FARRAR® ULT freezer chambers with forced air convection cooling
Together with FARRAR, we offer you unique solutions for ultra-low temperature storage. FARRAR is a pioneer in air convection cooling which ensures maximum performance, safety and efficiency in cold storage. Specifically designed for pharmaceutical and life science applications, the ULC-190, ULC-259 and ULC-311 are the only -20 °C to -80 °C and +2 °C to +8 °C forced convection freezers for ultra-low temperatures on the market today.
ULT storage under the best possible conditions
Our FARRAR cooling chambers are particularly suitable for fast, efficient and sustainable refrigerated storage of large product volumes.
With a capacity of 5,380 to 8,806 liters, these solutions contribute to the effective use of available space as they only require 4.36 m². The units offer unsurpassed temperature homogeneity with an accuracy of +/-3.0 °C. They also feature fully redundant systems (control, cooling, airflow) and have the fastest temperature recovery in the industry.
Key features at a glance:
- Integrated full redundancy (cooling, control, electrical)
- Best temperature uniformity on the market (+/- 3.0 °C)
- Low temperature deviation (+/- 1 °C)
- Circulating air cooling for a wide temperature range
- Forced air convection for rapid cooling
- Universal suitability for all container sizes and optional rack/shelf system
What do our FARRAR freezer solutions offer?
FARRAR is a pioneer in the field of forced air convection cooling to meet the challenge of preserving and storing biological and tissue samples and materials. The Ultra-Low Chamber (ULC-190), the Ultra-Low Chamber "Pallet" (ULC-311) and the newly launched ULC-259 have been specially developed for life science applications and are the only freezers available on the market with forced air cooling at ultra-low temperatures from -20 °C to -80 °C.
Exceptionally high capacity
Designed as a reach-in solution, the chamber has a capacity of up to 8,806 liters in an area of just a few square meters. Compared to conventional freezers, you save 50 % floor space.
Eliminates the need for a backup freezer
Integrated, fully redundant systems (control, cooling, airflow and power).
Unsurpassed metrological performance
The exceptionally precise temperature uniformity at any set temperature allows you to be confident that accuracy of better than +/-3°C is maintained throughout the ULC at both -20°C and -80°C chamber temperatures. In addition, the ULC has the fastest temperature recovery in the industry, meaning that it will return to the desired temperature 10 times faster after the door is opened. This ensures the integrity of the products.
Unique air convection cooling
The air convection system rapidly exchanges the air in the chamber instead of waiting for natural convection to displace the warm air in the chamber. These appliances match the best ULT freezers on the market today in terms of energy efficiency and significantly outperform them in terms of uniformity and temperature recovery once the door is opened. Finally, because of their self-contained refrigeration systems, the chambers can be easily adapted to operational process intensification measures to reduce handling and steps.
Ecologically efficient operation
The FARRAR appliances have been developed with a strong focus on energy efficiency and achieve an extremely low energy consumption of 0.33 kWh/cu.ft.
Automatic defrost function
Never worry again about having to take appliances out of operation to defrost them manually.
A space-saving alternative to freezers and a large number of cabinets
Our offerings provide an alternative to traditional large freezer farms for the production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and other biological products and fulfill an unmet need for flexible, affordable and efficient cold processing and storage.
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What is air convection cooling
In the field of cooling technology, air convection means that air is pressed or forced into the cooling area with the help of a fan or blower unit. This distributes the air evenly throughout the refrigerator or cooling chamber.
The function is quite simple: the fan or blower draws in the air and forces it into the cooling chamber. This creates a constant movement of air, which ensures that the cold air reaches all the products. This is important to ensure that all products in the refrigerator or cold room are cooled evenly.
Forced air technology has several advantages. Firstly, it ensures that the temperature in the refrigerator or cooling chamber is the same everywhere. This avoids temperature differences that could cause some products to become too hot or too cold. Secondly, the generated airflow helps to dissipate the heat from the products, resulting in faster and more efficient cooling.
In short, forced air ensures that the cold air in the refrigerator or cold room is evenly distributed to effectively cool all products and maintain the desired temperature.
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What are the benefits of cooling with recirculated air?
Even temperature distribution: The generated air flow improves the distribution of cold air in the cold room. This leads to uniform cooling of all products in the refrigerator or cold room. Temperature differences and hotspots are avoided, which improves the consistency of the cooling conditions.
Efficient cooling: The generated airflow helps to efficiently dissipate heat from the products. The cooled air surrounds the products and dissipates the heat, resulting in faster cooling and a stable cooling process.
Faster temperature stabilization: The use of forced air enables faster stabilization of the desired target temperature after opening the door or loading products. The airflow helps to quickly restore the temperature in the refrigerator and minimize temperature fluctuations.
Improved product protection: Uniform cooling and efficient heat dissipation provide optimum protection for the products. It prevents certain areas from becoming too hot or too cold, which ensures the quality and shelf life of the products.
Energy efficiency: The use of forced air in cooling systems can help to optimize energy consumption. The targeted distribution and circulation of air allows the refrigerator to work more efficiently and reduce energy consumption.
Overall, forced air technology helps to achieve better performance, stability and efficiency in refrigeration, which is very important for the storage of sensitive products in the pharmaceutical industry or other sectors.
Performance data, cooling system & controller
| Temperature range | -20 °C to -80 ˚C and +2 °C to +8 °C |
| Temperature accuracy | +/- 1,0 °C |
| Temperature uniformity | +/- 3.0 °C (empty chamber) |
| Warranty | 1 year on installed parts |
| Evaporator | 2x convection cooling |
| condenser | 2x circulating air cooling or 2x water cooling |
| Control valve | Electronic |
| High temperature stage / low temperature stage | R-449A / R-508B |
| Air-cooled condenser | +18 °C to +30 °C |
| Water-cooled condenser |
Tower water 29.5 °C |
| Operating conditions | Cooled water 7.2 °C, maximum flow rate 13.25 l/min |
| Temperature controller | 2x microprocessor |
| Displays (145 mm) | 2x LCD |
| Modbus TCP/IP | Communication protocol |
| (Remote) alarming | Temperature limits (high/low), open doors, power interruption |
| Dry contacts | Standard (C, NO, NC) |
FARRAR ULC-190
| ULC | |
|---|---|
| Chamber volume | 5.380 L |
| Footprint | 4,36 m² |
| Internal dimensions | (W x D x H) 2,794 x 965 x 2,286 mm |
| External dimensions | (W x D x H) 3,098 x 1,448 x 3,632 mm |
FARRAR ULC-259
| ULC | |
|---|---|
| Chamber volume | 7.334 L |
| footprint | 5,17 m² |
| Internal dimensions | (W x D x H) 3,073.4 x 1,371.6 x 1,743.0 mm |
| External dimensions | ( (W x D x H) 3,381.3 x 1,936.7 x 3,232.1 mm |
FARRAR ULC-311
| ULC | |
|---|---|
| Chamber volume | 8.806 L |
| footprint | 6,28 m² |
| Internal dimensions | (W x D x H) 2,946 x 1,372 x 2,210 mm |
| External dimensions | (W x D x H) 3,251 x 1,930.4 X 3,734 mm |
Services & additional options
- Warranty options
- IQ/IQ validation
- Temperature mapping
- Rack system and mobile material handling
- Customized programming and qualification
ULT freezing solutions: Key features and considerations
Important features to consider when selecting an ultra-low temperature storage solution
Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) freezers play a critical role in maintaining the efficacy of pharmaceutical products by providing the ideal temperature conditions for storage. When selecting an ULT freezer, several important features should be considered to ensure optimal storage and effective distribution of pharmaceutical products. This blog post examines some essential elements that should be evaluated.
Temperature stability at ultra-low temperatures
Freezers for the storage of pharmaceutical products, known as ULT freezers, consist of a number of important parts. One of the most important aspects of a freezer for pharmaceutical products is its ability to maintain a stable temperature. Pharmaceutical products are sensitive to temperature fluctuations; even slight variations can affect their effectiveness. Look for a freezer that provides precise temperature control within the recommended range for vaccine storage. A freezer with uniform cooling and built-in redundancy will help maintain consistency and minimize the risk of temperature fluctuations.
Temperature monitoring and alarms
A freezer that offers accurate temperature monitoring is essential. Look for an appliance with integrated remote monitoring and analysis. Also, an alarm system that alerts you when the temperature deviates from the desired range is essential. Alarms can help you take immediate action to rectify problems and prevent the potential loss of valuable pharmaceutical products.
Ultra-low temperature storage capacity, configuration options and efficient space utilization
Consider the storage capacity and configuration options of the freezer. Assess your specific needs in terms of the number and type of pharmaceutical products to be stored. Decide on a medical-grade cabinet or cold room that offers sufficient storage space for your current needs and can be expanded if required. Adjustable shelving and storage compartments can come in handy to efficiently organize the different types and sizes of vaccines. Another important consideration is what type of containers are required for your application. While some freezers are modular and allow for numerous storage configurations, others are limited to single container types. To successfully build a ULT freezer, it is crucial that you think about material handling before planning your storage system.
Energy efficiency
Energy consumption is another crucial factor, both from an environmental and cost perspective. Look for a freezer for pharmaceutical products that is designed to be energy efficient. Features such as high-quality insulation, low-power compressors and efficient cooling mechanisms can help lower energy consumption and reduce long-term operating costs. Minimizing electrical infrastructure is an important factor in overall costs. Existing freezer solutions can significantly reduce electrical installation by increasing payload/density to minimize the total number of freezers required for existing and long-term storage expansions. Power outages can pose a significant risk to the storage of pharmaceutical products if not adequately addressed.
Door design and temperature recovery
The design of the door of a freezer for pharmaceutical products plays an important role in maintaining temperature stability. Look for a freezer with a well-insulated door that is equipped with a reliable seal to prevent temperature loss.
Published technical data on temperature recovery after opening and closing the doors is a sign of the quality of the product. Rapid temperature recovery is an essential feature for an outstanding solution. Also check the freezer's security features, e.g. lockable doors, to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of pharmaceutical products.
Data recording and documentation
Accurate records of pharmaceutical product storage conditions are critical for regulatory compliance and quality control. Consider an independent centralized monitoring or data logging system that allows you to record and retrieve temperature data over time. Some freezers also allow you to download temperature logs for documentation purposes, making it easier to maintain storage records. Before installing your ULC or ULT freezer, it's best to check with your regulatory compliance team to find out the specific local requirements; in most countries, solutions must be validated before pharmaceutical products can be stored.
Maintenance and service
Make sure that the ULT freezer you choose is easy to maintain and service. Look for features such as accurate temperature control and uniformity, e.g. +/- 3.0 °C, an easy-to-clean vacuum relief vent and accessible components for maintenance tasks. It's also beneficial to choose a freezer from a reputable manufacturer that offers excellent customer service and warranty options to address any issues that may arise during the appliance's lifetime. Another consideration: A water-cooled condenser for a freezer will go a long way toward reducing the additional load on the building's HVAC system. Check with your facility manager to see if the option of a water-cooled condenser should be considered when selecting a freezer. Manufacturers often offer regular maintenance programs for ULT storage systems.
Regulatory compliance
Finally, make sure that the ULT freezer complies with the prescribed standards for vaccine storage. Specific guidelines and regulations for the storage of pharmaceutical products may apply in different regions and countries. Make sure that the freezer you choose meets the required standards, e.g. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) or WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines, depending on your location. The CDC's Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit is an excellent resource for businesses in the US.
Quality and reliability
Last but not least, pay attention to the overall quality and reliability of the ULT freezer. Look for a reputable brand that has a proven track record of providing high-quality medical refrigerators. Read customer reviews and testimonials to get an idea of other medical professionals' experiences with the product. Investing in a reliable freezer will give you peace of mind that your pharmaceutical products are being stored in a safe and reliable environment.
Final conclusion
To summarize, choosing the right ULT freezer is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of pharmaceutical products. By considering important features such as temperature stability and uniformity, temperature monitoring and alarms, storage capacity and configuration, energy efficiency, backup power options, door design and recovery, data logging and documentation, maintenance and service, regulatory compliance, and quality and reliability, you can make an informed decision when selecting a ULT freezer. Pharmaceutical products are delicate and sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and any compromise in storage conditions can cause them to become ineffective. Therefore, look for the features that suit your specific needs and requirements and seek our advice to ensure you make the best choice for your business.