ZOLLO HX-030 Cryogenic Constant Temperature Circulator (30 L Capacity)

Overview

The ZOLLO HX-030 Cryogenic Constant Temperature Circulator is an engineered thermal management system designed for precise, stable, and repeatable temperature control across demanding laboratory applications. Operating on the principle of closed-loop liquid circulation with dual-path thermal regulation—internal bath homogenization and high-flow external delivery—the HX-030 maintains setpoint accuracy within ±0.05 °C over its full operational range of −40 °C to +105 °C. Its thermally optimized stainless steel (304) bath provides chemical resistance, structural integrity, and long-term compatibility with aqueous, organic, and cryogenic heat-transfer fluids (e.g., ethanol/water or silicone oil mixtures). The unit integrates a high-efficiency air-cooled hermetic refrigeration compressor, enabling rapid cooldown from ambient to −40 °C in under 45 minutes—critical for time-sensitive reaction kinetics, enzyme stability assays, and low-temperature material characterization.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with real-time deviation correction and 0.01 °C digital resolution
• Dual-circulation architecture: internal recirculation ensures bath uniformity; external pump delivers 16–18 L/min at pressures up to 0.3 bar for reliable coupling with external equipment
• Stainless steel 304 bath (30 L capacity) with integrated drain valve for maintenance and fluid exchange
• Comprehensive safety suite: independent over-temperature cutoff, compressor thermal overload protection, and current surge detection
• Low-noise operation (<65 dB(A)) suitable for shared lab environments and cleanroom-adjacent installations
• Front-panel interface with intuitive keypad navigation and LED status indicators for system diagnostics

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HX-030 supports direct immersion of sample containers—including glass reactors, jacketed flasks, and bioreactor vessels—within its open bath, enabling static thermal conditioning without external plumbing. When used as a chiller/heater for peripheral instrumentation (e.g., rotary evaporators, spectrophotometer Peltier cells, or electron microscope cooling stages), it complies with standard laboratory utility interfaces per IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment) and meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Class B limits per EN 61326-1. While not certified for GMP or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its deterministic temperature logging capability (via optional RS485/Modbus RTU output) supports traceability in GLP-aligned workflows when integrated with validated third-party data acquisition systems.

Software & Data Management

The HX-030 operates autonomously via its embedded firmware and does not require proprietary software for basic function. For advanced integration, optional RS485 serial communication enables bidirectional parameter control and real-time temperature telemetry using Modbus RTU protocol. This allows seamless incorporation into LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom SCADA platforms for synchronized multi-instrument protocols—such as ramp-hold sequences during polymerization studies or gradient-controlled crystallization trials. All temperature setpoints, actual readings, and alarm events are timestamped internally; historical data export requires external logging hardware or PLC interfacing. No cloud connectivity or remote web interface is provided, preserving network security and data sovereignty in regulated research settings.

Applications

• Temperature-controlled chemical synthesis in jacketed reactors and pilot-scale fermenters
• Cooling support for rotary evaporation under reduced pressure (−20 °C to +5 °C condenser operation)
• Thermal stabilization of optical instruments including Abbe refractometers and interferometric measurement setups
• Pre-conditioning of biological samples prior to cryo-SEM preparation or controlled-rate freezing
• Calibration validation of thermocouples, RTDs, and infrared pyrometers across extended ranges
• Material testing of polymers, adhesives, and composites under thermal cycling per ASTM D696 and ISO 11359

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature and how quickly can it reach −40 °C?
The HX-030 achieves −40 °C from 25 °C ambient in approximately 42–48 minutes, depending on ambient humidity and heat-load conditions. Pre-chilling the bath fluid and minimizing lid opening improves cooldown efficiency.
Can this circulator be used with silicone oil or other non-aqueous heat-transfer fluids?
Yes—provided the fluid’s viscosity remains below 50 cSt at the lowest operating temperature and its flash point exceeds 150 °C. Users must verify chemical compatibility with 304 stainless steel and elastomer seals before extended use.
Is external circulation flow rate adjustable?
No—the external pump operates at fixed speed. Flow modulation must be achieved externally using calibrated bypass valves or flow restrictors installed in the supply line.
Does the unit include calibration documentation or NIST-traceable certification?
Factory calibration is performed at three points (0 °C, 25 °C, and 100 °C) using reference-grade PRTs. A certificate of conformance is supplied; NIST-traceable calibration requires third-party service.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the refrigeration system?
Compressor oil and filter-drier replacement is advised every 24 months under continuous operation. Annual inspection of refrigerant charge, condenser coil cleanliness, and electrical connections is recommended per manufacturer guidelines.