Ultra-low freezers or ULT freezers are mechanical refrigeration equipment that stores contents at between −40 to −86 °C (−40 to −123 °F). They are designed to protect laboratory and clinical biological samples from degradation via cryopreservation. The nature of samples stored in a ULT freezer are often of high value and sometimes irreplaceable. Once commissioned, ULT freezers will be operating continuously unlike other lab equipment such as centrifuges which are only turned on/operated when required. Hence sample security and energy efficiency are some of the top priorities for many ULT freezer users.
With many options of ULT Freezers available in the market today, we will look at 3 key considerations to keep in mind when investing in an Ultra-low Temperature Freezer.
Refrigeration design (Compressor)
Like an engine in a vehicle, at the heart of the ULT lies its compressor. Traditional ULT freezer’s have standard compressors which cycle between 2 settings, either “ON” or “OFF”. Newer designs of ULTs use Variable Speed Compressors (V-Drive) which allow the compressor to change its speed accordingly.
Units with V-Drive compressors are designed to adapt to user patterns and cool more efficiently with lesser energy usage. This helps to substantially reduce energy costs for the user without compromising performance.
Refrigerants and their effects on the environment
Older ULT freezer models tend to have compressors that use refrigerants that contain HFCs and CFCs. Such compounds when emitted into the environment, are many times more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing to global warming. Hence these refrigerants tend to have a high GWP (Global Warming Potential). Most countries are looking at reducing HFC-related greenhouse gas emissions and are also progressively phasing out equipment that use high-GWP refrigerants.
Modern ULT freezer models have compressors that use Green (Hydrocarbon) refrigerants such as Ethane and Propane that have a lower global warming potential (GWP). Such refrigerants are more climate-friendly with a lower environmental impact. You can do your part in reducing the impact of climate change by switching to a newer ULT freezer model that uses green refrigerants!
Equipment Footprint
ULT Freezers are bulky equipment that you will need to allocate space for in your lab. Hence a good footprint to volume ratio will ensure that you are maximizing your storage capacity for your equipment. Newer models of ULT freezers have advanced temperature insulation utilizing both Polyurethane (PU) Foam and Vacuum Insulated Panels. This allows for a larger effective storage capacity while keeping the footprint of the unit small.
Conclusion:
Other considerations for a ULT freezer include the noise level, functionality of controller, data acquisition. Operating cost and energy efficiency is also a key factor to take into consideration as the lifespan of a ULT freezer is typically more than 10 years. A slightly higher priced but more energy efficient unit can actually help to save costs for the user in the long run.
Purchasing a ULT is an investment to protect your laboratory and clinical biological samples. Users should do their own comparisons and research in order to select a ULT freezer that best suits their needs and applications.
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Ultra-low freezers or ULT freezers are mechanical refrigeration equipment that stores contents at between −40 to −86 °C (−40 to −123 °F). They are designed to protect laboratory and clinical biological samples from degradation via cryopreservation. The nature of samples stored in a ULT freezer are often of high value and sometimes irreplaceable. Once commissioned, ULT freezers will be operating continuously unlike other lab equipment such as centrifuges which are only turned on/operated when required. Hence sample security and energy efficiency are some of the top priorities for many ULT freezer users.
With many options of ULT Freezers available in the market today, we will look at 3 key considerations to keep in mind when investing in an Ultra-low Temperature Freezer.
Refrigeration design (Compressor)
Like an engine in a vehicle, at the heart of the ULT lies its compressor. Traditional ULT freezer’s have standard compressors which cycle between 2 settings, either “ON” or “OFF”. Newer designs of ULTs use Variable Speed Compressors (V-Drive) which allow the compressor to change its speed accordingly.
Units with V-Drive compressors are designed to adapt to user patterns and cool more efficiently with lesser energy usage. This helps to substantially reduce energy costs for the user without compromising performance.
Refrigerants and their effects on the environment
Older ULT freezer models tend to have compressors that use refrigerants that contain HFCs and CFCs. Such compounds when emitted into the environment, are many times more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing to global warming. Hence these refrigerants tend to have a high GWP (Global Warming Potential). Most countries are looking at reducing HFC-related greenhouse gas emissions and are also progressively phasing out equipment that use high-GWP refrigerants.
Modern ULT freezer models have compressors that use Green (Hydrocarbon) refrigerants such as Ethane and Propane that have a lower global warming potential (GWP). Such refrigerants are more climate-friendly with a lower environmental impact. You can do your part in reducing the impact of climate change by switching to a newer ULT freezer model that uses green refrigerants!
Equipment Footprint
ULT Freezers are bulky equipment that you will need to allocate space for in your lab. Hence a good footprint to volume ratio will ensure that you are maximizing your storage capacity for your equipment. Newer models of ULT freezers have advanced temperature insulation utilizing both Polyurethane (PU) Foam and Vacuum Insulated Panels. This allows for a larger effective storage capacity while keeping the footprint of the unit small.
Conclusion:
Other considerations for a ULT freezer include the noise level, functionality of controller, data acquisition. Operating cost and energy efficiency is also a key factor to take into consideration as the lifespan of a ULT freezer is typically more than 10 years. A slightly higher priced but more energy efficient unit can actually help to save costs for the user in the long run.
Purchasing a ULT is an investment to protect your laboratory and clinical biological samples. Users should do their own comparisons and research in order to select a ULT freezer that best suits their needs and applications.
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