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Thermal Blocks & Circulators

Ordering the Right Size Thermal Blocks and Thermal Inserts

Thermal Blocks & Circulators

How do the Thermal Blocks get their temperature? ^Top
All MeCour Thermal Blocks are connected to temperature controlled re-circulating baths that pump the thermal fluid through the Thermal Block.

How do you set the Thermal Block temperature? ^Top
All circulators have analog or digital controllers which when properly configured with the Thermal Block allow you to set your desired temperature or temperatures for the application. The Thermal Block will mimic the set temperature of the Circulator.

What is the temperature range for the Thermal Blocks? ^Top
From -100C to +250C with a +/-0.1C uniform / stable temperature across the work surface of the Block.

What is the plate well to well or tube to tube temperature stability? ^Top
Generally +/-0.1C degrees. MeCour Thermal Blocks maintain exceptional uniformity in temperature distribution across the working surface of the Block.

What circulator is best for my application(s)? ^Top
MeCour will design the correct thermal system per your specific requirements. Over 200 different circulators provide MeCour with a wide range of power and temperature to accommodate any application and budget.

What if I only need cooling, heating or both temperatures for the applications? ^Top
MeCour will recommend the correct circulator for your specific application and ensure you have the
required cooling and heating power. Circulators can provide either straight Cooling; Heating or do both.

Can I have different temperatures from one circulator going to different Thermal Blocks? ^Top
Unfortunately no. A circulator can only produce one temperature.

How fast can I achieve the following temperature changes in the Thermal Block? ^Top
* Ambient to +90C : Between 45 seconds to several minutes, pending size/power of circulator required
* +90C to 4C: Between 2 to 12 minutes, pending size/power of circulator required
* Ambient to -85C: Approximately 20 minutes
* +37C to 4C: Between 30 seconds to several minutes, pending size/power of circulator required
MeCour will provide the circulator to meet ramping requirements to achieve temperature set points.

Can I program the Circulator and have it interface with other components? ^Top
Circulators can provide Programmability via digital interface that allow for multiple running programs, perfect for ramping temperatures and integration with automated systems.

How do you monitor the specific temperature of the Thermal Block and consumable? ^Top
MeCour thermal systems can incorporate a PT-100 external temp probe that is imbedded into the Thermal Block and directly connected to the thermostatic control head of the Circulator. Thus, constantly monitoring the Block temp and feedback to Circulator to maintain set temperature.

What’s the difference between Peltier and MeCour Circulator driven thermal blocks? ^Top
First and foremost..POWER.. MeCour Thermal Blocks will provide sustained cooling/heating power to your consumables and labware to produce the most accurate, precise and reliable results.
Second, Flexibility..MeCour provides Thermal Blocks specifically designed to accommodate the consumables and labware your application needs to achieve desired results. NOT what is only commonly available. MeCour will ensure that all of your consumables, labware/vessel and media bottles accurately and precisely meet your required temperature to make your application run more efficiently.

How much space does the Thermal Block take up? ^Top
The single plate Thermal Block has the footprint of a standard microtiter plate. Dimensions for all other Blocks are available upon request.

Can I expand the size of the thermal system for more plates or tubes? ^Top
Absolutely. You can always increase plate, tube or labware/vessel capacity and will most likely still run off the original circulator.

Does the Thermal Block throw off any temperature? ^Top
No. All Thermal Blocks have exterior 5 sided insulation to prevent temperature loss. Unlike Peltier devices, there is no exhaust fan venting heat to adjacent peripheral plates, reservoirs or other instruments. This is particularly critical for tightly packed automation decks.

Should I be concerned with leaks and contamination issues related to using a circulator? ^Top
Absolutely not. All MeCour thermal systems provide reliable well tested user friendly components that ensure safe, leak free operation for a lifetime of use.

What if I need to move the Thermal Block away from the circulator for cleaning? ^Top
Most Thermal Blocks come with fluid Quick Disconnects and / or shut-off valves for these requirements allowing for cleaning and easy servicing.

What type of thermal fluid is used ? ^Top
Thermal Fluid is determined by what temperature the application will run at, i.e., -20C to +90C use mixtures of Propylene Glycol and water. For temperatures outside those ranges, MeCour does select from silicon and ethanol based fluids to ensure proper thermal transfer is maintained and long term compatibility with the circulator and Thermal Block.

Does MeCour provide thermal systems, particularly Circulators for use on a global basis? ^Top
Yes. MeCour ensures that you receive the Circulator specifically suited for your electrical power requirements.

What is the size of the circulator, electrical power requirements and how quiet is it? ^Top
Size and electrical power of circulator is based on demands of application ( temperature range). Generally all circulators are very quiet and of minimal impact to the laboratory environment. MeCour will always provide the unit dimensions and utility requirements for any selected unit.
For example: A chiller only or heating/cooling circulator we generally recommend for a temp range of -20C to +200C has a footprint of approximately: 9” W x 23” L x 23” HT and use standard 120V.

How stable is the bath temperature of the circulator? ^Top
The majority of circulators we incorporate into our systems have a +/-0.01C degree bath stability which supports the required uniform Block temperature demands.

Ordering the Right Size Thermal Blocks and Thermal Inserts

How do you order what you need ? ^Top
MeCour needs:
• Operating temperature(s) of application(s)
• Do you need Only Cooling, Only Heating or Both temperatures (for correct circulator)?
• What type and number of plates do you wish to use? PCR, 384 well, Culture, etc.
• *Plate type determines correct Thermal Insert for that specific plate
• If using tubes, media bottles, state size, number and Maximum sample volume in tube/vessel
• Is this a Benchtop or automated application?
• If automated, who is the robot manufacturer (reference our website for all MeCour Automated
Partners. We integrate our thermal systems on to all of their decks).

What are “Thermal Inserts” and why do I really need them? ^Top
Thermal Inserts were originally designed to significantly increase the efficiency of thermal transfer from the surface of the Thermal Block up and through all plate wells. The Thermal Insert is generally a precisely machined and/or molded conductive material that perfectly accommodates the underside wells of any plate, eliminating the existing dead air space that inhibits thermal transfer.

What is the “Open Well” series type Thermal Block? ^Top
The Open Well Thermal Block was primarily designed to support multiple and different style plates
with ease and flexibility. Standard plate capacities are 1 to 8, with custom designs to meet any application or scale. I.E. up to several hundred plates.
If the application plate changes, just swap out the Thermal Insert and replace with the one for the new application. Inserts are made for virtually every plate currently manufactured and allow you to run any combination of consumables at One time and One temperature! You can configure and reconfigure your Open Well Thermal Block to suit multiple applications, ideal for small footprint shops and dynamic, constantly changing operations.

Can you prevent “edge effects” on plates? ^Top
Absolutely, by using the correct Thermal Insert that perfectly accommodates the particular plate you use. Only exception to this standard is the Deep Well plates and that is due to the underside design of the plate that inhibits complete thermal transfer from Thermal Block to the DWP.
** MeCour provides simple top covers that go over the plate or tubes and Thermal Block to eliminate ambient influences, thus creating an individual incubation chamber.**

Can you control evaporation or condensation build up? ^Top
In most cases Yes. MeCour will design a system utilizing a top cover that incorporates a nitrogen blanket ( low temp systems) to control / eliminate condensation or recommend a mixed gas with a specific moisture component that controls evaporation and condensation issues.

What causes condensation and how to prevent it? ^Top
Basically it is when the Dew Point clashes with the surface temperature of the Thermal Block and creates moisture. Several ways to control this are: Lower humidity levels in room; use a protective cover over Thermal Block and/or provide a nitrogen blanket under cover to offset ambient influences, particularly for low temp applications.

How do Thermal Blocks accommodate tubes and how many can be maintained? ^Top
Like the plate consumables, Thermal Blocks are made to accommodate whatever type and number tubes, vials, etc. you need to make your application most efficient. MeCour needs the following info:
1. Size and number of tubes needed
2. Maximum sample volume in tube (* determines well depth for MAX heat transfer)
3. Benchtop or automated application? If automated, state robot manufacturer.
4. If you need special spacing between tubes or a particular layout, just inform us. MeCour will design a layout
that maximizes space and efficiency for best results
5. ** Tube capacities range from 4 to several hundred.

Can MeCour provide a thermal system that would cover my entire deck? ^Top
Yes. MeCour has partnered with the majority of automation companies and would collaborate with the specific company to design the thermal system that maximizes the available deck space while meeting your requirements.

Do I have a choice where the Quick Disconnect fluid fittings go on the Thermal Block? ^Top
Yes. Choices are: on either side of the Block or out the base ( generally used for automation applications)

Can the Thermal Block work on a shaker or magnetic stir plate? ^Top
Yes. Need to know type of shaker or stir plate you have. If you don’t have one, we will recommend one and integrate the Block on to the shaker / stir plate platform. Let us know how many RPM’s you require.

What about “odd or large size vessels” and can we get a Thermal Block made? ^Top
MeCour’s currently made Thermal Blocks to hold up to 36L bottles. We recommend the use of an impeller to circulate the media and sustain more uniform solution contact with interior Thermal Walls. Reference our site for these particular Thermal Units.

Can I take the “Benchtop Thermal Block” and place it on to an automated deck? ^Top
Yes. MeCour will initially ask if the application is Benchtop or Robotic and if there are future intentions to move to an automated system. MeCour will ensure the proper Block design for the future deck integration.

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From lab bench to the production suite, MeCour has the expertise to match your application to a superior thermal solution.

** Don’t see your question asked and satisfactorily answered or particular Thermal Block, send your inquiry to mail@mecour.com and we’ll address it immediately and provide you our recommendations and thermal solutions.**