Thermo Scientific Performance HC 50086 Ultra Low Temperature Freezer
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
| Product Line | Forma FDE50086FV / Revco RDE50086FV / Thermo Scientific TDE50086FV |
| Net Capacity | 682 L |
| Internal Dimensions (W×D×H) | 719 × 730 × 1301 mm |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 977 × 864 × 1981 mm |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Rated Power Consumption | 400 W |
Overview
The Thermo Scientific Performance HC 50086 Ultra Low Temperature Freezer is an engineered solution for long-term cryogenic storage of sensitive biological materials at –86 °C. Designed using proven cascade refrigeration architecture with dual-stage compressors and high-efficiency heat exchangers, it delivers stable, uniform temperature control across the full storage volume—critical for preserving viability of cell lines, primary tissues, mRNA constructs, viral vectors, and other thermolabile biospecimens. Unlike conventional ULT freezers relying on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, the Performance HC series employs a pure hydrocarbon (HC) blend—R290/R170—as its primary working fluid, enabling compliance with U.S. EPA SNAP Program requirements and EU Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases. Its compact footprint (under 0.84 m² floor area) and low power draw (400 W nominal) support sustainable laboratory infrastructure planning without compromising thermal performance or sample integrity.
Key Features
- Hydrocarbon-based refrigeration system: Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0) and global warming potential (GWP < 10), fully compliant with international environmental regulations including EPA SNAP and EU F-Gas.
- Advanced microprocessor controller with 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface: Supports multi-level user permissions (administrator, operator, viewer), real-time status monitoring via intuitive iconography—including dynamic “Heartbeat” indicator for system health—and configurable alarm thresholds for temperature deviation, door open duration, and power interruption.
- Acoustically optimized cabinet design: Operating noise level ≤ 50 dBA at 1 m distance—suitable for placement in shared lab environments, cleanrooms, or near analytical instrumentation requiring low ambient acoustic interference.
- Robust insulation architecture: 120 mm thick vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs) combined with polyurethane foam in door and cabinet walls ensure exceptional thermal resistance and minimize daily energy consumption.
- Redundant safety systems: Dual independent temperature sensors with automatic failover logic, battery-backed data logging (≥ 30 days), and optional remote monitoring via Thermo Fisher Connect platform with email/SMS alerting.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Performance HC 50086 maintains temperature uniformity within ±2.5 °C throughout the entire 682 L chamber (per ISO 23474:2021 Annex A), supporting storage of IVD reagents, GMP-grade biologics intermediates, and clinical trial samples under GLP- and GMP-aligned workflows. It meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory equipment and carries CE marking for the European Economic Area. Optional validation packages include IQ/OQ documentation aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures, facilitating audit readiness for pharmaceutical QC labs and contract research organizations (CROs).
Software & Data Management
Integrated firmware supports local data retention of temperature logs, alarm history, and maintenance events with timestamped entries and user attribution. When connected to Thermo Fisher Connect cloud service (via Ethernet or Wi-Fi), users gain access to centralized fleet management, predictive maintenance alerts based on compressor runtime analytics, and secure export of CSV-formatted audit trails compatible with LIMS integration. All data transmissions are encrypted using TLS 1.2+, and role-based access control ensures alignment with organizational IT security policies.
Applications
- Long-term archiving of human and animal tissue banks, stem cell repositories, and biobanks operating under ISBER Best Practices guidelines.
- Cold chain continuity for mRNA vaccine development pipelines, including plasmid DNA, in vitro transcription (IVT) products, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated therapeutics.
- Storage of reference standards and stability study samples in regulatory-compliant pharmaceutical quality control laboratories.
- Supporting academic and government research initiatives requiring ISO/IEC 17025-accredited sample handling infrastructure.
FAQ
What refrigerant does the Performance HC 50086 use, and why is it environmentally advantageous?
It uses a proprietary blend of propane (R290) and ethane (R170), classified as Class A3 (low toxicity, high flammability) refrigerants. With GWP ≈ 3–5 and ODP = 0, this blend eliminates reliance on regulated HFCs while maintaining thermodynamic efficiency.
Does the freezer support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—optional IQ/OQ documentation and electronic audit trail features (including user authentication, immutable timestamps, and change history) are available to meet FDA requirements for electronic records in regulated environments.
Can the unit be integrated into a central laboratory monitoring system?
Yes—via Modbus TCP or BACnet/IP protocols, or through Thermo Fisher Connect cloud API, enabling interoperability with existing BMS or LIMS platforms.
What is the mean time between failures (MTBF) for the compressor system?
Based on accelerated life testing and field reliability data, the dual-stage hermetic compressor assembly demonstrates MTBF > 35,000 hours under continuous operation at –86 °C setpoint.
Is remote firmware update capability supported?
Yes—secure over-the-air (OTA) updates are delivered through Thermo Fisher Connect, with rollback functionality and version-controlled release notes provided for validation traceability.
