Advanced Test Equipment Rentals: Endocal RTE-Series Refrigerated Bath/Circulator
Advanced Test Equipment Rentals: Endocal RTE-Series Refrigerated Bath/Circulator
Advanced Test Equipment Rentals: Endocal RTE-Series Refrigerated Bath/Circulator
Endocal RTE-Series
Refrigerated Bath/Circulator
NESLAB Manual P/N 013853
Rev. 03/22/93
SECTION I
Safety
Warnings ................................................................................................ 3
SECTION II
General Information
Description ............................................................................................. 4
Specifications ......................................................................................... 4
SECTION III
Installation
Site......................................................................................................... 6
Electrical Requirements ......................................................................... 6
Plumbing Requirements ......................................................................... 7
Fluids ..................................................................................................... 9
Filling Requirements .............................................................................. 9
Thermometer ......................................................................................... 9
SECTION IV
Controllers
Controllers.............................................................................................. 10
Controller Mounting ................................................................................ 10
Controller Connection ............................................................................ 10
Refrigeration Control .............................................................................. 10
Boost Heater .......................................................................................... 11
Basic ...................................................................................................... 12
Analog .................................................................................................... 12
Digital ..................................................................................................... 13
Programmable ....................................................................................... 14
SECTION V
Special Features
High Temperature/Low Liquid Level Safety ........................................... 18
Accessory Receptacle ........................................................................... 19
SECTION VI
Maintenance
Service Contracts .................................................................................. 23
Cleaning ................................................................................................. 23
Algae ...................................................................................................... 23
SECTION VII
Troubleshooting
Checklist ................................................................................................ 23
Service Assistance ................................................................................ 24
Technical Support .................................................................................. 24
SECTION VIII
Warranty ............................................................................................................... 25
Preface
Unpacking
Retain all cartons and packing material until the unit is operated and found to
be in good condition. The unit control box is packed in a separate carton.
Be sure to locate this separate carton; do not dispose of it by mistake.
If the unit shows external or internal damage, or does not operate properly,
contact the transportation company and file a damage claim. Under ICC
regulations, this is your responsibility.
Warranty
All NESLAB units are shipped with a warranty card. The top portion of the
card remains with the unit. The bottom portion must be filled out and
returned to NESLAB.
Units have a warranty against defective parts and workmanship for one full
year from date of shipment. See back page for more details.
After-sale Support
NESLAB is committed to customer service both during and after the sale. If
you have questions concerning the operation of your unit, contact our Sales
Department. If your unit fails to operate properly, or if you have questions
concerning spare parts or Service Contracts, contact our ServiceDepart-
ment. Before calling, please obtain the following information from the unit's
serial number label:
- part number
- serial number
-1-
Section I Safety
Warnings
Make sure you read and understand all instructions and safety precautions
listed in this manual before installing or operating your unit. If you have any
questions concerning the operation of your unit or the information in this
manual, contact our Sales Department.
Transport the unit with care. Sudden jolts or drops can damage the
refrigeration lines.
Always turn off the unit and disconnect the line cord from the power
source before performing any service or maintenance procedures, or
before moving the unit.
-3-
Section II General Information
Description
The Endocal RTE-Series Refrigerated Bath/Circulators are designed to
provide temperature control for applications requiring a fluid work area or
pumping to an external system.
Specifications
Temperature Range
Basic controller -25°C to +100°C -24°C to +100°C -23°C to +100°C
Analog controller -25°C to +100°C -24°C to +100°C -23°C to +100°C
Digital controller -30°C to +130°C -28°C to +130°C -26°C to +130°C
Programmable controller -30°C to +130°C -28°C to +130°C -26°C to +130°C
Cooling Capacity1,4 >500 watts at +20°C >475 watts at +20°C >475 watts at +20°C
>300 watts at 0°C >300 watts at 0°C >300 watts at 0°C
>175 watts at -10°C >150 watts at -10°C >125 watts at -10°C
Pump Capacity 1
16
Pressure (feet)
12
60 Hz
8
50 Hz
3 6 9 12 (liter/min)
Flow Rate
1. Specifications listed for units operating at +20°C bath temperature, +21°C (+70°F) ambient,
with tap water as bath fluid.
2. Temperature stability of units with a Basic temperature controller.
3. Temperature stability of units with an Analog, Digital or Programmable temperature controller.
4. 60 Hz units. Derate cooling capacity 17% for 50 Hz units.
-4-
RTE-110 RTE-210 RTE-220
Heater5
(Watts)
Main 800 800
Boost NA 850
Bath Volume
Gallons 1.3 3.2 5.3
Liters 5.0 12.3 20.2
Unit Dimensions6
(H x W x D)
Inches 20 x 8.785 x 12.375 20 x 12.375 x 17.25 23 x 12.375 x 17.25
Centimeters 49.8 x 22.5 x 31.4 49.8 x 31.4 x 43.8 58.4 x 31.4 x 43.8
Unit Dimensions7
(H x W x D)
Inches 25 x 8.785 x 12.375 25 x 12.375 x 17.25 28 x 12.375 x 17.25
Centimeters 63.5 x 22.5 x 31.4 63.5 x 31.4 x 43.8 71.1 x 31.4 x 43.8
Shipping Weight
Pounds 70 90 98
Kilograms 32 41 45
5. Model RTE-220 with Basic temperature controllers do not have a boost heater.
6. Units equipped with Basic temperature controllers.
7. Units equipped with Analog, Digital, or Programmable temperature controllers.
-5-
Section III Installation
Site
Locate the unit on a sturdy table or bench top. Ambient temperatures should
be inside the range of +50°F to +80°F (+10°C to +27°C).
The unit has an air-cooled refrigeration system. Air is drawn through the
front panel and discharged through the rear panel. The unit must be
positioned so the air intake and discharge are not impeded. A minimum
clearance of 12 inches (30 centimeters) at the front and rear of the unit is
necessary for adequate ventilation. Inadequate ventilation will reduce
cooling capacity and, in extreme cases, can cause compressor failure.
The unit will retain its full rated capacity in ambient temperatures up to
approximately +75°F (+24°C). Above +75°F, derate the cooling capacity 1%
for every 1°F above +75°F, to a maximum ambient temperature of +95°F.
In terms of Celsius, derate the cooling capacity 1% for every 0.5°C above
+24°C, to a maximum ambient temperature of +35°C.
Electrical
Requirements
Refer to the serial number label on the rear of the unit to identify the specific
electrical requirements of your unit.
Ensure the voltage of the power source meets the specified voltage, ±10%.
The unit construction provides extra protection against the risk of electric
shock by grounding appropriate metal parts. The extra protection may not
function unless the power cord is connected to a properly grounded outlet. It
is the user's responsibility to assure a proper ground connection is provided.
-6-
Plumbing
Requirements
Hose Connections
The pump connections are located at the rear of the pump box and are
labelled PUMP INLET and PUMP OUTLET. These connections are
stainless steel serrated hose connections that accept 3/8 inch ID flexible
tubing and two teflon O-rings.
Tubing and insulation are available from NESLAB. Contact our Sales
Department for more information (see Preface, After-sale Support).
It is important to keep the distance between the unit and the external system
as short as possible, and to use the largest diameter tubing practical. Tubing
should be straight and without bends. If diameter reductions must be made,
make them at the inlet and outlet of the external system, not at the unit.
Pumping
The pump is designed to deliver a flow of 13 liters/minute (3.5 gallons
minute) at 0 feet head. To prevent unwanted flow, the bath is supplied with
two stainless steel disks which block the PUMP INLET and PUMP OUTLET.
The disks must be removed when flow is required. To prevent leaking
around the inlet and outlet connections, be sure the two teflon O-rings
remain in place. To prevent distortion of the O-rings, only tighten the
connections "hand-tight". Once the hose connections are made, the pump
must be properly plumbed to an external system. It is important the bath is
not in operation until all plumbing work is done.
If the bath is not used for external circulation, make sure the stainless steel
disks are in place prior to operating the bath.
-7-
Circulating to an open container
Levelling
Device
Outlet Inlet
Support the leveling device over the open container with a ringstand. Stagger
the tubes in the leveling device so one tube is submerged in the vessel fluid,
and the other tube is level with the fluid surface. Connect the deeper tube to
the PUMP OUTLET and the other tube to the PUMP INLET.
Adjust the flow rate using the accessory flow control valve connected to the
PUMP OUTLET, or by partially restricting the outlet tubing. When properly
adjusted, the pump inlet will draw an occasional air bubble to prevent over
flow, and the pump outlet will force fluid through the submerged tube to
prevent aeration of the vessel.
To avoid siphoning the bath work area when the unit is shut off, lift the
leveling device out of the vessel and above the level of the unit.
Pump Box
System #1
Bath
Work Area
System #2
The pump can be used to circulate through two closed loop systems.
Connect the shortest practical length of flexible tubing from the PUMP
OUTLET to the inlet of external system #1. Connect the outlet of system #1
directly into the bath work area. Connect tubing from the bath work area to
the inlet of system #2. Connect the outlet of system #2 to the PUMP INLET.
-8-
Drain
The unit is equipped with a drain located at the back of the unit at the base of
the bath. The drain consists of a drain port and a drain fitting.
The drain has a 3/8 inch O.D. stainless steel serrated fitting. The fitting will
accept 5/16 or 3/8 inch I.D. tubing.
Fluids
The selected fluid must have a viscosity of 50 centistokes or less at the
lowest operating temperature.
Tap water is the recommended fluid for operation from +8°C to +80°C.
Below +8°C, a 50/50 mixture, by volume, of tap water and laboratory grade
ethylene glycol is suggested.
Filling
Requirements
The bath work area has a high and low level marker to guide filling. The
markers are 1 inch horizontal slits located in the center of the stainless steel
baffle separating the work area and the pump assembly. The correct fluid
level falls between these two markers. Maintain the correct fluid level or the
heating and cooling coils will be exposed and may become damaged.
Thermometer
Units with a Basic or Analog temperature controller are equipped with a
glass tube thermometer. Insert the thermometer in the grommet located on
the left side of the work area.
-9-
Section IV Controllers
Controllers
Four standard temperature controllers are available with the unit: Basic,
Analog, Digital, and Programmable. This section explain the installation and
operation of the controllers.
Controller
Mounting
Analog, Digital, and Programmable temperature controllers are designed as
separate components from the unit. The controller can be mounted directly
on the pump box, or remotely from the bath. The controller yoke has screw
holes allowing the controller to be mounted on a wall. Accessory cables
are available from NESLAB for extended remote applications. Contact our
Sales Department for more information (see Preface, After-sale Support).
To mount the controller on top of the pump box, locate the restraining clip in
the center of the controller yoke. Position it on the mounting pin located in
the center top plate of the pump box. Once secured, the controller can be
tilted or swiveled to meet your needs.
Controller
Connection
On units with Analog, Digital, or Programmable controllers, the components
in the bath will accept a signal from the controller only when the controller
and the pump box have been properly connected. Connect the 15 pin plug at
the end of the controller’s cable to the 15 pin socket on the rear of the pump
box. Once the connection is made, the unit is ready for operation.
Refrigeration
Control
On units with Basic temperature controllers, the status of the refrigeration
system is controlled by the REFRIG switch on the front of the control/pump
box. When operating in the range of -30°C to +45°C (-30°C to +35°C for
220v/50Hz units), the refrigeration must be on: place the switch in the
TEMP<45°C position. When operating in the range of +45°C to +100°C
(+35°C to +100°C for 220v/50Hz units), the refrigeration must be off: place
the switch in the TEMP>45° position. The REFRIG lamp indicates the status
of the refrigeration system.
- 10 -
If a rapid cool down at elevated temperatures is needed you will have to
temporarily adjust the setpoint to below +45°C. The compressor will run to
bring the temperature down. Reset the setpoint once cool down is achieved.
The HEAT LED indicates the status of the heater. As the temperature of the
fluid in the bath approaches the temperature setpoint, the lamp will cycle on
and off to indicate the approximate duty cycle of the heater.
When the unit is shut off (on units with Basic temperature controllers, when
the refrigeration system is shut off), wait approximately five minutes before
restarting. This allows time for the refrigeration pressures to equalize. If the
pressures are not allowed to equalize, the compressor will short-cycle
(clicking sound) and no cooling will occur.
Boost Heater
If the bath temperature is within 2.5°C of the setpoint, the boost heater
remains off. If the bath temperature is 2.5°C below the setpoint, the boost
heater will come on.
- 11 -
Basic
Start Up
Before starting the unit, check all electrical and plumbing connections and
make sure the work area has been properly filled with bath fluid.
To start the unit, place the MAIN ON/OFF switch in the ON position. The
pump will start and the POWER LED will light.
Temperature Adjustment
To adjust the bath temperature, turn the calibrated TEMPERATURE dial and
position the reference line as close to the temperature setpoint as possible.
Analog
Start Up
Before starting the unit, check all electrical and plumbing connections and
make sure the work area has been properly filled with bath fluid.
To start the unit, press the ON/OFF switch. The pump and refrigeration
system will start and the ON LED will light.
Temperature Adjustment
To adjust the bath temperature, turn the calibrated MAIN dial and position
the reference line as close to the temperature setpoint as possible. Use the
VERNIER dial and the bath thermometer to make fine adjustments to the
bath temperature.
- 12 -
Digital
Start Up
Before starting the unit, check all electrical and plumbing connections and
make sure the work area has been properly filled with bath fluid.
To start the unit, press the ON/OFF switch. The pump and refrigeration
system will start and the digital display will indicate the temperature of the
fluid in the bath.
Temperature Adjustment
To display the temperature setpoint, press the DISPLAY switch. To adjust
the setpoint, press the DISPLAY switch and turn the COARSE and FINE
dials until the temperature setpoint is indicated on the LED display.
- 13 -
Programmable
Start Up
Before starting the unit, check all electrical and plumbing connections and
make sure the work area has been properly filled with bath fluid.
To start the unit, push the ON/OFF switch. The pump and refrigeration
system will start and the digital display will indicate the temperature of the
fluid in the bath.
Temperature Adjustment
To display the temperature setpoint, press the DISPLAY°C switch (on the
OPERATING TEMPERATURE section). To adjust the setpoint, press the
DISPLAY°C switch and turn the COARSE and FINE dials until the tempera-
ture setpoint is indicated on the LED display.
Programming
DISPLAY°C
When pressed, the temperature setpoint is indicated on the LED display.
When released, the display indicates the temperature of the fluid in the bath.
FINAL TEMP
Adjusts final temperature setpoint .
DISPLAY MIN
When pressed, the time span of the program is indicated, in minutes, on the
LED display. When released the display indicates the temperature of the
fluid in the bath.
- 14 -
PERIOD
Adjusts time span of the program, in minutes.
STATUS
Indicates status of program clock.
If the light flashes slowly, power to the clock has been turned off or inter-
rupted since the clock was last reset.
RUN/STOP
Starts and stops program execution.
In the RUN position, the program clock runs and the temperature setpoint
changes linearly from the current fluid temperature to final temperature. In
the STOP position, the program clock stops and the fluid temperature will
remain at the current temperature. Returning to the RUN position resumes
the program.
RESET
Resets the program clock and returns the fluid temperature to the starting
temperature.
1X/10X
Adjusts PERIOD time range: 1X = 5 minutes to 180 minutes; 10X = 50
minutes to 1800 minutes.
HOLD/RETURN
Determines what will happen at the end of the program.
In the HOLD position, the setpoint will remain at the final temperature when
the program is completed. In the RETURN position, the setpoint will return
to the starting setpoint when the program is completed. The setpoint will
change abruptly, but the fluid temperature will respond as quickly as the
systems heating and cooling capacity allows.
- 15 -
Mock Program
This mock program is designed to illustrate the relationship between specific
40
RETURN
30
Temperature (°C)
20
10
-10
-20
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Time (hours)
To reset the program clock, place the RUN/STOP switch in the STOP
position and press the RESET switch. The STATUS LED will go out, indicat-
ing the programmer is ready to accept a program.
- 16 -
Set end function.
To hold the fluid temperature at the final setpoint, place the HOLD/RETURN
switch in the HOLD position.
Run
The program is ready to run once all parameters have been set and the bath
temperature has stabilized at 0°C.
To start the program, place the RUN/STOP switch in the RUN position. The
STATUS LED will flash rapidly, indicating the program is executed.
Programming Notes
The unit’s limitations must be considered when designing programs.
Temperature or time parameters which exceed the performance capabilities
of the bath will result in unsatisfactory operation.
- 17 -
Section V Special Features
High Temperature/
Low Liquid
Level Safety
The adjustable High Temperature/Low Liquid Level Safety (HIGH TEMP/
LOW LEVEL) prevents the heater from reaching excessively high tempera-
tures that can cause serious damage to your unit. A single temperature
sensor, located on the heater coils in the bath, monitors both conditions. A
High Temperature/Low Liquid Level fault occurs when the temperature of the
sensor exceeds the set temperature limit. In the event of a fault, the unit will
shut down. The cause of the fault must be identified and corrected before the
unit can be restarted.
The safety is not pre-set and must be adjusted during initial installation.
To set the safety, locate the HIGH TEMP/LOW LEVEL SAFETY adjustment
dial on the front of the pump box (on units with Basic temperature controllers,
the dial is located on the rear of the pump box). Turn the dial fully clockwise
and press the RESET switch.
Start the unit. Adjust the temperature setpoint for a few degrees higher than
the highest desired fluid temperature and allow the bath to stabilize at the
temperature setpoint. Turn the HIGH TEMP/LOW LEVEL SAFETY dial
counter-clockwise until you hear a click and the unit shuts down. The red
FAULT LED on the pump box will light to indicate a fault has occurred.
The safety is now set. Allow the fluid temperature to cool below the cutout
temperature, then press the RESET switch.
If a fault ever occurs, RESET must be pressed before the unit will start.
- 18 -
Accessory
Receptacle
All Digital and Programmable temperature controllers are equipped with a
15 pin “D” sub-miniature female receptacle on the rear of the control box.
The receptacle allows the bath to be monitored and controlled from a remote
location. To activate the receptacle, press the two position ENABLE/
DISABLE switch next to the receptacle. The yellow ACCESS LED on the
front of the control box will light when the receptacle is enabled. When the
receptacle is not being used, the switch must be in the DISABLE position.
The pins can function as an input, output, or both input and output.
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
15 14 13 12 11 10 9
Accessory Receptacle Pin Designations
- 19 -
Pin # Function Description
1 Chassis ground
- 20 -
Pin # Function Description
7 Output: Sensor temperature The fluid temperature, as measured by
the controller’s temperature sensor
located in the bath, can be read at this
pin. The temperature is scale 10mV/°C,
referenced to analog ground, pin 6
(example: +150mV = +15°C). Output
resistance of 2.7K Ω.
Input: Boost Heater Off Connect this pin to pin 9, power ground,
and the boost heater will shut off.
- 21 -
+5VDC
200Ω
200Ω
1N4148
2 +
LM324 12
-
2.7KΩ
2N3904 2N3904 7
1.35 VDC
Tb +
LM324
+ -
1N4148
OP LM324
100K Ω 10KΩ
10 -
5.6KΩ
+5VDC
OA
-5VDC
DISPLAY °C
FINAL TEMP + 5.6K Ω
LM324
+SPAN
+ 2.7KΩ
-
LM324
15.0mv
to -
1.35v
11KW
3 PERIOD +
DISPLAY MIN
LM324
1KΩ -
Font panel
6.9VDC
Display
4N36 Input+1.999vdc
STOP
68KΩ
8
+5VDC
68KΩ
OP RESET +SPAN +
LM324
-
6.9VDC
1KΩ
2.5KΩ
2.5K Ω
4
+
LM324
-
- SPAN
- 2.7KΩ
-SPAN LM324 -5VDC
+
-90V
to
-0.30V 11
100K Ω
-5VDC
+5VDC
5 10KΩ
+5VDC 4077B
+5VDC
END Vo = +5VDC -5VDC
4.5VDC
-5VDC
STOP Vo = 0VDC
2.5VDC
+ Vo 3.16KΩ
LM324 +5VDC
22.6KΩ
-
OP
+
-5VDC LM324
-
27KΩ 1MΩ
27KΩ
-5VDC
OP
6.1VDC -3.8VDC
1 CHASSIS GROUND
6 ANALOG GROUND
OA
9 POWER GROUND
OP
13 -5VDC
14 +5VDC
-22-
Section VI Maintenance
Service Contracts
NESLAB offers on-site Service Contracts that are designed to provide
extended life and minimal down-time for your unit. For more information,
contact our Service Department (see Preface, After-sale Support).
Condenser
For proper operation, the unit needs to pull substantial amounts of air
through a condenser. A build up of dust or debris on the fins of the
condenser will lead to a loss of cooling capacity.
The unit must be turned off before the front panel is removed.
Algae
To restrict the growth of algae in the bath, we recommend the bath cover be
kept in place and that all circulation lines be opaque. This will eliminate the
entrance of light required for the growth of most common algae.
Check the High Temperature/Low Liquid Level Safety. If the FAULT light is
on, make sure the fluid level in the bath is between the marks in the baffle
and the HIGH TEMP/LOW LEVEL SAFETY setting is greater than the fluid
temperature. Push the RESET switch and attempt to restart.
-23-
Loss of cooling capacity
Be sure the cooling capacity of the unit has not been exceeded if circulating
to an external system.
When the unit is shut off, wait approximately five minutes before restarting.
This allows time for the refrigeration pressures to equalize. If the pressures
are not allowed to equalize, the compressor will short-cycle (clicking sound)
and no cooling will occur.
Ice build up on the cooling coils can act as insulation and lower the cooling
capacity. Raise the temperature of the bath to de-ice the cooling coil and
increase the concentration of non-freezing fluid.
No temperature control
Units with a Digital or Programmable controller: the ENABLE/DISABLE
switch on the rear of the controller must be in the correct position. If the
ACCESSORY receptacle is being used, the switch must be in the ENABLE
position. If not in use, the switch must be in the DISABLE position. The
ACCESS light on the front of the unit indicates the status of this switch.
No external circulation
Make sure the stainless steel disks on the PUMP INLET and PUMP
OUTLET have been removed.
Circulation will cease when the pump head has been exceeded.
Service Assistance
If, after following these troubleshooting steps, your unit fails to operate
properly, contact our Service Department for assistance (see Preface, After-
sale Support). Before calling, please obtain the following information:
Part number
Serial number
Voltage of unit
Voltage of power source
Technical Support
Our Service Department can provide you with a wiring diagram and a
complete list of spare parts for your unit. Before calling, please obtain the
following information:
Part number
Serial number
- 24 -
Section VIII Warranty
NESLAB Instruments, Inc. warrants for one (1) year from date of shipment any NESLAB unit according to
the following terms.
Any part of the unit manufactured or supplied by NESLAB and found in the reasonable judgement of
NESLAB to be defective in material or workmanship will be repaired by an authorized NESLAB Service
Center without charge for parts or labor. The unit including any defective part must be returned to an autho-
rized NESLAB Service Center within the warranty period. The expense of returning the unit to the authorized
NESLAB Service Center for warranty service will be paid for by the buyer. NESLAB’s responsibility in respect
to warranty claims is limited to making the required repairs or replacements, and no claim of breach of
warranty shall be cause for cancellation or rescission of the contract of sale of any unit.
This warranty does not cover any unit that has been subject to misuse, neglect, or accident. The warranty
does not apply to any damage to the unit that is the result of improper installation or maintenance, or to any
unit that has been operated or maintained in any way contrary to the operating or maintenance instructions
as specified in NESLAB’s Instruction and Operation Manual. This warranty does not cover any unit that has
been altered or modified so as to change its intended use.
In addition, the warranty does not extend to repairs made by the use of parts, accessories, or fluids which
are either incompatible with the unit or adversely effect its operation, performance or durability.
NESLAB reserves the right to change or improve the design of any unit without assuming any obligation to
modify any unit previously manufactured.
The foregoing express warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including warranties or
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
NESLAB’s obligation under this warranty is strictly and exclusively limited to the repair or replacement of
defective parts, and NESLAB does not assume or authorize anyone to assume for them any other obligation.
NESLAB assumes no responsibility for incidental, consequential, or other damages including, but not limited
to loss or damage to property, loss of revenue, loss of use of the unit, loss of time, or convenience.
This warranty applies to units sold in the United States. Any units sold elsewhere are warranted by the
affiliated marketing company of NESLAB Instruments, Inc. This warranty and all matters arising pursuant of it
shall be governed by law of the State of New Hampshire, United States.
- 25 -