Thermo Scientific ULT185-5-A

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features
Warranty

This document describes the Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers from Thermo Scientific, providing installation, operation, and maintenance instructions.

Function Description

The Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers are designed for personal or clinical trial applications requiring ultra-low temperatures. They offer a compact footprint and are equipped with features to ensure stable and reliable temperature control for sensitive samples.

Important Technical Specifications

Capacity: 1 cu. ft. (28L)
Dimensions (without handle): 30.75" (78 cm) W x 24.25" (62 cm) D x 20" H
Dimensions (with handle): 30.75" (78 cm) W x 25.5" (65 cm) D x 20" H
Temperature Range: Designed to operate at -80°C
Compressors: Hermetically sealed industrial-grade compressors
Insulation: Foamed-in-place CFC-free urethane insulation
Cabinet Construction: All-steel cabinet with high-impact epoxy finish
Lid: Heavy-duty counterbalanced lid with key lock
Temperature Control: Solid-state temperature control system with adjustable setpoints
Temperature Display: Digital temperature display with 1°C resolution
Safety Alarm: Integrated preset over-temperature safety alarm with battery backup
Power Switch: Key-operated main power switch
Optional Accessory: 6-inch temperature recorders

Electrical Specifications

The freezers are available in different models with varying electrical specifications:

ULT185-5-A: 115V, 60Hz, 16A, 1Phase
ULT185-5-V: 230V, 50Hz, 12A, 1Phase

The freezer must be connected to a dedicated (separate) circuit. The supply voltage must be within ±10% of the nominal voltage. Proper grounding in conformity with national and local electrical codes is essential.

Usage Features

Unpacking: Upon delivery, inspect the exterior for physical damage. If damage is found, report it to the carrier immediately. Do not discard the sublid, as it is crucial for maintaining correct temperature, moisture control, and operational economy.
Location: Install the unit in a level area free from vibration, with a minimum of six inches of space on the sides, rear, and top for proper airflow. Avoid direct sunlight or near heating diffusers, radiators, or other sources of heat. The ambient temperature range for operation is 59°F to 90°F (15°C to 32°C).
Initial Loading: For "rapid-freeze" devices, large quantities of liquid or high-water content items will temporarily increase the chamber temperature and cause the compressors to operate for a prolonged time. This can jeopardize safety or cause undue stress or damage to the refrigeration compressors. When loading the unit with "pre-frozen" materials, the operating temperature setpoint should be set no lower than the temperature of the "pre-frozen" material. Allow the unit to operate at the setpoint for eight hours, then lower the setpoint in increments no greater than 10°C, allowing eight hours for each ten-degree adjustment until the desired setpoint is achieved.
Control Panel: The control panel features an LED digital temperature display, a recessed temperature control setpoint adjustment, a Power On/Alarm On switch, an Audio Silence switch, a Temperature Failure LED indicator, and a Setpoint Display button.
Start Up:
1. Plug the freezer into the power outlet.
2. Turn the key switch to the POWER ON position. The digital temperature display will show the cabinet temperature, the temperature failure light will illuminate, and the audio alarm will sound.
3. Press the Audio Silence switch to the ON position to silence the alarm.
Setting Cabinet Temperature:
1. Insert a small screwdriver into the slotted screw labeled "Temperature Setpoint" and simultaneously press and hold the "Setpoint Display" button. The display will show the existing setpoint value.
2. Turn the setpoint screw (clockwise for colder, counterclockwise for warmer) until the desired setpoint is displayed.
3. Release the "Setpoint Display" button; the display will return to the cabinet temperature.
Warm Alarm: The alarm is factory preset. For units operating at -80°C, the alarm setpoint is 90% of the freezer temperature setpoint. To activate the audio alarm, wait until the freezer reaches operating temperature and turn the Audio Silence switch to the OFF position. If the cabinet temperature rises above the alarm setpoint, the temperature failure light illuminates, and the audio alarm sounds. Press the Audio Silence switch to the ON position to silence the alarm.
Intended Use: These products are intended for use as cold storage in research labs and as general purpose laboratory freezers, storing samples or inventory at operating temperatures between -50°C and -80°C. They are not considered medical devices and have not been registered with a medical device regulatory body (e.g., FDA). They are not evaluated for the storage of samples for diagnostic use or for samples to be re-introduced to the body. Samples stored in this unit are extremely cold and pose a frostbite risk. Use proper insulated gloves for handling samples.

Maintenance Features

Condenser Maintenance: Clean the condenser at least every six months, or more often if the laboratory area is extremely dusty.
1. Pull the grill open.
2. Check the fans. If a fan is not operating, contact an Authorized Service Company immediately.
3. Vacuum the condenser.
4. Close the grill.
Gasket Maintenance: Periodically check the gaskets around the lid for punctures or tears. Leaks are indicated by a streak of frost that forms at the point of gasket failure. Ensure the cabinet is level. Keep the lid gaskets clean and frost-free by wiping gently with a soft cloth.
Defrost Procedures:
1. Remove all products and place them in another cabinet.
2. Turn off the unit and allow the interior to warm to room temperature.
3. Dispose of the ice and wipe out any water standing in the bottom of the cabinet.
4. If there is freezer odor, wash the interior with a solution of baking soda and warm water. Clean the exterior with any common household cleaning wax.
Alarm Battery Maintenance: Have a technician check the condition of the alarm battery at least once a year. To replace the alarm battery:
1. Remove the panel on the left side of the freezer. The alarm battery is located directly behind the grill, with "push on" type terminals.
2. Grasp the terminal with pliers and work it gently back and forth while pulling it off. The fittings are tight.
3. Remove the battery and replace it with a new one. (Note: You may need to cut a strip of silicone rubber to remove the battery).
4. Connect the battery terminals and replace the front grill.
Chart Recorders (Optional): Panel-mounted six-inch seven-day recorders are available as optional accessories.
- Set Up and Operation:
  1. Open the recorder door.
  2. Connect the nine-volt DC battery located at the recorder's upper right corner (provides backup power).
  3. Install clean chart paper.
  4. Remove the plastic cap from the pen stylus and close the recorder door.
  - Recorder operation begins when the system is powered on. The recorder may not respond until the system reaches temperature within its range.
  - Important: Do not use sharp or pointed objects to depress the chart buttons, as this may cause permanent damage.
- Power Supply: The recorder normally uses AC power. If AC power fails, the LED indicator flashes, and the recorder continues sensing cabinet temperature and turning for approximately 24 hours with backup power from the nine-volt battery. The LED glows continuously when main power is functioning and the battery is charged. A flashing LED indicates a low battery that needs charging.
- Changing Chart Paper:
  1. Locate the pressure-sensitive buttons at the front, upper left of the recorder panel.
  2. Press and hold the "Change Chart" button (#3) for one second; the pen will move off the scale.
  3. Unscrew the center nut, remove the old chart paper, and install new chart paper. Align the day and time with the reference mark (a small groove on the left side of the recorder panel).
  4. Replace the center nut and hand tighten. Press the "Change Chart" button again to resume recording.
- Calibration Adjustment: The recorder is factory calibrated. If adjustments are needed:
  1. Run the unit continuously at the control setpoint temperature for at least two hours for adequate recorder response.
  2. Measure cabinet center temperature with a calibrated temperature monitor.
  3. Compare the recorder temperature to the measured cabinet temperature. Adjust the recorder by pressing the left (#1) and right (#2) chart buttons if necessary. (Note: The stylus does not begin to move until the button is held for five seconds).

Warranty

USA Freezer Warranty: The warranty period starts two weeks from the shipping date. It covers component parts proven non-conforming in materials or workmanship for the first two years, including labor. Installation and calibration are not covered. Expendable items (glass, filters, pilot lights, light bulbs, door gaskets) are excluded. Prior approval from the Technical Services Department is required for any warranty work or returns. This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, including merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Thermo is not liable for indirect or consequential damages.
International Freezer Warranty: The warranty period starts two months from the shipping date. Dealers who stock equipment are allowed an additional four months for delivery and installation if the warranty card is completed and returned. Similar to the USA warranty, it covers component parts for two years, excluding labor, installation, calibration, and expendable items. Prior approval from the Technical Services Department is required. This warranty is also exclusive and limits liability for indirect or consequential damages.

For warranty registration, visit www.thermoscientific.com/labwarranty. For technical support in the USA/Canada, call 1-800-438-4851. For other regions, contact your local Thermo Scientific office or distributor.