Plan Smart, Install Smart: The Right TCU For Your Reaction System
Endothermic and exothermic reactions must be controlled with absolute precision, speed and reliability. This is why the cornerstone of any reaction system – whether we’re talking laboratory, industrial, healthcare or institutional applications – is the temperature control unit (TCU).
But these control systems are nuanced – meticulously engineered for very specific purposes and settings – so determining the most suitable TCU for your process, application or experiment is critical.
But, where to start? How do you choose that perfect temperature control unit for your specific situation?
The key to the success of your reaction system is sizing the TCU properly. And the first step in determining that perfect size is calculating the required heating or cooling capacity for your entire process, application or experiment.
Sizing Your Temperature Control Unit
To get an idea of the appropriate size for your TCU, take a look at the following five conditions of your application:
- Reaction volume
How big is the process? (In other words, what is the size of the reactor or volume of the reaction being conducted?) - Temperature range
What are the lowest and highest temperatures your application will be operating in? - Time-to-temperature requirements
Are there any critical heat-up or cool-down times required for the experiment? - Energy release – applies to exothermic reactions
How many watts does the reaction give off? The TCU needs to compensate for any heat given off by the reaction to keep the temperature steady and prevent thermal runaway (so the experiment doesn’t exceed those temperature parameters critical to a successful yield). - External controls
Are you hooking the system up to a software program or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)? Automation control and data processing systems can be tailored to a process to ensure that all components are running efficiently, communicating smoothly and logging data properly.
Once you’ve assessed these conditions, you can calculate the heating or cooling capacity. Typically, a safety factor of 20-30% extra capacity is specified for the temperature control unit. This extra heating or cooling capacity should be calculated for the highest or lowest temperature required in the application. It’s an excellent idea to consult with the TCU manufacturer, making sure to go over the entire process for a thorough review of your reaction system.
Plan smart, install smart. (The first time around.)
If you’re only looking at the temperature range of the material or product/equipment – and not taking capacity into account – you might end up installing an under-capacity unit. And this is what leads to reduced production throughout and costly retrofitting.
If you want to do things right – the first time around – Julabo has you covered. Click the button below to consult with one of our Temperature Control Specialists. We’ll help you install the right TCU, with the right cooling or heating capacity, for your entire process, application or experiment.
