"Dual-probe" refers to a refrigerator equipped with two high-precision temperature sensor
Probe 1 (Cavity Probe): Monitors the temperature of the air environment inside the refrigerator.
Probe 2 (Shelf/Sample Probe): Directly monitors the temperature of the chemical container itself or the surface of the shelf it is placed onThis design achieves a leap from "monitoring the environment" to "monitoring the sample itself," providing more precise and safer temperature control management.
Specific Applications and Advantages in Isolated Storage of Specialty Chemicals
1. Precise Temperature Control and Monitoring
Application: For temperature-sensitive specialty chemicals such as certain monomers, standard reagents, enzymes, vaccines, etc., strict temperature stability within a specific range (e.g., 4°C ±0.5°C) is required.
Dual Probe Advantages:Prevents Overcooling or Overheating: Relying solely on an air probe causes significant temperature fluctuations when doors open or new samples are added, triggering frequent compressor cycling. The sample probe provides a more accurate representation of the chemical's actual temperature, enabling the control system to perform smoother, more precise adjustments. This prevents chemical denaturation or decomposition due to temperature fluctuations.
Dual Safety Assurance: The two probes cross-verify each other. If one probe fails, the system triggers an alarm and switches to the other probe, preventing temperature control failure that could result in the entire batch of chemicals becoming unusable or posing a hazard.
2. Enhanced Explosion-Proof Safety (for Flammable and Explosive Chemicals)
Applications: Storage of flammable solvents such as ethanol, ether, acetone, petroleum ether, n-hexane, or certain chemical reaction intermediates prone to generating combustible gases.
Dual-Probe Advantages:Reduced Spark Generation: While explosion-proof refrigerators primarily achieve safety through "intrinsically safe" or "explosion-proof" circuit designs (isolating spark sources outside the unit), precise temperature control remains critical.
Prevents "Hot Spots": Unnecessary frequent compressor startups pose potential hazards. The dual-probe system provides stable temperature control, reducing compressor cycles and thereby lowering risks. Simultaneously, it ensures chemicals themselves do not develop hazardous conditions due to localized overcooling or overheating.
3. Chemical Isolation and Categorized Storage
Application: Storing multiple incompatible chemicals (e.g., acids and alkalis, oxidizers and reducing agents) within a single refrigerator.
Dual-Probe Advantages:
Monitoring for Separate Zones: In some high-end models, dual probes enable independent temperature monitoring for upper/lower shelves or distinct compartments. This effectively simulates "isolated storage." Administrators can segregate incompatible chemicals into distinct zones while ensuring each remains within safe temperature limits.
Data Logging and Traceability: Temperature data from dual probes can be recorded and exported, which is critical for compliance with GLP/GMP (Good Laboratory Practice/Good Manufacturing Practice). In case of issues, this enables traceability to prove chemicals were consistently stored at specified temperatures, meeting audit and regulatory requirements.
4. Early Warning and Alarm System
Application: When the refrigerator malfunctions or the door is not properly closed, management must be promptly notified to prevent loss of an entire batch of valuable or hazardous chemicals.
Dual-Probe Advantages:
Earlier, More Accurate Alarms: If the refrigerator door is not properly closed, the ambient probe will detect rising temperatures first and trigger an alarm. However, if the compressor malfunctions, the sample probe will detect the temperature increase first. The dual-probe system provides a more comprehensive dimension of fault monitoring, ensuring staff receive alerts and can take action before the actual temperature of the chemicals exceeds the acceptable range.
INNOVA also offers hazardous chemical storage cabinets for room-temperature chemicals, as well as fume hoods.
