Ultralow Freezers (-40°C to -86°C)

An ultralow temperature (ULT) freezer is a critical piece of laboratory equipment designed to preserve sensitive biological materials such as cancer cells, stem cells, tissue samples, and other temperature-sensitive specimens. Operating at temperatures as low as -86°C, ultralow freezers provide the stable environment necessary for long-term storage and research continuity.

Why Ultralow Freezers Are Essential:

• Preservation of Sample Integrity: Maintaining extremely low temperature stability ensures that biological samples remain viable, preventing molecular degradation.
• Critical for Research: Many fields, including genomics, regenerative medicine, and pharmaceutical research, rely on ultra low freezers to store high-value and irreplaceable materials.
• Prevention of Costly Losses: Failure to store samples properly can lead to the loss of years of research and significant financial investments.

To learn more or contact NuAire, explore NuAire's detailed resources:

• Ultralow Freezers Guide eBook
• Ultralow Freezer Buying Guide White Paper

NuAire's ultralow temperature (ULT) freezers are engineered to provide reliable and precise cooling within a temperature range of -86°C to -40°C, with a commonly used set point of -80°C. This broad range ensures that ultra low freezers can accommodate a variety of sensitive materials, such as tissue samples, cancer cells, and other biological specimens, while maintaining their integrity over extended storage periods.

Key Features of NuAire ULT Freezers' Temperature Control:

• Consistency and Stability: Advanced cooling systems and insulation minimize temperature fluctuations, critical for maintaining sample viability, and for energy efficiency.
• Customizable Settings: The ability to adjust the set point allows users to optimize storage conditions based on specific research or clinical requirements.
• Rapid Temperature Recovery: Designed to recover quickly to the set point after door openings, ensuring minimal temperature disruptions.

Why Is This Temperature Range Important?

The flexibility to maintain such a low and stable temperature range ensures that even the most temperature-sensitive samples, such as RNA or certain pharmaceuticals, are preserved in ideal conditions, reducing risks of sample degradation.

For more details about the Blizzard ULT Freezer and its specifications, visit the Blizzard Ultralow Freezer Brochure.

Proper maintenance is crucial for the long-term performance and reliability of your ULT freezer. Key steps to maintain your freezer include:

1. Clean the Condenser Filter Regularly
   • Dust and debris on the condenser filter can reduce cooling efficiency and increase energy consumption.
   • Inspect and clean the filter every 1-3 months depending on the air quality of the surrounding environment.
2. Defrost the Chamber
   • Ice buildup inside the ultra low temperature freezer can compromise its cooling efficiency and storage capacity.
   • Periodically defrost the chamber by relocating samples, unplugging the unit, and using room-temperature air to expedite melting.
3. Inspect and Clean Door Gaskets
   • Check gaskets for tears or leaks to ensure a proper seal.
   • Clean the gaskets monthly to prevent frost buildup, which can lead to air leaks and increased workload on the freezer.
4. Perform Calibration Annually
   • Schedule yearly calibration with a qualified technician to ensure temperature readings are accurate and reliable.
   • This involves using an NIST-approved probe to verify the freezer's temperature display.
5. Monitor the Vacuum Relief Port
   • Regularly inspect the vacuum relief port for ice buildup to maintain proper door functionality.
   • Clean as needed to avoid mechanical stress on the freezer.
6. Schedule Preventive Maintenance
   • Regularly review a maintenance checklist that includes filter cleaning, coil inspection, and gasket scraping to ensure consistent performance over your ultralow freezer's 12-15 year lifespan.

For more detailed guidelines and a comprehensive checklist, refer to NuAire's Ultralow Freezer Use and Maintenance White Paper.

Proper organization within your ULT freezer is key to maintaining temperature stability and extending equipment life. Overloading or improper loading can block air circulation, causing temperature fluctuations that may compromise sample integrity.

• Even Distribution: Ensure samples are evenly distributed to maintain airflow.
• Label Clearly: Use frost-resistant labels to keep samples identifiable even in icy conditions.
• Avoid Overpacking: Leave gaps between racks and samples to prevent obstructing cold air flow.

For a detailed demonstration, watch the Blizzard NU-99XXXJ Ultralow Freezer Properly Batch Loading the Freezer Racks Video.

Periodic defrosting is essential to avoid frost buildup, which can impair your freezer’s performance. When frost reaches about 1 cm thick, it’s time to act.

• Relocate samples to a backup unit.
• Unplug the freezer and open both inner and outer doors.
• Use a fan to circulate room-temperature air for faster defrosting.

For a step-by-step visual guide, check out the Blizzard NU-99XXXJ Ultralow Freezer Defrosting Video.

Maintaining temperature during unexpected power outages is critical. NuAire offers multiple backup solutions to protect your precious samples, including:

• CO₂ Backup Systems
• LN₂ Backup Systems

These systems automatically activate to maintain the internal temperature, ensuring your samples remain safe even during extended outages.

Learn more in our article: Selecting an Ultralow Freezer Backup System.

Buying an ultralow temperature (ULT) freezer is a critical investment for any laboratory. To ensure long-term value, reliability, and performance, several key factors should be evaluated before making a decision:

Temperature Performance

• Uniformity & Stability: Look for freezers with proven temperature uniformity from top to bottom and side to side. This ensures sample integrity, even at -86°C.
• Rapid Recovery: After door openings, the freezer should quickly return to the set point to minimize thermal disruption.

Capacity & Internal Layout

• Available Sizes: Choose from upright or chest models based on your lab space and volume needs — ranging from 10 cu. ft. to over 30 cu. ft.
• Inner Door Configuration: Multi-tier inner doors help maintain temperature when outer doors are opened.
• Freezer Racking Systems: Adjustable and pre-configured racking options improve sample organization and airflow.

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

• Eco-Friendly Refrigerants: Ensure the unit uses hydrocarbon refrigerants (e.g., R290/R170) that comply with global environmental standards.
• Power Consumption: Review energy usage data — efficient compressors and insulation can reduce operating costs significantly.

Technology & Connectivity

• Touchscreen Controls: Intuitive interfaces make it easy to manage set points, alarms, and logs.
• Alarm Systems: High/low temperature alerts, door ajar alarms, and remote notifications are essential for protecting samples.
• Connectivity: Look for USB ports, Ethernet/Wi-Fi, or BMS integrations for data logging and remote monitoring.

Maintenance & Serviceability

• Preventive Maintenance: Easy-to-access filters, gaskets, and coils reduce service time and cost.
• Local Support: Choose a brand with nationwide or global service coverage and readily available replacement parts.

Backup Systems & Sample Protection

• CO₂ and LN₂ Backups: Ensure your freezer can support or integrate with emergency backup systems for power outages.
• Security Features: Lockable doors and alarm logging add layers of security and compliance support.

Ergonomics & Lab Fit

• Footprint & Access: Ensure the freezer fits your lab layout and allows easy access for all staff.
• Noise & Vibration: Low-decibel operation is preferable in clinical and research settings.

Total Cost of Ownership

• Initial Price vs. Long-Term Value: Balance upfront cost with operating efficiency, lifespan, and maintenance needs.

For a deeper dive into these selection criteria, download our in-depth guide: Ultralow Freezer Buying Guide White Paper.

With proper use and preventive maintenance, NuAire ULT freezers are designed to last between 12 and 15 years. Longevity depends on:

• Ambient lab conditions
• Adherence to maintenance schedules
• Frequency of door openings and operational load

To extend the life of your freezer, follow the guidelines in the Ultralow Freezer Use and Maintenance White Paper.

NuAire ULT freezers integrate advanced features to maximize performance and energy efficiency:

• High-Density Polyurethane Foam Insulation for superior temperature retention
• Microprocessor Controls for precise temperature monitoring and alarms
• Eco-Friendly Refrigerants that reduce environmental impact

Learn more by exploring the Blizzard Ultralow Freezer Brochure.

Training is crucial to avoid user errors that may jeopardize sample integrity or damage equipment. Focus on:

• Startup & Shutdown Procedures
• Sample Loading & Unloading Techniques
• Routine Maintenance Schedules
• Recognizing and Reporting Alarms

For a comprehensive training resource, use the Ultralow Freezers Guide eBook.