This document is the user manual for the USA Lab Recirculating Chiller, UC Series, covering models 5/10, 20/20, 20/40, 30/30, 30/40, 50/30, 50/40, and 30/80. All chillers are CE Certified.
Function Description
The USA Lab Recirculating Chiller, UC Series, is a high-performance open-loop recirculating heater chiller designed for various laboratory applications. Its primary function is to maintain a consistent condensation rate when connected to a rotary evaporator, facilitating efficient thermal transfer. The chillers utilize internationally recognized phase-change compressors to achieve desired temperatures. The integrated pump ensures quick movement of the transfer fluid throughout the system.
Important Technical Specifications
The UC Series chillers offer a range of capacities and temperature capabilities, catering to diverse needs.
Model Specifications (Selected examples):
-
UC-5/10:
- Reservoir Capacity: 5L
- Reservoir Dimensions: 8" x 8"
- Temperature Range: Ambient to -10°C
- Power Requirements: Single / 110V / 12A (NEMA 5-20P plug)
- Compressor BTU Capacity (@20°C / @Min°C): 4,387 BTU / 1,000 BTU
- Pump Wattage: 100W
- Pump Flow Rate: 30 L/min
- Pump Pressure: 0.4 bar
- Port Connection Size: 1/2" Barb
- Overall Dimensions: 19" x 14" x 29"
- Weight: 100 lbs.
-
UC-20/40:
- Reservoir Capacity: 20L
- Reservoir Dimensions: 11.8" x 11.8"
- Temperature Range: Ambient to -40°C
- Power Requirements: Single / 220-240V / 20A (NEMA 6-20P plug)
- Compressor BTU Capacity (@20°C / @Min°C): 12,250 BTU / 3,300 BTU
- Pump Wattage: 100W
- Pump Flow Rate: 30 L/min
- Pump Pressure: 2.2 bar
- Port Connection Size: 5/8" Barb
- Overall Dimensions: 24.8" x 20.4" x 43.3"
- Weight: 164 lbs.
-
UC-30/80:
- Reservoir Capacity: 30L
- Reservoir Dimensions: 13.7" x 13.7"
- Temperature Range: Ambient to -80°C
- Power Requirements: Single / 220-240V / 30A (NEMA L6-30P plug)
- Compressor BTU Capacity (@20°C / @Min°C): 16,000 BTU / 1,450 BTU
- Pump Wattage: 100W
- Pump Flow Rate: 30 L/min
- Pump Pressure: 2.2 bar
- Port Connection Size: 5/8" Barb
- Overall Dimensions: 39" x 31.9" x 48.4"
- Weight: 473 lbs.
-
UC-50/40:
- Reservoir Capacity: 50L
- Reservoir Dimensions: 17.7" x 13.7"
- Temperature Range: Ambient to -40°C
- Power Requirements: Single / 220-240V / 30A (NEMA L6-30P plug)
- Compressor BTU Capacity (@20°C / @Min°C): 37,500 BTU / 4,050 BTU
- Pump Wattage: 100W
- Pump Flow Rate: 30 L/min
- Pump Pressure: 2.2 bar
- Port Connection Size: 5/8" Barb
- Overall Dimensions: 27" x 24" x 46"
- Weight: 341 lbs.
Thermal Transfer Fluids:
The recommended transfer fluid is a blend of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Distilled Water (DW). Specific blend ratios are provided for different temperature ranges:
- -10°C: 30% PG : 70% DW
- -20°C: 40% PG : 60% DW
- -30°C: 50% PG : 50% DW
- -40°C: 60% PG : 40% DW
Ethanol (ISO, 200P, 200P+H) and Silicone Oil are also compatible with certain models, while automotive anti-freeze and tap water are strictly prohibited due to potential corrosion and rusting.
Usage Features
- Portability: Equipped with casters for easy movement within the laboratory.
- Insulated Hoses: Includes insulated silicone hoses that remain flexible even at lower temperatures, ensuring efficient thermal transfer and preventing heat loss.
- Clear Display: Features a clear and easy-to-read display for monitoring and setting parameters. Select versions also include a touchscreen interface.
- Control Panel Operation:
- LCD Display (e.g., UC-50/40): Allows users to set the desired temperature using "Set," "Up," and "Down" buttons. Separate buttons for "Loop" (fluid pump) and "Cooling" enable precise control over the chiller's operation.
- PLC Display (e.g., UC-30/80): Offers a more advanced interface with indications for heating, cooling, setting temperature, measured temperature, local temperature, running time, setting time, operating cycle, and running steps. The PLC display allows for program setting with multiple steps and cycles.
- Safety Features:
- Requires Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
- Emphasizes correct and well-grounded power connections.
- Fluid lines must be unobstructed.
- Compressor imposes a 10-minute cool-down period before restarting and should not cycle more than 5 times per day.
- The unit should not be unplugged while running.
- Installation is recommended in a climate-controlled facility.
- Prohibits the use of generators for power.
- Power cable length should not be altered.
- Repairs must be performed by USA Lab or under their instruction.
- Users are warned against modifying parameters without authorization, as this voids the warranty.
- Installation:
- Includes insulated tubing, a barbed fitting with valve, and PTFE sealing tape.
- Tubing connections require PTFE thread tape for a secure seal.
- The chiller's outlet should be connected to the lowest point of the external system, and the inlet to the highest point, to ensure proper fluid circulation.
- Each unit requires its own dedicated electrical circuit, installed by a licensed professional.
- An operating area with 12-16 inches of clearance around the unit is necessary for proper ventilation and to prevent performance degradation or part failure.
- Priming Instructions: A crucial step before operation involves priming the pump by filling the tank with fluid, opening the ball valve, running the pump for 5 minutes to remove air bubbles, and then shutting off the pump and closing the valve.
- Filling the System: Involves powering on the unit, filling the tank, opening the ball valve, turning on the fluid pump, and continuously monitoring the fluid level to ensure it does not drop below 1/4, stopping when the tank reaches the inlet elbow.
- Operating Steps: Always enable the pump first, then the cooling function. When not in use, close the ball valve and shut off power to prevent overflow.
Maintenance Features
- Periodic Maintenance:
- Cleaning: The unit should be wiped clean with a damp soft cloth. Stubborn stains can be removed with neutral detergents. Direct water splashing, abrasive powders, or harsh chemicals are prohibited.
- Fluid Monitoring: Propylene Glycol degrades over time; monthly testing with glycol test strips is recommended.
- Condenser Cleaning: The condenser should be checked and cleaned regularly—quarterly for low-dust environments or monthly for high-dust facilities.
- Unit Inspection: Monthly inspection for leaks, broken glass, melting, burning, or other damages is advised.
- Internal Parts: Maintenance of internal electrical and heating parts must be performed by professionals or trained electricians.
- Long-Term Storage:
- Empty the unit of fluid.
- Cap the inlet and outlet ports.
- Clean the condenser and the body of the unit.
- Wrap the unit with plastic for protection.
- Store in a secure, level location.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting section to address common issues such as no power, incorrect temperature display, electrical shock, and inefficient cooling, offering potential causes and solutions.
- Warranty: USA Lab products come with a one to two-year warranty covering workmanship, mechanical, and material defects. The warranty does not cover failures due to alteration, misuse, accidents, abuse, wear items (e.g., glassware, heating elements), or wrongful input voltage. Using anything other than distilled water in the chiller voids the warranty. For non-continental US customers, shipping, labor, and customs duties for repairs are the customer's responsibility.
- Return Policy: A 30-day return policy is offered, with specific conditions:
- No returns for customized items, solvents, or consumables.
- Pre-orders canceled incur a 10% non-refundable fee.
- A 15% restocking fee applies to items returned within 30 days in original, undamaged packaging.
- Items must be returned in original packaging and undamaged condition, free of signs of usage or wear.
- Unused products not in original packaging are subject to a 25% restocking fee.
- Damaged or used products will not be refunded.
- Packaging: Users are advised to keep all original packaging for potential returns or repairs, as USA Lab is not responsible for providing packaging material.