Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers: Cost, Use & Efficiency

Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers are essential equipment across multiple industries, providing the necessary conditions to preserve sensitive materials at extremely low temperatures. This guide explores key aspects of ULT freezers, including operational temperatures, maintenance best practices, costs, energy consumption, lifespan, applications, and efficiency considerations.

What is Ultra-Low Temperature?

Ultra-low temperature storage refers to conditions typically ranging from -80°C to -86°C. These extreme temperatures are crucial for preserving biological samples, vaccines, and other materials that require stringent storage conditions to maintain their integrity. Failure to maintain these conditions can compromise the viability of stored materials, leading to significant financial and scientific losses.

What Temperature Should an Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Be?

The standard operating temperature for Ultra-Low Temperature freezers is -80°C. However, recent research indicates that adjusting the set temperature to -70°C can reduce energy consumption by approximately 25-30% without negatively affecting sample integrity. This adjustment not only results in substantial energy savings but can also extend the lifespan of the freezer by reducing strain on its cooling system. (Source: University of Bath)

Always follow your institution’s guidelines and manufacturer recommendations when setting the temperature of an Ultra-Low Temperature freezer. While research suggests that -70°C may be sufficient for many samples, specific storage requirements may vary.

How Often Should Ultra-Low Freezers Be Defrosted?

It is recommended to defrost Ultra-Low Temperature freezers at least once or twice a year, depending on usage and frost buildup. Regular defrosting is crucial to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of a ULT freezer. Frost accumulation can obstruct airflow, impair cooling performance, and increase energy consumption. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific defrosting procedures to ensure optimal performance.

Cost & Energy Consumption

• ULT Freezer Cost – Prices range from several thousand to tens of thousands of pounds, depending on capacity and features.
• Energy Consumption – Depending on the model and age of the freezer, a typical ULT freezer consumes between 9 and 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per day, which is comparable to the daily energy usage of a single-family home. (Source: University of Edinburgh)
• Running Cost in UK – A typical ULT freezer uses between 9-20 kWh of electricity per day. In the UK, with an average cost of 11 pence per kWh, a freezer consuming 13 kWh daily will add approximately £520 to your annual energy bill. (Source: University of Edinburgh)
• Lifespan – With proper maintenance, ULT freezers typically last 12 to 15 years.

What are Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Used for?

One of the most critical uses of ULT freezers is in the storage of vaccines, where temperature control is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness. For a more detailed understanding of the role ULT freezers play in vaccine storage, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published an extensive guide on ULT Vaccine Storage.

However, ULT freezers are also widely used across various fields to store critical biological materials such as DNA, RNA, antigens, bacteria, viruses, and cell lines. They are commonly found in life sciences, biochemistry, and biology laboratories, where they play a key role in preserving valuable research samples and maintaining their integrity for long-term storage. These include:

Pharmaceutical storage

Some vaccines, medications, and pharmaceutical products must be stored at ultra-low temperatures for long periods to preserve their stability and effectiveness. Ultra-low temperature freezers create the ideal environment to safeguard these sensitive drugs, ensuring their potency is maintained until needed.

Biomedical Research

In biomedical research, ULT freezers enable scientists to store and safeguard sensitive materials used in genetic studies, drug discovery, and molecular diagnostics. Their ability to maintain stable ultra-low temperatures ensures experimental reproducibility and supports advancements in medical and pharmaceutical sciences.

Clinical Laboratories

Clinical laboratories rely on ULT freezers to store diagnostic specimens like blood, plasma and serum. These biological samples hold critical information for disease diagnosis, genetic testing, and research which require ultra-low temperatures to preserve them.

Cryopreservation

Ultra-low temperature freezers play a key role in cryopreservation, a process that freezes biological materials at extremely low temperatures with the help of cryoprotective agents. This method is used to preserve cells, tissues, and organs for transplantation, research, and long-term storage.

Assisted Reproductive Technology

In assisted reproductive techniques like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), oocytes (eggs) and embryos are preserved at ultra-low temperatures until needed. ULT freezers create a stable environment for storing these fragile reproductive materials, helping fertility clinics enhance patients’ chances of successful pregnancies.

Food Industry

ULT freezers can be used in restaurants, particularly for freezing and storing fish at ultra-low temperatures. Unlike conventional freezers, which freeze fish slowly and can damage the texture due to ice crystal formation, ULT freezers rapidly freeze fish, preserving its original quality and taste. Additionally, ULT freezers help restaurants manage their supply chains more efficiently by allowing them to store fish for extended periods without compromising freshness. This enables bulk purchasing and ensures a consistent supply of high-quality seafood year-round.

Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Systems

ARCTIKO offers a range of ULT freezer systems, each designed to provide reliable, energy-efficient, and stable storage solutions:

Single Compressor System

ARCTIKO’s single compressor system offers a highly reliable and efficient solution for ultra-low temperature storage. It features a single compressor and cooling cycle, ensuring stable temperatures across the freezer. The system’s simple design results in less maintenance, reduced energy consumption, and quieter operation. With the compressor located at the top of the upright freezers, users can enjoy easy access for servicing, while the filterless construction contributes to the overall reliability and efficiency of the system.

ARCTIKO’s TRUE DUAL™ Technology

TRUE DUAL™ technology provides an enhanced level of security for ultra-low temperature storage. This system uses two independent cooling cycles, ensuring that if one cycle is not in operation, the other will maintain temperatures of -70°C or lower, protecting valuable samples. TRUE DUAL™ technology is designed to ensure excellent temperature uniformity, faster recovery after door openings, and a longer lifespan for the freezer. It also eliminates the need for a backup freezer, offering peace of mind and increased operational efficiency.

How to Monitor Temperature in Ultra-Low Freezers

To monitor the temperature in a ULT freezer, many of our models come equipped with a built-in controller or easy tracking. For enhanced monitoring, you can opt for a dedicated temperature data logger with alarm functions, which can send alerts via email or text message if the temperature falls outside the desired range, enabling real-time monitoring and prompt action. Additionally, remote monitoring is available through a cloud-based platform for enhanced convenience and oversight.

Contact Us

Ultra-low temperature freezers are essential in scientific, medical, and industrial environments, allowing for the safe storage of samples and products at extremely low temperatures. By providing a stable and controlled setting, these freezers help preserve valuable biological materials, pharmaceuticals, and other critical substances over extended periods.

Ongoing advancements in technology have significantly improved the performance, reliability, and functionality of ultra-low temperature freezers, enhancing their effectiveness across a wide range of applications. As research and medical fields continue to evolve, the importance of these freezers in preserving vital materials will remain key to scientific and healthcare progress.

If you’d like to speak to a member of our team regarding our ultra-low temperature freezers or would like more information on how they work, please call +44 (0)1725531000 / +1 866-861-6750, or email sales@arctiko.com. A member of our team will be happy to assist you!