In the fast-paced world of scientific research, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, the need for ultra-low temperature (ULT) storage is more critical than ever. From preserving biological samples and pharmaceuticals to ensuring the viability of vaccines, ULT storage plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of sensitive materials. Throughout this ULT storage guide, we’ll be covering everything from the basics to best practices to give you everything you need to know about ultra low temperature storage.
What is ultra low temperature storage?
Whilst your standard kitchen freezer reaches temperatures of -18 °C, an ultra-low temperature storage freezer plummets to temperature of -80°C, hence ULT freezers alternative name of the minus eighty freezer. Typically you will see two variations of the ultra low temperature freezers, these being; the chest and the upright freezer. The upright ULT freezer looks most similar to a traditional kitchen freezer, and is often the more popular choice thanks to the efficient use of floor space. ULT freezers are a critical component in many industries, helping to maintain the stability and longevity of biological samples, chemical components, and temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals.
The importance of ultra low temperature storage
Many industries have strict regulations regarding the storage conditions of sensitive materials. ULT freezers help organisations comply with these regulatory guidelines and industry relevant quality standards. Given the industries that use ULT storage, the materials stored are often valuable and irreplaceable and are critical for developing new therapies, vaccines, and medical treatments, contributing to the advancements in healthcare. You’ll often find ULT freezers used within the following applications:
- Biological research: ULT conditions are often required for biological samples such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and cell cultures to help maintain their integrity, prevent degradation and maintain viability for future research and clinical applications
- Vaccine Storage: Many vaccines, including those developed for COVID-19, need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures throughout every stage of the process, to remain effective and efficient until administered
- Pharmaceutical Stability: Certain drugs are highly temperature-sensitive and can lose efficacy if not stored at the correct temperature, hence the need for reliable ultra low temperature storage
- Clinical laboratories: ULT freezers are essential for storing diagnostic samples like blood, plasma and serum
- Universities and research institutions: ULT freezers are used to store samples for various scientific studies, ensuring they remain viable for future research
ULT Challenges and Solutions
ULT freezers do not come without their challenges, like all things in life, but there are best practices that can be implemented to help combat these areas of concern.
- Energy Consumption: ULT freezers consume significant amounts of energy, typically 20kWh of energy per day. While there is no quick fix for energy consumption in ultra low temperature storage, there are several strategies that can be implemented to help, such as; switching your legacy freezers to a new ULT model, maintaining proper insulation, and implementing regular maintenance checks to ensure efficiency.
- Space Constraints: ULT freezers can be large and take up considerable space. Using upright models or stackable modular units that can be expanded as needed, often help optimise space usage.
- Cost: ULT freezers and their operation can be expensive. If you want to avoid the large investment for a new model, then you could opt to purchase a refurbished freezer, or even hire your ultra low storage solutions.
- Sample Accessibility: Frequent access to samples can cause temperature fluctuations. Organise and plan access efficiently, using sample management systems to minimise door openings and exposure.
- Temperature Stability: Maintaining a consistent ultra-low temperature can be difficult, with simple tasks such as opening and closing the door affecting the temperature. Investing in high-quality ULT freezers with advanced insulation, using temperature control loggers, or implementing laboratory procedures to address these issues, can all help.
ULT freezer features
Modern ULT freezers are designed to be energy-efficient, reducing operational costs and environmental impact, with additional security features to safeguard valuable contents. Additional features that will find in an ULT freezer from Cool Repair include:
- High-quality insulation panels and inner doors
- Filter-free mechanisms to reduce compressor-generated heat
- Automatic vacuum breakers for easy door re-opening
- Self-diagnostic functionality with built-in warnings and alarms
- Automatic temperature data recording
- Eco Mode for low power consumption and energy saving
- Built-in storage and inventory management
- Ergonomic, full touch screen LCD controller
- Robust, flexible door handle design
- UL, CUL, and CE Certified
How can Cool Repair help you with your ultra low storage solutions?
With a variety of capacity sizes and purchase options available, Cool Repair has a solution to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for refurbished ULT freezers, brand-new models, or rental options, we cater to all financial situations. We understand that purchasing a new ULT freezer can be expensive, so we offer flexible purchase options, including trade-in, rental, and refurbished models. When you choose to purchase refurbished equipment from Cool Repair, you can be confident in its quality. Our expert engineers provide friendly, fast, and efficient service, ensuring our refurbished ULT solutions meet the highest standards and are compatible with CFC and HCFC gases.
Our rental agreements are available for both short-term and long-term hire, whether that be a few weeks, months or even years. ULT freezer hire can the ideal solution for the following:
- Trial before investment
- Unexpected demands
- Short-term project work
- Routine maintenance
- Taking stock of samples
- Additional resource requirements
With the bonus of no repair, or maintenance costs, you can find out more about our rental services here.
Certified according to UK and European laws as Ultra Low Temperature Refrigeration specialists and F-Gas certified, Cool Repair is also a member of the Institute of Refrigeration RefCom and the Air Conditioning Industry Board. If you already have your own ULT freezers, but require equipment repairs or maintenance, then the engineers at Cool Repair have the know-how.
Whether that be an in-depth freezer calibration, or a general health check, we can tailor our service plans to meet your individual needs. With a 24/7 national breakdown service, 365 a day we are your one-stop shop for all things ULT, spanning everything from purchases to repairs.