FIVE QUESTIONS FOR YOUR FREEZER APPLICATION

This may seem obvious, but freezers can range from -200C (or colder) to 0C depending on what is being stored. The temperature requirements will determine which sensor is optimal as different sensors have different specifications and tolerances.

Is a thermal buffer needed?

What happens if the freezer is opened and a rush of room-temperature air hits the sensor?  If you’re not using a thermal buffer, your system may go into alarm thinking it’s now 70F in your freezer.  Turning your freezer on & off repeatedly will waste energy and shorten its lifespan. A thermal buffer slows the response time of the sensor to prevent this, protecting the material stored in the freezer while maximizing energy efficiency.  ACI has multiple thermal buffer options. ACI’s Glycol buff­er should be used in freezer/fridge applications, rated down to -40ºC(-40ºF). ACI’s Glass Bead Buff­er should be used in extremely low-temperature applications, rated down to -100ºC(-148ºF).

Where do I find propylene glycol or glass beads?

That’s the question you have to ask yourself when trying to put together your freezer sensor. Having to order this solution separately and fill a small, two-ounce bottle screams “hassle” and “headache”. Having the bottles filled before they get to you will save you all the time you spend having to fill each bottle yourself. And while there’s no use crying over spilled milk, the money you’ll lose over spilled (aka – wasted) glycol is a whole different story.

Where is the sensor being mounted?

Mounting clips, brackets, housings, or other accessories may vary based on where the sensor is mounted. It should be placed in an open area of the freezer to allow for airflow and should not touch the walls or material being stored.

Do you require sensor validation or redundancy?

ACI’s “-3PT” Triple Point Thermal buffer should be used in pharmaceutical or critical applications where multiple sensor redundancy is required with the 3rd sensing opening available for insertion of your NIST Certified standard or reference.

Face it, purchase orders from multiple vendors for multiple parts that will be assembled at a later time are bound to make someone’s life way more difficult than it needs to be. Look for kits where all of your parts are pre-assembled and are good to install right out of the package. Your purchasing assistants will thank you for consolidating their orders and making their jobs a whole lot easier. Leave the kits and accessories to ACI!

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