The USA Lab Recirculating Closed Loop PLC Chiller, part of the CLC Series with PLC Control, is a laboratory chiller designed for precise temperature control in various applications. It is available in models including 60/80, 100/40, 100/80, 200/40, and 200/80, indicating different cooling capacities and pump sizes.
Function Description:
The chiller is designed for high-performance closed-loop recirculating, utilizing UL Listed phase change compressors from manufacturers like Danfoss, Panasonic, and Invotech. It circulates a transfer fluid, such as Ethanol or Dynalene XLT 2 (formerly XLT 120), to remove heat from an external process. The system features a flow-through plate heat exchanger for efficient cooling and includes a PLC automated control or manual control for operation.
Important Technical Specifications (Vary by Model):
- Expansion Tank Capacity: Ranges from 32L to 230L, depending on the model.
- Tank Dimensions: Typically 15.75" x 7.9" x 15.75" for smaller models, up to 53.2" x 13.8" x 19.7" for larger ones.
- Temperature Range: Generally -80°C to -40°C, with some models capable of reaching -80°C.
- Cooling Capacity: Varies significantly by model and temperature, e.g., 22kW @ 22°C to 368W @ -80°C for the 60/80 model, and up to 44kW @ 22°C to 735W @ -80°C for the 200/80 model.
- Exchanger Surface Area: Typically 1.40m² x 2.
- Temperature Accuracy: +/- 0.5°C.
- Power Requirements: Ranges from 208V to 240V 60Hz 1PH to 208V to 240V 60Hz 3PH.
- Amperage: Varies from 37A to 48A (Hardware Only).
- Circulating Pump Wattage: From 370W x 1 to 2.2kW x 1 (UL) or 3kW x 1 (UL).
- Condenser Fan Wattage: 280W x 1 to 280W x 4.
- Compressor Type: Scroll | 1HP Invotech x 1 to Scroll | 10HP Danfoss x 4 (UL).
- Control Type: Siemens PLC w/ Ext. Probe.
- Pump Flow Rate: From 11.4 gpm (42L/Min) to 98.4 ft. (30m).
- Pump Lift / Head: From 91 ft. (28m) to 82 ft. (25m).
- Pump Pressure: From 40.6 psi (2.8bar) to 34.8 psi (2.4bar).
- Inlet / Outlet Fitting Size: 3/4" MNPT to 1.5" FNPT or 2" Tri-Clamp.
- Refrigerant: R-404A STG 1 | R-23 STG 2.
- External Dimensions: Varies from 43.3" x 33.3" x 51.2" to 56.7" x 37.0" x 64.6".
- Weight: From 514 lbs. to 1144 lbs.
Usage Features:
- HMI Display Operation: The chiller features a Siemens Touchscreen HMI (Human Machine Interface) for easy control. The display shows the Process Value (PV) and Set Value (SV) temperatures, along with options for "Loop OFF," "Cooling OFF," "OFF-TIM," "Manual," "Curve," and "Recipe."
- Recipe Programming: Users can program up to 15 phases in each recipe, with the ability to enter a value of "0" to ignore that phase. Up to 70 recipes can be stored. Recipes allow for setting target temperatures and durations for each phase.
- Included Items: Each chiller comes with insulated flexible bellow hoses, Tri-clamp gaskets, PTFE thread tape, external probe, Tri-clamp adapters, and ball valves for installation.
- Thermal Transfer Fluids: Recommended fluids are Ethanol or Dynalene XLT 2. The manual explicitly warns against using tap water, as it can cause rusting and damage.
- Tubing Connections: The chiller uses tri-clamp fittings for secure and leak-proof connections. Proper insulation of tubing is crucial for performance.
- Electrical Connection: The unit requires a dedicated power circuit. Users must calculate the chiller compressor starting amperage for proper wire gauge and breaker sizing.
- Operating Area: The chiller should be operated in a climate-controlled facility with good ventilation. It's important to maintain ambient temperatures between 70°F and 20°C (or 90°F and 32°C for optimal performance).
- Priming: The manual provides detailed instructions for filling and priming the system, including steps to prevent air pockets and ensure proper fluid circulation.
Maintenance Features:
- Periodic Maintenance: Users are advised to shut off the breaker and disconnect the power cord before any maintenance. Stains should be cleaned with neutral detergents. Internal electrical and cooling parts should be serviced by professionals.
- Fluid: Ethanol should be evaporated over time, and the chiller should be checked and refilled periodically.
- Condenser: The condenser should be checked and cleaned quarterly for dust and debris.
- Unit: The unit should be checked monthly for leaks, broken glass, melting, burning, or other damages.
- Gauges: Refrigerant gauges should be checked regularly for pressure loss.
- Long Term Storage: For long-term storage, the unit should be emptied of fluid, the inlet and outlet capped, the condenser cleaned, the body cleaned, and the unit wrapped in shrink wrap plastic. It should be stored in a secure, level location with blocked casters.
- Troubleshooting: The manual includes a troubleshooting guide for common issues such as no power, incorrect temperature display, display not working correctly, shock from the shell, not cooling, and cooling slowly or warming. Solutions range from checking power connections and probes to inspecting for leaks and calling an HVAC professional.
Safety Precautions:
USA Lab emphasizes safety as a top priority. Users are required to be familiar with the chiller's operation and undergo proper training. The manual highlights several safety notices, including the importance of proper grounding, avoiding contact with moving parts, and using appropriate personal protective equipment. It also provides symbols and warnings for high voltage, explosive hazards, non-user serviceable parts, flammable hazards, and hot surfaces/steam hazards. The use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is mandatory.