Ultralow Temperature Freezers: Things to Consider Before You Buy One: An ultralow freezer is used to store medical samples that have to be stored at very low temperatures. The temperature of the ultralow freezer – otherwise called UTL freezer – ranges from -45° Celsius to -86° Celsius, hence, it is best for the storage of these medical samples. So, whether this is your first time getting a ULT freezer, or you are looking to replace your old one, you would have to consider several factors.
ULT freezers are more expensive than normal freezers so you have to ensure you get the best and also one that would fit your needs. You can check here for factors to consider before you buy a regular freezer.
Now, below are some of the factors to consider before you buy an ultralow freezer…
1. The Cooldown Time
Two major things should be evaluated when you consider cooldown time.
- Pulldown Time: Pulldown time is the time that is required for the unit to reach the setpoint temperature after setup or installation.
- You also have to consider the time it will take the unit to go back to the setpoint temperature when the door is opened. This is an important factor to evaluate if you would need to open the door frequently.
You also have to consider how long the unit can remain in a particular temperature range in situations where the freezer has to be out of power. This will prepare you to know how to keep your samples from getting compromised in such situations.
2. Size and Design
UTL freezers are available in different sizes; the size you decide to go for should be based on the storage capacity you desire. You would also have to consider the space where you intend to keep the unit when you are thinking of the size to get.
The freezer should be kept in a place that has enough room for ventilation; it is recommended that you give your freezer clearance of at least 5 inches at the sides and back, and 8 inches at the top.
The design is the next thing to consider, ultralow temperature freezers typically come in two versions, the upright freezer and the chest freezer. The upright version is more accessible and so it is the best one to go for if you would need to constantly access the samples. However, they may not be as efficient as the chest freezers because cold air will escape during the frequent door openings.
But, if you do not have to access the unit often – if the storage is long-term – then you may opt for the chest freezer.
3. Alarm System
Deviations in the temperature of the freezer can wreak havoc on your samples, so you have to know if anything is wrong at any point. Having an alarm system that would alert you immediately of any changes will give you enough time to fix the problem before it gets too late. An alert system will warn you of things like power failure, temperature fluctuation, mechanical failure, and so on.
We recommend that you go for a unit that has both audible and visible alarm signals. That way, even if you aren’t near the unit, you can hear the alarm and fix the problem as soon as you can.
4. Warranty
As stated already, UTL freezers are a lot more expensive than standard freezers. For this alone, you want to be sure you are getting your money’s worth, a warranty is a sure way to ensure this. Most manufacturers give a one-year warranty; in case your unit develops any issue during this one-year warranty, then the manufacturer will cover the repair cost.
However, some types of damages may not be covered by the warranty, for instance, if your unit gets spoilt due to neglect or because you did something the manufacturer specifically told you not to do. Read this: https://www.upcounsel.com/types-of-warranty to find out the various types of warranty manufacturers offer.
Some manufacturers also give you an option to pay so that your warranty period is prolonged for a few more years. So, you would have to check for a manufacturer that offers the warranty options that you want.
5. Temperature Differential and Stability
An ultralow freezer may come with a temperature differential that shows how much the freezer’s temperature may deviate from its setpoint temperature. This is done to allow the compressor to rest in between cycles, ultimately helping to expand the compressor’s lifespan.
Knowing how far the temperature may deviate from the freezer’s setpoint temperature at different points will enable you to know if the unit is suitable for what you want to use it for.
Conclusion
A UTL freezer is a must-have if you have to store medical samples. It does not matter if you are getting it for the first time or you are looking to replace your old one, you need to consider some factors when you go shopping for an ultralow freezer. Some of the factors to consider are size, alarm system, temperature differential and stability, warranty, and cool-down time.
