What I Found Using the Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040
The Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040 is a specialized piece of lab equipment designed for pre-freezing samples prior to lyophilization (freeze-drying). Manufactured by Labconco, this unit offers a compact and efficient method for creating a uniform shell of frozen material within flasks. It stands out due to its controlled cooling, space-saving design, and user-friendly operation, making it a valuable asset for labs involved in sample preparation for freeze-drying.
As a seasoned specialist working with outdoor gear, you might wonder what connection I have to a laboratory shell freezer. I collaborated with a university research team studying the effects of extreme cold on various materials used in cold-weather survival gear. We needed a reliable way to prepare samples for freeze-drying, and the Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer quickly became essential.
Unboxing the Labconco Freezer revealed a well-constructed unit. The stainless steel and epoxy-coated exterior felt robust, and the overall design was clean and functional. The internal stainless steel bath and the clear polyethylene cover added to the impression of a purpose-built, high-quality machine.
Before landing on this product, we considered a couple of alternatives, including manually rotating flasks in a dry ice/ethanol bath, and a larger, floor-standing shell freezer. The manual method was inconsistent and time-consuming, while the larger unit was overkill for our sample volume and took up too much valuable lab space. The Labconco Benchtop Shell Freezer struck the perfect balance of capacity, control, and footprint.
My first impression was one of relief. This product offered a controlled, repeatable method for sample preparation, something that was previously a time-consuming and unpredictable process. The Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040 promised to streamline our workflow and improve the consistency of our results.
Real-World Testing: Putting Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040 to the Test
First Use Experience
We initially tested the Labconco Freezer in our university’s materials science lab, focusing on preparing samples of treated fabrics for freeze-drying. The process involved placing flasks containing the samples and a suitable solvent into the freezer’s bath. We observed the unit’s ability to cool the heat transfer solution to –40°C (–40°F) and rotate the flasks to form a uniform frozen shell.
The Freezer performed admirably even under demanding conditions. We tested its ability to maintain consistent temperature in a lab with varying ambient temperature due to the HVAC system. This variable presented no challenges, and the internal temperature remained stable.
The ease of use was impressive. The intuitive controls and clear temperature display made operation straightforward, even for team members with limited experience using similar equipment.
The only initial issue we encountered was the slight learning curve in determining the optimal rotation speed for different sample volumes and solvent viscosities. However, after a few trial runs, we quickly dialed in the settings for each material we were working with.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of near-daily use, the Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer has proven to be a reliable and durable workhorse. We have processed hundreds of samples without any significant issues.
The unit’s stainless steel construction has held up well, showing no signs of corrosion or degradation. Regular cleaning of the bath and exterior surfaces has been sufficient to maintain its condition.
Maintenance is minimal; simply draining the bath periodically using the retractable drain hose and checking the coolant levels are the only required tasks. The Labconco Freezer far outperforms our previous manual freezing method in terms of both consistency and time efficiency.
Breaking Down the Features of Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040
Specifications
- Electrical: 230V, 60Hz, 2.5A. This specification is crucial for ensuring compatibility with the lab’s power supply.
- Labconco No.: 7949040. This is the unique identifier for this specific model.
- Condenser: 1/3 hp. The condenser’s horsepower determines the cooling capacity of the unit.
- Bath Capacity: Two 40–150 mL flasks or one 300–1200 mL flask. This specifies the range of sample volumes that the freezer can accommodate.
- Cabinet Dimensions: 36.8W x 56.1D x 50H cm (141/2 x 221/8 x 1911/16“). The compact size is perfect for labs with limited bench space.
Performance & Functionality
The Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer excels at its primary function: efficiently and consistently pre-freezing samples for lyophilization. The ability to maintain a stable temperature of -40°C ensures thorough freezing, while the rotating bath promotes a uniform shell formation. This leads to improved freeze-drying results and more accurate data.
The unit’s strengths lie in its reliability, ease of use, and compact design. A minor weakness is the limited flask size, which may not be suitable for labs processing very large samples. Overall, it significantly exceeds expectations, proving to be a valuable asset in our research.
Design & Ergonomics
The Labconco Freezer features a robust design with a brushed stainless steel and glacier white epoxy-coated steel exterior. The materials are durable and easy to clean, contributing to the unit’s longevity. The weight is manageable for a benchtop unit, and the controls are intuitively placed for ease of access.
The Freezer is very user-friendly, requiring minimal training to operate. The LED temperature display provides clear feedback, and the retractable drain hose simplifies maintenance.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer is expected to last for many years. The high-quality materials and construction ensure durability, even under demanding conditions.
Routine maintenance is straightforward, involving only periodic cleaning and checking of coolant levels. No specialized tools or expertise are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Labconco Freezer includes a 2.4m (8′) three-wire cord and plug. While there are no specific customization options available for the unit itself, it is designed to work with a range of standard laboratory flasks.
Labconco recommends using Fast-Freeze* flasks (26675-228 series) for optimal performance. The Labconco Freezer is designed to be compatible with standard laboratory equipment, making it easy to integrate into existing workflows.
Pros and Cons of Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040
Pros
- Provides highly consistent and uniform sample freezing for improved lyophilization results.
- Compact benchtop design saves valuable lab space.
- Simple and intuitive operation minimizes training requirements.
- Durable construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Retractable drain hose simplifies maintenance.
Cons
- Limited flask size may not accommodate very large sample volumes.
- Relatively high initial cost.
Who Should Buy Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040?
The Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040 is perfect for research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and any organization involved in freeze-drying samples. Specifically, labs that require consistent and repeatable sample preparation, where space is limited, will benefit significantly.
Individuals or labs with very large sample volumes, or those on extremely tight budgets might want to consider alternative methods or equipment.
A must-have accessory is a supply of appropriately sized Fast-Freeze flasks.
Conclusion on Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040
Overall, the Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040 is a valuable investment for any lab requiring consistent and efficient sample preparation for lyophilization. The price of $8039.00 is justified by its reliable performance, durable construction, and space-saving design.
I would highly recommend this unit to any researcher or technician looking to streamline their freeze-drying workflow and improve the quality of their results. If you need a reliable and compact shell freezer, the Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer is a solid choice. Invest in the Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer, Labconco 7949040, and experience the benefits of consistent and efficient sample preparation.