, and vibration-damped compressor mounting to ensure long-term reliability under continuous 24/7 operation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SH150-3000 is compatible with aqueous coolants (deionized water, 10–30% ethylene glycol/water mixtures) and supports closed-loop circulation at pressures up to 4 bar. It meets CE marking requirements per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). All internal wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards for non-reactive fluid contact. The unit’s control architecture supports audit-trail-enabled operation in GLP/GMP environments when paired with LabTech’s optional Ethernet-connected data logger (model DL-ETH-01), which records timestamped temperature, pressure, flow, and alarm events in CSV format compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements.

Software & Data Management

Local control is managed via the onboard Linux-based HMI firmware with intuitive navigation and multilingual UI (English, Chinese, Spanish, German). Remote supervision is enabled through LabTech’s proprietary CloudChill Connect platform—accessible via web browser or native iOS/Android application. This platform provides real-time telemetry, configurable threshold alerts (SMS/email), historical trend charts (7-day rolling buffer), and exportable .csv reports. Firmware updates are delivered over-the-air (OTA) with SHA-256 signature verification. Optional integration with LabVantage LIMS or Thermo Fisher SampleManager is supported via Modbus TCP or OPC UA protocols.

Applications

• Cooling of high-power UV-Vis and FTIR spectrometers to stabilize optical path temperature and minimize baseline drift.
• Thermal regulation of ICP-OES/ICP-MS plasma torches and interface cones, ensuring consistent nebulization efficiency and signal reproducibility.
• Heat dissipation for high-duty-cycle laser ablation systems (e.g., Excimer, Nd:YAG) where thermal lensing must be minimized.
• Stabilizing column oven temperatures in preparative and analytical HPLC/UHPLC systems during extended gradient runs.
• Supporting cryogenic sample preparation workflows in electron microscopy labs requiring sub-ambient bath stabilization (when used with external heat exchangers).

FAQ

What coolant types are approved for use with the SH150-3000?
Deionized water, ASTM Type II or higher, or aqueous mixtures containing ≤30% USP-grade ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol and oil-based fluids are not supported.
Does the unit support external temperature feedback control?
Yes—via optional PT100 input (0–100 °C range) connected to the rear-panel analog I/O port; enables process-coupled control using external sensor location.
Is the chiller suitable for cleanroom environments?
It meets ISO 14644-1 Class 8 (100,000) particulate limits when operated with HEPA-filtered intake air and installed with vibration isolation mounts.
Can multiple instruments be cooled simultaneously from one SH150-3000?
Yes—provided total thermal load remains ≤3000 W and combined flow resistance does not exceed 4 bar at 12.1 L/min; LabTech recommends installing a manifold with individual flow meters and shutoff valves for multi-port distribution.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Compressor oil and refrigerant charge require verification every 24 months; microchannel heat exchanger should be inspected annually for fouling; reservoir cleaning and coolant replacement every 6 months under continuous operation.