Do you have a question about the Brookfield TC-502D and is the answer not in the manual?
Instructions for safely removing the circulator from its shipping carton and initial inspection.
How to adjust the safety set point for over-temperature and low-liquid protection.
Setting an upper temperature limit for safety and preventing unwanted shutdowns.
Procedure for adjusting the primary temperature set point for the bath.
Process for calibrating the controller's display against a certified reference thermometer.
Steps to diagnose and resolve issues when the unit fails to power on or function.
Troubleshooting guide for issues related to the pump not operating or moving fluid.
Identifying causes for reduced pump performance, such as voltage or kinks.
Steps to troubleshoot and resolve situations where the unit is not heating as expected.
Diagnosing causes for inadequate heating, including line voltage and heat load.
Instructions for safely removing the circulator from its shipping carton and initial inspection.
How to adjust the safety set point for over-temperature and low-liquid protection.
Setting an upper temperature limit for safety and preventing unwanted shutdowns.
Procedure for adjusting the primary temperature set point for the bath.
Process for calibrating the controller's display against a certified reference thermometer.
Steps to diagnose and resolve issues when the unit fails to power on or function.
Troubleshooting guide for issues related to the pump not operating or moving fluid.
Identifying causes for reduced pump performance, such as voltage or kinks.
Steps to troubleshoot and resolve situations where the unit is not heating as expected.
Diagnosing causes for inadequate heating, including line voltage and heat load.
The document describes a Brookfield Circulating Bath with a Digital Controller, designed for precise temperature control of fluids in various applications.
The Circulating Bath is primarily used as a stand-alone bath for immersing samples or for providing precise temperature control of fluids in closed-loop circulation to external equipment. It features a reservoir for sample immersion and a two-speed simplex (pressure) pump for tempering samples or circulating fluids in closed loops. It is not designed for pumping from its reservoir into and out of a second open reservoir. Refrigeration is typically required for operation below 40°C but should not be used above 55°C or when ambient air temperature exceeds 32°C. Non-refrigerated models can use an auxiliary cooling coil for temperatures between 24°C and 35°C to ensure more precise control and faster response.
The Circulating Bath models (TC-102D, TC-202D, TC-502D, TC-602D) offer a temperature range from Ambient +5°C to 150°C for TC-102D and TC-202D, and from -20°C to 150°C for TC-502D and TC-602D. All models boast a temperature stability of ±0.05°C and a readout accuracy of ±0.5°C. Heating is provided by 1100 Watts for 115V models and 1600 Watts for 240V models. Reservoir volumes are 6 liters for TC-102D, TC-202D, and TC-602D, and 10 liters for TC-502D. The pump offers two speeds: 9 liters per minute or 15 liters per minute. All models include user-adjustable over-temperature protection.
Dimensions vary by model:
Power requirements are 9A @ 115V/1/60Hz (105V - 125V) or 4.5A @ 240V/1/50Hz (200V - 260V) for TC-102D and TC-202D, and 10A @ 115V/1/60Hz (105V - 125V) or 5A @ 240V/1/50Hz (200V - 260V) for TC-502D and TC-602D. All wetted parts are corrosion-resistant 300 series stainless steel.
Environmental conditions for operation include indoor use only, maximum altitude of 2000 meters, relative humidity of 80% for temperatures up to 30°C, and an operating ambient temperature of 5°C to 30°C.
The pump outlet ratings at 50/60Hz are 15 LPM/2.6 PSI for HIGH speed and 9 LPM/1.5 PSI for LOW speed, measured with water as the circulation fluid.
The digital controller features a display, preset temperature buttons (P1, P2, P3), a Safety Set Reset button, a Safety Set Indicator Knob, Cooling Light (on refrigerating/heating models), Power ON/OFF button, Heating Light, °F Light, Select/Set Knob (push to set, turn to adjust), and °C Light. The rear panel includes a Pump Speed Switch (HIGH/LOW), identification label, pump inlet, reservoir purge port, pump outlet, AC input, and a circuit breaker/AC power switch.
Unpacking and Setup: The unit is shipped in a special carton, which should be retained. Users must ensure no packing material remains around the heater or circulator pump before powering up. The circulator should be located on a level surface, away from drafts, direct sunlight, corrosive fumes, excessive moisture, high room temperatures, or excessive dust. Refrigerating/Heating Circulators require a minimum of four inches (102mm) clearance from walls for proper airflow.
Filling the Reservoir: The maximum fill level is one inch (25mm) below the top of the reservoir, ensuring the heater coil, pump, and over-temperature sensor are fully covered. For refrigerating/heating circulators, the fluid level should always be above the cooling coils.
Power and Safety: An IEC power cord is provided. The unit must be plugged into a properly grounded outlet matching the specified voltage and frequency. An extension cord is not recommended. The Safety Set feature automatically disconnects power to the heater and pump if the liquid level drops too low or the controller fails. It is user-adjustable between 40°C and 210°C and should be set at least 5°C higher than the High Limit temperature.
Temperature Control:
Circulation: The pump inlet and outlet ports are female 1/2 inch NPT connections. Barbed tubing adapters or hard plumbing fittings can be used. If not used for external circulation, the provided tubing should connect the inlet and outlet to optimize fluid mixing. For closed-loop circulation, avoid restrictions in tubing and ensure adequate flow.
Reservoir Fluids: A variety of fluids can be used, provided they are chemically compatible with the reservoir and pump, suitable for the temperature range, and have a viscosity of 50 centistokes or less at the lowest operating temperature. Distilled water is recommended for 10°C to 90°C. TC-FLUID 2 is recommended below 10°C. Deionized water, flammable fluids, strong acids/bases, and solutions with halides or chromium salts should not be used.
Calibration: The controller's bath temperature display can be matched to an external certified reference thermometer. This involves setting the operating fluid temperature, allowing it to stabilize, then pressing P2 and P3 simultaneously until "oCx.x" appears, followed by holding P1 until "Cal" is displayed. The Select/Set Knob is used to adjust the offset value to match the reference thermometer.
Heater: The heater should be kept clean. Deposits can be removed by scrubbing with a non-metallic abrasive pad.
Pump Motor: The pump bearings are permanently lubricated and do not require additional lubrication. If the bearings become noisy, replacement of the entire pump motor is recommended.
Cleaning: Only mild detergents and water or approved cleaners should be used on painted and stainless steel surfaces. Cleaning liquids should not enter controller vents. A concentrated bath cleaner (TC-Fluid 6) is available for mineral deposits.
Maintaining Clear Bath Water: To prevent algae growth when using water, an algaecide (TC-Fluid 1) should be used. Chlorine bleach should not be used.
Condenser, Air Vents, and Reusable Filter (Refrigerating/Heating Circulators Only): To maintain optimum cooling, the condenser, air vents, and reusable filter should be kept free of dust and dirt. The reusable filter is easily accessed from the bottom/front of the unit and can be washed with mild detergent and water.
| Model | TC-502D |
|---|---|
| Temperature Stability | ±0.01°C |
| Bath Volume | 5 Liters |
| Display | Digital |
| Temperature Range | -20°C to 150°C |
| Heater Power | 1000 W |
| Temperature Control | PID |
| Power Supply | 230V, 50/60Hz |