Thermoclamp temperature controller

AutoMate Scientific Product Update

ThermoClamp 3.2 – Temperature Controlled Perfusion

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Thermoclamp temperature controller

AutoMate have recently announced the introduction of their new ThermoClamp-3 temperature controller (including both single and 2-channel versions).  The ThermoClamp 3.2 is completely redesigned with a host of new features, including the following:-

  • Auto-tuning PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) temperature control accurate to <1.0°C (often ±0.1 ̊C) with fuzzy logic
  • Extremely low noise (analogue heating) designed for electrophysiology
  • Over-temperature protection.
  • Three types of user-configurable thermal runaway protection (patent pending) with fuzzy logic constraints.
  • Smart voltage setpoint: digital, analog (BNC) or automatic.
  • Separate displays for both temperatures (control sensor and safety sensor)
  • Constant USB/serial data stream output.
  • Automatic heater failure detection and prevention.
  • Utilization of the safety sensor as secondary input for feedback control.

The features shown in bold are all new and AutoMate are particularly pleased with the thermal runaway detection which has never been done acheived before.  Analogue heating is even quieter than the original ThermoClamp and perfect for low noise electrophysiology.  The ThermoClamp 3.2 is fully backwards compatible with older AutoMate temperature sensors, heated Perfusion Pencils, and heated QuickStages.

What’s more, the price of the ThermoClamp 3.2 is LOWER than the previous model!

ThermoClamp gives you Accurate temperature control, rapid solution switching & fast wash-out

Thermoclamp-3 FrontFor the first time ever: No more over-heating when your perfusion stops or you change liquids
Uniquely featuring three types of user-configurable thermal runaway protection (patent pending) with fuzzy logic constraints, the ThermoClamp-3 and inline heater will detect when perfusion stops or the sensor is removed from the chamber. It will automatically maintain the current temperature without overheating until the problem is corrected.

Combination inline heater plus multi-channel focal drug delivery
Maintain bath temperature and rapid drug wash-out with a high-flow bath line while quickly switching 4-8 preheated solutions through the Perfusion Pencil® Steady 37°C at 5 ml/minute flow rates through both the bath line and tip.

Advanced auto-tuning temperature lock
Fuzzy logic PID software maintains chamber or reagent temperature to within 1°C of setpoint or better (often ±0.1 ̊C). The ThermoClamp calibrates its own tuning for ideal temperature control – no need to guess “loop speed” settings. Auto-tuning also adjusts the thermal runaway protection automatically.

Designed for physiology research
No metal anywhere in the flow path – unlike some competitors. Extremely low noise (now with analog heating) for electrophysiology with internal and external grounding plus electrical isolation between liquids and heating elements.

Additional Features
• Smart voltage setpoint: digital, analog (BNC) or automatic – easily control the temperature from your electrophysiology software
• Separate displays for both temperatures (control sensor and safety sensor)
• Constant USB/serial data stream output – to record temperature and experimental conditions
• Automatic heater failure detection and prevention – for longer life and more reliable heating
• Utilization of the safety sensor as secondary input for more accurate feedback control
• Over-temperature protection

Ready to use
Includes everything you need for heated perfusion: power supply, temperature sensors, and inline heater with easy Luer lock tube connections.

You can combine rapid switching, fast wash-out, and accurate temperature control at the same time. Set the ThermoClamp temperature from ambient to 65°C. A front-panel BNC provides an analog output of current temperature for recording. Different sizes of replaceable tips are interchangeable with our standard Perfusion Pencil. The tips have microlitre dead volume for rapid switching. No messy water jacket is required, but the separate high-flow line is capable of heating a perfusion chamber with water jacket if desired.

The ThermoClamp system includes bath and Perfusion Pencil thermocouple sensors. Automatic overtemp and thermocouple failure protection alerts you to any problems. Incorporate temperature control into your perfusion rig with simple micromanipulator mounting.

Operation

Connect multiple reagent tubes from any perfusion system to the heated Perfusion Pencil on a manipulator directed into your chamber. If desired, connect a separate buffer line to the “high-flow” bath Luer connection on the Pencil, and the outflow to your chamber. If your chamber includes a water jacket, you can use the high-flow line with a constant flow of water to heat the chamber. Place the bath thermocouple sensor in the chamber. Set your desired temperature on the controller and begin liquid flow. The ThermoClamp will monitor bath temperature and heat the liquids flowing through the Perfusion Pencil to keep the chamber at exactly the desired temperature. Your perfusion system can quickly change solutions through the Perfusion Pencil tip and also deliver buffer for fast wash-out. Sophisticated circuitry will “auto tune” the ThermoClamp heating parameters based on your flow rates, chamber, and tubing to clamp the temperature and minimize over/undershoot.

If you would like to learn more about the new ThermoClamp 3.2 Temperature Controller or receive a quote, then please contact us.