Thermo Fisher LabTower TII Type II Laboratory Pure Water System
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | Imported |
| Manufacturer | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
| Model | LabTower TII |
| Output Flow Rate | 20 or 40 L/hr |
| Integrated Storage Tank Capacity | 100 L (conical, light-blocking polypropylene) |
| Resistivity | 10–15 MΩ·cm at 25 °C |
| TOC | < 30 ppb |
| Particulates (>0.1 µm) | < 1 particle/mL |
| Compliance | ASTM D1193 Type II, ISO 3696 Grade 2, CLSI-CLRW |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±0.1 °C |
| Conductivity Cell Constant | 0.01 cm⁻¹ with automatic temperature compensation |
| Pre-filtration | 5 µm sediment filter + activated carbon cartridge |
| Anti-scaling Cartridge | Integrated scale inhibition for RO membrane protection |
| RO Membrane Rejection | ≥97–99% of inorganic ions, ≥99% of organic compounds, microorganisms, and particulates |
| Final Polishing | Low-TOC, high-capacity mixed-bed ion exchange resin |
| Optional UV Module | 185/254 nm dual-wavelength germicidal lamp (for microbial control) |
| Data Interface | RS-232 with GLP-compliant audit trail and optional thermal printer support |
| User Interface | Backlit 4-line LCD display with password-protected parameter access |
| Operating Modes | Production, Standby (continuous recirculation), Cleaning |
| Tank Drainage | Full emptying via conical bottom geometry |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher LabTower TII is a fully integrated, benchtop-compatible Type II laboratory pure water system engineered for consistent, on-demand production of high-purity water compliant with ASTM D1193 Type II, ISO 3696 Grade 2, and CLSI-CLRW specifications. Unlike modular or point-of-use systems, the LabTower TII integrates all purification stages—including pre-filtration, reverse osmosis (RO), ion exchange, and optional ultraviolet (UV) irradiation—within a single, compact footprint. Its core architecture employs a closed-loop recirculation design that maintains continuous water motion even during standby mode, minimizing stagnation-related microbial regrowth and ensuring stable resistivity (10–15 MΩ·cm at 25 °C) and low total organic carbon (<30 ppb). The system’s 100 L integrated storage tank is constructed from opaque, pharmaceutical-grade polypropylene with a conical bottom to enable complete drainage—critical for routine sanitization and GLP-mandated maintenance validation.
Key Features
- Integrated 100 L storage tank with full-drain conical geometry and light-blocking material to inhibit algae and biofilm formation
- Two selectable flow rates: 20 L/hr or 40 L/hr, scalable to evolving lab demands via field-upgradable components
- Multi-stage purification train: 5 µm sediment prefilter + activated carbon + anti-scaling cartridge + high-rejection RO membrane + low-TOC mixed-bed ion exchange resin
- Optional dual-wavelength UV module (185/254 nm) for continuous microbial reduction and TOC photo-oxidation
- High-precision resistivity sensor with 0.01 cm⁻¹ cell constant and automatic temperature compensation (±0.1 °C accuracy)
- Intuitive backlit 4-line LCD interface with password-protected configuration, real-time status indicators (Production / Standby / Cleaning), and % tank level visualization
- RS-232 serial interface supporting GLP-compliant data logging, time-stamped event records, and optional thermal printer integration
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LabTower TII delivers water suitable for non-critical analytical and preparative applications where ionic purity and low organic load are essential but ultrapure specifications (e.g., ASTM Type I) are not required. It meets or exceeds international standards for Type II water, including ASTM D1193, ISO 3696 Grade 2, and CLSI-CLRW. All wetted materials—including tank, tubing, and housings—are USP Class VI-certified and extractables-tested. The system supports regulatory traceability through timestamped operational logs, user-access controls, and configurable audit trails aligned with GLP principles. While not intended for parenteral or molecular biology applications requiring endotoxin-free water, it is validated for use in reagent preparation, glassware rinsing, buffer dilution, calibration standard formulation, and feed water supply to autoclaves, glassware washers, and upstream ultrapure water systems.
Software & Data Management
The LabTower TII operates without proprietary software dependencies; all system parameters and operational history are managed locally via its embedded controller. The RS-232 interface enables direct connection to laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or external PCs for automated data capture. Event logs include date/time stamps, mode transitions (e.g., “Standby → Production”), resistivity excursions, tank level changes, and maintenance alerts (e.g., cartridge replacement prompts). Audit trail functionality complies with GLP documentation requirements, recording operator ID (via password entry), parameter modifications, and system resets. No cloud connectivity or remote firmware updates are implemented—ensuring data sovereignty and network isolation in regulated environments.
Applications
- Preparation of general laboratory reagents, buffers, and standards for titration, spectrophotometry, and pH calibration
- Routine cleaning of glassware, pipettes, and labware prior to sterilization or reuse
- Feed water for autoclaves, steam generators, and laboratory dishwashers
- Source water for downstream ultrapure systems (e.g., Thermo Fisher Barnstead or Elix platforms)
- Dilution of concentrated acids, bases, and salts where trace metal or silica content is not analytically limiting
- General-purpose washing in histology, microbiology, and quality control laboratories
FAQ
What standards does the LabTower TII meet for Type II water?
It complies with ASTM D1193 Type II, ISO 3696 Grade 2, and CLSI-CLRW specifications for resistivity, TOC, and particulate content.
Can the system be upgraded after installation?
Yes—flow rate modules, UV lamps, and certain consumable housings are field-replaceable and support capacity expansion without full system replacement.
How often must the RO membrane be replaced?
Typical service life is 12–24 months depending on feed water quality; the system provides predictive alerts based on pressure differential and permeate quality trends.
Is the 100 L tank suitable for continuous operation in high-throughput labs?
With the 40 L/hr model and recirculation-enabled standby mode, the tank supports uninterrupted supply for up to 2.5 hours at peak draw, assuming typical usage patterns across multiple workstations.
Does the system require external plumbing or drain connections?
No—its self-contained design includes an internal drain path for tank emptying and filter housing purge; only feed water inlet and product water outlet connections are needed.
