Tianfeng TF-HX-15L Precision Circulating Chiller/Heater with Dual-Temperature Control

Overview

The Tianfeng TF-HX-15L Precision Circulating Chiller/Heater is a high-performance, dual-mode thermal control system engineered for laboratory-grade temperature stability and reproducibility. Designed around a closed-loop refrigeration–heating architecture, it integrates an air-cooled hermetic compressor (imported), an optimized evaporator based on large-volume heat exchange principles, and a microprocessor-controlled PID algorithm to deliver precise thermal regulation across an exceptionally wide operational range—from −120 °C to +99 °C. Unlike basic water baths, the TF-HX-15L functions as both an in-situ bath and an external temperature source: its dual-circulation capability enables internal experiments (e.g., sample immersion) and external temperature conditioning of auxiliary equipment—including rotary evaporators, viscometers, electrophoresis units, cryogenic medical devices (e.g., cooling caps and therapeutic blankets), and high-vacuum systems (e.g., electron microscopes, diffusion pumps, and ion pumps). The unit’s stainless steel 304 bath chamber ensures chemical resistance and long-term integrity under repeated thermal cycling and solvent exposure.

Key Features

• Wide dual-range temperature control (−120 °C to +99 °C) with ±0.1 °C stability at setpoint—validated under steady-state load conditions per ISO 17025-aligned calibration protocols.
• Integrated internal and external circulation: supports direct bath use or remote thermal transfer via flexible tubing (standard 10–16 mm OD ports), enabling seamless integration into multi-instrument workflows.
• Advanced PID temperature controller with digital LED display, touch-sensitive soft keys, real-time temperature/time readout, programmable start/stop scheduling, and configurable alarm thresholds (over-temperature and differential-temperature alerts).
• High-efficiency air-cooled refrigeration system using an imported hermetic compressor and an enhanced evaporator design—engineered for rapid cooldown and uniform axial/radial temperature distribution within the 15 L working volume.
• Compact footprint (476 × 326 × 797 mm) with ergonomic operating panel (200 × 160 × 200 mm); front-accessible fluid ports and maintenance-friendly service layout compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards.
• Robust construction: 304 stainless steel bath interior, reinforced insulation layer, and EMI-filtered power supply—designed for continuous operation in regulated environments including GLP and GMP laboratories.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TF-HX-15L accommodates a broad spectrum of sample formats and experimental configurations. Its open-bath geometry supports immersion of flasks, cuvettes, reaction vessels, and sensor probes up to 150 mm in height. When used externally, it delivers thermally stable coolant or heating fluid (water, ethanol/water mixtures, silicone oil, or low-viscosity glycol solutions) to third-party instruments requiring precise thermal input. The system complies with ISO 9001:2015 quality management requirements and conforms to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrical safety standards per IEC 61010-1:2010. While not certified for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its digital logging interface supports integration with validated LIMS or ELN platforms where audit-trail functionality is implemented at the enterprise software level.

Software & Data Management

The TF-HX-15L operates via embedded firmware without proprietary PC software dependency. All operational parameters—including setpoint, actual bath temperature, runtime, alarm status, and scheduled events—are retained in non-volatile memory and displayed in real time. Optional RS485 or analog 4–20 mA output interfaces (available upon request) enable connection to PLC-based lab automation systems or SCADA networks for centralized monitoring. For laboratories requiring electronic record retention, the unit’s timestamped event log (power-on, alarm triggers, temperature deviations >±0.3 °C) can be exported manually via USB or serial dump for inclusion in analytical reports aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.

Applications

This circulator serves as a foundational thermal platform across multiple disciplines: in pharmaceutical R&D, it maintains precise bath temperatures during dissolution testing (USP ) and stability studies; in polymer science, it controls rheometer Peltier stages or DSC sample holders; in biophysics, it stabilizes electrophoresis tanks and PCR pre-chill modules; in materials testing, it provides calibrated cold/hot sources for coefficient-of-thermal-expansion (CTE) measurements (ASTM E831); and in analytical chemistry, it cools condensers on rotary evaporators or regulates column ovens in HPLC systems. Its −120 °C capability also supports cryo-sample handling prior to TEM grid preparation or low-temperature spectroscopy.

FAQ

What fluids are compatible with the TF-HX-15L bath chamber and circulation loop?
Deionized water, 30–50% aqueous ethylene glycol, silicone oils (up to 100 cSt), and low-aromatic hydrocarbon blends are suitable. Avoid halogenated solvents, strong oxidizers, and fluids with pH 10.
Can the unit maintain temperature stability during extended external circulation?
Yes—when paired with insulated tubing and properly sized external heat exchangers, the system sustains ±0.15 °C stability at the remote point under typical flow rates of 10–25 L/min (verified per ASTM E2217 test protocol).
Is remote monitoring or network integration supported?
Standard configuration includes local display only. RS485 Modbus RTU or 4–20 mA analog output modules are available as factory-installed options for integration into building management or lab automation systems.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal performance?
Compressor oil and refrigerant levels should be verified annually; air filter cleaning is required every 3 months in dust-prone environments; stainless steel bath interior should be rinsed weekly if used with non-aqueous media.
Does the unit meet regulatory requirements for GLP-compliant laboratories?
The hardware meets mechanical and electrical safety prerequisites for GLP environments. Full compliance requires user-established procedures for calibration traceability (e.g., NIST-traceable probe verification), preventive maintenance logs, and change-control documentation—all supported by the device’s operational transparency and alarm history.