Things to Consider when Selecting an Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer

The use of ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers is essential to any lab environment, as they help to ensure the safe storage of precious samples. ULTs store a variety of analytes and products within the -50°C to -80°C range, from biospecimens to enzymes and drugs.

The ULTs of many labs store hundreds of thousands of dollars in products and play a vital role in protecting samples critical to their research. Lab professionals demand reliability, but they must also take into account factors such as storage capacity, energy usage, noise levels, and other issues that can affect their daily workflows and operational costs.

All of these factors make ULT freezers a difficult product to judge by a single attribute alone. Their performance is a function of these collective considerations – which ultimately translate into one important outcome: peace of mind. Choosing the right ULT freezer in Dubai from us, as it isn’t easy when there are so many options available today.

Consider the following factors when identifying a truly superior model:

Reliability

Having high-quality, properly stored samples is vital when making a cold storage decision because your science depends on them. High-quality freezers ensure that cabinet temperatures are controlled precisely. Also, you shouldn’t have to be concerned about your samples when the lights go out at night – your ULT needs to get cold and stay cold.

Almost every freezer has a location within the cabinet that is warmer or colder than average, however, you should look for units that minimize this temperature spread, or peak variation. An excellent freezer (i.e. one with minimal peak variations) is crucial for temperature uniformity within the cabinet, as well as temperature stability. In order to prevent samples from repeatedly thawing and freezing as the freezer door is opened throughout the day, both factors are essential. Scientists can also take full advantage of good peak variation by not limiting themselves to “The Goldilocks Zone.”

Reliability is directly related to sample integrity. As long as the system that maintains the temperature is reliable, your samples will be as well. A compressor is a critical component of a ULT freezer, but not all compressors are created equal. In contrast to constantly moving systems, the Thermo ScientificTM TSX series of ULTs uses a variable-speed compressor with an adaptive V-drive. In place of continuously running, the V-drive system operates like a car, accelerating and decelerating in response to usage and the environment, delivering the right cooling capacity for any given situation. We provide a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty because this gradual ramp up and slow down reduces the stress on the compressor and extends its life!

Usability

Another important consideration when choosing a ULT is its ease of use. Make sure you pay attention to the features inherent in the units you’re evaluating and look for robust interfaces that offer monitoring and control. For example, remote monitoring capabilities can reduce the risk of undetected malfunctions During off-hours, storms or other natural events that may endanger your samples. On the market today, many ULTs incorporate icons that advise users if there is a power failure, a warm or cold excursion, and if the door has been left open. To minimize user error when checking the temperature status, look for a unit that uses numerical indicators of operating temperatures.

You should also consider the ergonomic advantages of the system you’re evaluating and how comfortable it will be to use each day. A one-handed opening door, for example, may be overlooked at the time of purchase but becomes an extremely helpful feature when you’re constantly carrying things back and forth, such as notebooks and samples. Likewise, the depth and height of shelves need to be considered. If users are constantly reaching into or bending over the system to load or retrieve samples, it could cause unintended physical stress.

Sustainability

In choosing lab technology, sample security should always be considered, but sustainability has also become increasingly important. A ULT is particularly energy-intensive due to its low operating temperatures.

Fortunately, Thermo Scientific offers a number of energy-savings models that meet today’s sustainability demands without sacrificing sample temperature protection. ULT freezers are designed to be used with green hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants that adhere to the U.S. EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, the EU’s F-gas regulations, and other regulatory programs. Besides improving system performance, hydrocarbon refrigerants have a minimal environmental impact.

Samples can be put at risk when a reduction in energy usage is implemented and in some instances, this leads to the sacrifice in temperature controls. Always make sure that you find the right product providers that value energy efficiency. Also, those who take a measured approach in maximizing sample sustainability without risking sample quality.

Convenience

Ultimately, consider the important features that enhance convenience, like noise deduction. The constant hum of ULT freezers has force-shifted their location outside of the core lab workspace. Nowadays, advanced compressor technology has reduced its noise considerably. This has enabled labs to bring ULTs back into their core working space streamlining processes through quicker and easier sample access.

Advances in compressor technology have made it possible to significantly reduce noise today. As a matter of fact, the TSX series is up to 20 times quieter than competing technologies. In many labs, this has allowed them to bring ULTs back into the direct working environment, streamlining processes through quicker and easier access to samples.

It is imperative to reinstall TSX series units in the main lab area since they will be notating to lower energy bills. The way the unit is powered should also be considered. When you plug into a standard outlet, you have more options when compared to units with more specialized power needs. TSX series units, like those in the TSX series generation, are compelling reasons to bring them back into the main lab area, as they won’t substantially increase the temperature. Also, lower energy bills can be attained by reducing heat output which means less strain on the HVAC system.

Furthermore, don’t forget such as those within the TSX series generate a product warranty before you sign, and think about the long-term benefits of your provider partnerships.

Conclusion

A ULT is a large and costly investment, but it is also essential. Consider all the factors that contribute to a superior ULT freezer before you purchase one laboratory equipment. To learn more about Thermo Fisher Scientific’s range of cold storage solutions, including ULT freezers in Dubai, feel free to reach us.