ULT Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers (-40ºC to -86ºC)

Reliable Ult Freezers For Labs

What is an ultra low temperature freezer?

An ultra low temperature freezer, commonly referred to as a ULT freezer, is a highly specialized piece of cold storage equipment designed to maintain temperatures between -40°C and -86°C. These systems are critical for the long term preservation of biological samples, including DNA, RNA, proteins, cell extracts, and sensitive chemical reagents.

How does a ULT freezer achieve such low temperatures?

Standard laboratory refrigeration systems cannot reach -80°C using a single compressor. Instead, ULT freezers typically utilize a cascade refrigeration system. This involves two separate compressor circuits operating in sequence. The first stage cools down the condenser of the second stage, allowing the second compressor to drive the internal cabinet temperature down to ultra low levels. Some modern, highly efficient models achieve these temperatures utilizing natural hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants, which offer exceptional thermodynamic performance and reduce environmental impact.

What facility requirements are needed to install an ultra low freezer?

ULT freezers draw significant electrical power, particularly during the compressor startup phase. Facilities must provide dedicated electrical circuits, often 208-230V depending on the model, to prevent tripped breakers and ensure continuous operation. Additionally, because cascade systems reject a substantial amount of heat into the ambient environment, the laboratory HVAC system must be capable of removing this excess thermal load. If a room gets too warm, the freezer compressor will overwork, drastically reducing its lifespan.

What is the difference between a ULT freezer and a biomedical freezer?

The primary difference is the operating temperature range and intended storage application. A ULT freezer operates down to -86°C for indefinite archival storage of sensitive biologicals. Conversely, pharmacy and biomedical freezers typically operate between -20°C and -35°C, making them suitable for everyday clinical storage, vaccines, and short term sample holds. For specialized blood products, facilities utilize highly regulated plasma freezers that maintain strict -30°C environments to meet stringent AABB regulatory guidelines.

Are ULT freezers safe for storing volatile chemicals?

No. Ultra low temperature laboratory freezers are designed for biological storage and feature internal electronics that can act as ignition sources. If your protocol involves storing hazardous, volatile, or highly combustible substances, you must use certified flammable materials freezers built without internal electrical components.

How do I protect my samples during a power outage?

Protecting decades of research requires redundancy. We highly recommend connecting your ULT freezer to facility backup generators. Additionally, outfitting the unit with a liquid nitrogen (LN2) or liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) backup injection system will automatically maintain freezing temperatures during mechanical or electrical failures. For less critical, non archival materials that only require -20°C, many labs rely on robust general purpose freezers that have excellent insulation and reliable thermal recovery times.