Tianfeng TF-HX-15B Precision Circulating Chiller/Heater Bath

Overview

The Tianfeng TF-HX-15B is a high-stability, dual-mode circulating constant-temperature bath engineered for precision thermal control in analytical, pharmaceutical, and materials science laboratories. It operates on the principle of active refrigeration-heating regulation via a closed-loop liquid circulation system, enabling accurate temperature maintenance across a wide operational range from −20 °C to +99 °C. Unlike passive water baths, this unit integrates an air-cooled hermetic compressor with an optimized evaporator design—based on large-volume heat exchange theory—to deliver rapid cooling response and superior spatial uniformity within the 15 L stainless steel reservoir. Its dual circulation capability supports both internal sample immersion and external temperature control of auxiliary equipment (e.g., spectrophotometer cells, viscometer jackets, or reactor jackets), making it suitable for applications requiring strict thermal protocol adherence under ISO/IEC 17025 or GLP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• Air-cooled, fully sealed imported compressor with high cooling capacity and low noise operation
• Advanced PID digital temperature controller with ±0.1 °C stability across the full range (−20 to 99 °C)
• Touch-sensitive soft-key interface for intuitive parameter input, real-time monitoring, and programmable timing functions
• Full stainless steel inner tank and work surface—resistant to corrosion, easy to sanitize, and compliant with laboratory hygiene standards
• Dual circulation mode: internal bath temperature control and external fluid delivery via insulated outlet/inlet ports
• Programmable scheduling: delayed shutdown and scheduled startup to align with lab shift patterns or unattended overnight operation
• Integrated safety protections including over-temperature alarm, differential-temperature alarm, and automatic cut-off on fault detection
• Compact footprint (476 × 326 × 797 mm) with ergonomic operating panel layout for benchtop integration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TF-HX-15B accommodates a broad spectrum of sample formats—including glassware (beakers, flasks, cuvettes), metal reaction vessels, and jacketed reactors—via its standardized external circulation ports (G1/4″ BSP). Its stainless steel construction meets ASTM A240 and EN 10088-1 requirements for corrosion-resistant laboratory-grade austenitic steel. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and incorporates thermal management logic aligned with ISO 17025 Clause 6.4.1 (environmental condition control). While not certified for medical device manufacturing per FDA 21 CFR Part 820, its traceable temperature stability and audit-ready operational logs support GMP-aligned QC/QA environments when paired with validated external data loggers.

Software & Data Management

The TF-HX-15B features embedded firmware with non-volatile memory for storing up to 10 user-defined temperature profiles, each configurable with ramp rates, hold times, and alarm thresholds. Although it does not include native PC connectivity or proprietary software, its RS-232 port (optional adapter available) enables integration with third-party SCADA or LIMS platforms for centralized monitoring. All temperature setpoints, actual readings, alarm events, and runtime status are timestamped and displayed on the high-contrast LED screen. For regulated environments, users may deploy external USB data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300 series) to generate 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails, including electronic signatures and change history.

Applications

• Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against NIST-traceable references
• Viscosity measurements requiring stable thermal conditioning of samples prior to Brookfield or Anton Paar rheometer analysis
• Stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines at defined storage temperatures
• Cooling of HPLC column ovens, GC detectors, or laser sources during extended acquisition cycles
• Thermal preconditioning of polymer melts, adhesives, or colloidal dispersions prior to DSC or TGA analysis
• Enzyme kinetics studies where reaction rates are highly sensitive to ±0.1 °C deviations
• Material testing per ASTM D5272 (coolant bath performance) and ISO 293 (plastic compression molding temperature control)

FAQ

What is the minimum external circulation flow rate supported?
The unit delivers a nominal flow rate of 12–15 L/min at 0.2 MPa backpressure; optimal performance requires tubing ID ≥6 mm and total loop length ≤5 m.
Can the bath operate continuously at −20 °C ambient temperature?
Yes—the air-cooled system is rated for continuous operation in ambient conditions up to 30 °C; performance at lower ambient temperatures remains stable due to compressor modulation and insulation integrity.
Is the stainless steel tank electropolished for ultra-clean applications?
No—the interior uses standard #304 stainless steel with a No. 4 brushed finish, sufficient for general QC labs but not classified as USP Class VI or semiconductor-grade.
Does the unit support remote start/stop via dry contact input?
Not natively; however, the RS-232 interface allows command-based control (e.g., “START”, “STOP”, “SET TEMP=25.0”) when used with compatible terminal emulation software.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Compressor oil and refrigerant levels require inspection every 24 months; condenser coil cleaning is advised quarterly in dusty environments; calibration verification using a traceable reference thermometer is recommended semiannually.