Thermo Fisher Scientific ULT Clinic Peter Diebold Cold Storage Specialist
What is a ULT Clinic? UltraLow Temperature sample preservation is critical to modern life-science research ULT Freezers = biological sample preservation & PROTECTION 1. Understand environmental effects on and of the freezers 2. Recognize basic maintenance signs and requirements 3. Adapt practices that provide best scenario for freezers and samples New approach which will provide the best sample PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION Request a freezer evaluation 2
THERMO Laboratory Cold Storage Lab refrigerators & freezers (-30C to +4C) Brands: Revco, Isotemp, Forma, Jewett Types: Chromatography, General Purpose, Blood Bank, Plasma, Pharmacy, Enzyme, Special Storage: Explosion proof, Flammable storage Defrost Modes: Manual or Auto Defrost Size Ranges: 4.9 cu ft to 80 cu ft Door Styles: Glass or solid door, Pass-through 3
THERMO Laboratory Cold Storage Cryogenic Storage ( -140C) Mechanical Cryogenic Freezers Long term storage powered by electricity backed up with LN2 LN2 CryoPlus Autofill Storage Units use LN2, auto adjustable fill height CRM/CRC/Locators Manual fill, sensors available Services Repairs Maintenance Service Contracts 4
Today s Focus; Thermo Scientific ULT s ULTs (-40C to -80C) Chest & Upright Freezers Brands: Revco & Forma Specialty: Revco Ultima PLUS HD; Forma-Double door; Blast freezer Sizes: Chest: 1, 3, 12, 17, 20; Upright: 11, 13, 17, 21, 23, 25, 32 5
Refrigeration Design - Typical ULT Heat Exchanger Evaporator Coils Low Stage High Stage Condenser Compressor 6
THE CONDENSER! What is it for? The condenser allows heat to escape from the refrigerant via multiple fin like coils. Air is pulled through the condenser using fans and also across the compressors. A clogged condenser will affect the ability of the system to remove heat. 7
DOOR GASKET WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Good seals helps assure product protection. Minimizes ambient temp. and humidity migration to the interior. Benefit- less frost builds up on the inner doors and chest sub-lids. Provides an energy efficient thermal barrier to keep cold air in and room temperature out. Reduces maintenance, because less frost buildup. MAXIMUM SAMPLE PROTECTION! 8
GASKET AND SEAL MAINTENANCE! Inspect gasket for leaks and tears. Gaskets that have ice buildup should be replaced. Keep door gaskets free of frost & snow by periodically wiping with a soft cloth Don t tear the Gasket. 9
DEFROST! Defrost interior chamber. Recommended once a year or whenever ice buildup exceeds 3/8. Large amount of buildup affects refrigeration performance 10
Let your freezer Breathe! Position freezer to allow air flow around the cabinet. Recommended six inches around all sides and twelve inches above. Boxes on the top block heat exchange and clog air flow. Install rear brackets. Ensure that ambient temperature remains below 30 degrees Celsius at all times. 11
Important considerations for ULT freezers Environment Impact of the freezer on the room temp Impact of the room temp on the freezer Sensitive equipment in close proximity to freezer Air handling equipment Air flow-down draft effect on air exchange Back space for heat egress Unblocked hot air egress Power demand-summer vs winter Dedicated line importance 12
Important considerations for ULT freezers Maintenance ULT gasket vs refrigerator gasket Importance of keeping them clear Methods of cleaning gaskets Ice inside bubble gasket Snow vs ice Using ShopVac to de-snow a freezer Location of thermocouple & keeping it clear Cleaning of condenser filter Dust on condenser Oil logging-how it occurs Importance of a PM 13
Important considerations for ULT freezers General Organization Importance of organizing a ULT freezer Keeping a map of contents available Knowing where to find samples BEFORE opening door Keeping a list of what you want to remove from unit Minimizing door openings extends the life of your ULT freezer have a plan before you enter the unit Keeping it FULL Racks-usage, types, optimization HAVE A CONTINGENCY PLAN! 14