What Is an Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer?
An ultra-low temperature freezer is a refrigeration device capable of maintaining temperatures significantly lower than standard refrigerators, typically between -80°C to -196°C. Some models even use liquid helium for temperatures near -268.9°C, the boiling point of liquid helium. These freezers are ideal for materials and samples requiring storage or processing at low temperatures.
Uses of Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers
Ultra-low temperature freezers have diverse applications in medical, food production, and manufacturing industries.
1. Medical
These freezers are crucial for storing biological samples, pharmaceuticals, and regenerative medicine materials. They are also integral in hospitals for biochemical sample storage and biobank management. Their installation costs are high, but they offer low greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Food Products
Ultra-low temperature freezers are used in frozen food production and preservation, maintaining the quality, freshness, and flavor of a wide range of foods, including vegetables and seafood.
3. Manufacturing Industry
Essential in the semiconductor industry, these freezers are used for cooling processes, material synthesis, and handling superconducting materials.
Principle of Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers
Ultra-low temperature freezers employ advanced cooling techniques such as evaporative cooling with liquid nitrogen or helium and refrigerant circulation using substances like CFCs. Recent models use environmentally friendly refrigerants like R32 and R410A.
How to Select an Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer
Selection factors include capacity, cooling temperature range, and functionality.
1. Capacity
Choose based on the quantity and size of items to be stored, allowing for future demand changes.
2. Cooling Temperature Range
Identify the required cooling temperature range, typically between -80°C and -196°C, though some applications may need lower temperatures.
3. Functionality
Look for features like temperature controls and door locks, tailored to your sample and product management needs.