Cabinet Construction
The cabinet features a patented Panasonic VIP® vacuum insulated panel
design which optimizes interior volume in the smallest footprint
possible. The high-tech, composite thin-wall cellular construction
combines the vacuum panel insulation with polyurethane foam for
structural stability and high insulation values to minimize energy use.
- The outer door closes uniformly against a multi-point
gasket to form a tight seal and prevent moisture migration leading to
frost or ice build-up. Door gaskets are multipoint compression for a
long-lasting, tight seal around the periphery of the cabinet thermal
break.
- An Easy-In/Easy-Out outer door latch permits one-handed operation.
- A locking provision is designed for use with a conventional padlock.
- The interior inventory system is based on a center shelf
and two latching insulated inner doors designed for one-handed
operation.
- Insulated inner doors are steel-framed, high-impact
plastic with foamed-in-place insulation and minimize exposure during
routine door openings.
- Dual inner door configuration, standard, with optional
half-inner door accessories available for field-installation. For a
four-door configuration order two sets of half inner doors.
- A universal keyed door lock prevents the outer door from opening.
- The two primary compartments can be sub-divided by
adjustable shelves to accommodate standard stainless steel inventory
racks for 2" or 3" boxes. Shelf brackets are incrementally adjustable.
- Rounded interior corners enhance temperature uniformity and simply cleaning and decontamination when required.
- Seismic restraints are included to meet local codes.
- Multiple access ports permit use of back-up injection tubes, probes, leads or instrumentation.
Patented VIP® Insulation
The Panasonic Patented VIP® Vacuum Insulation Panel thin-wall composite
is a high-efficiency design that yields more interior storage volume in
a conventional freezer footprint. The VIP® minimizes energy transfer
to and from the ultra-low temperature interior. The composite
construction, complete with reflective barrier film and structural
closed-cell foam, is used on all walls and the outer door. This
advanced insulation technology offers structural stability to eliminate
distortion, and inhibits moisture accumulation that can lead to icing.
Aggregate insulation efficiency minimizes compressor cycle run-time to
lower energy costs.
Inner Door Options
The center shelf forms the base of a convenient and flexible inventory
system using conventional racks with boxes, microplates or other
storage protocols. Stainless steel shelf and insulated inner-door
combinations create choices of interior compartments that can be
arranged for long-term, low access biologicals or short-term,
frequently accessed material.
- Easy-In / Easy Out Panasonic Eagle inner door latches feature ergonomic design to seal firmly against the cabinet with one hand.
- High strength, insulated inner doors help minimize change in interior temperatures during routine door openings.
- Additional half-door configuration permit additional inner door orientations. Half doors are available in pairs only.
CFC Free Refrigerants
Panasonic was the first ultra-low freezer manufacturer to employ non-HCFC
R508 low-stage refrigerant, now recognized as today’s industry standard
and widely available. This non-proprietary
refrigerant is available to refrigeration service professionals on the
open market. The high stage refrigeration system is available to
refrigeration professionals on the open market as well.
Panasonic VIP® Green Initiative Program
Panasonic is conscious of the need to protect our environment and conserve
energy. As a corporate pioneer in life science laboratory equipment and
appliances, and as a global source of solutions ranging from energy
management to solar power and alternative energies, Panasonic remains
committed to providing the best possible laboratory equipment for
research and clinical needs.
RoHS Compliance
In 2006, RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) legislation (EU
Directive 2003/95/EU) became effective. RoHS relates to the restriction
of hazardous substances and reductions in environmental pollution.
Through RoHS legislation the EU and other participating countries are
banning toxic substances in electrical equipment such as lead, cadmium,
mercury, chromium 6+, PBB and PBDE.
While compliance with this legislation has posed a significant
challenge for Panasonic, all Panasonic ultra-low freezers and components are
now 100% compliant to RoHS standards.
Electrical Standards
All Panasonic products including ultra-low temperature freezers are tested
and certified by an NRTL (National Recognized Testing Laboratory) to
assure compliance with US and International standards for electrical
safety prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.7( c ).
Noise Reduction
Ultra-low freezers are often located within research and hospital
laboratories or production facilities. Users prefer close proximity for
easy access to valuable stored products.
If operating noise from refrigeration compressors is excessive, and/or
compounded by installation of multiple freezers in adjacent locations,
the working environment is severely compromised.
Panasonic has included advanced noise abatement in all contemporary
ultra-low freezers and noise reduction levels are well below those of
competitive freezers. Data is available upon request.
Inventory Management
The concept of High Density Storage is enabled by advances in Panasonic
Cool Safe compressor design. The cost per 2" box of interior storage
space is significantly lower in a Panasonic ultra-low freezer, generating
immediate return on investment based on first costs, operating costs
and maintenance costs over time.
Additionally, the placement of evaporator surfaces within the cabinet
walls achieve exceptional documented ultra-low temperature uniformity,
thereby permitting investigators more freedom in placing valuable cell
lines and biologicals within the interior cabinet, and assuring uniform
cell viability when harvesting products from the ultra-low archive.
Because benefits of the Panasonic Cool Safe compressor design extend to
evaporator tubing surrounding the interior chamber, and the interior
chamber is part of the thin-wall composite based on the patented
VIP® vacuum insulation panel cabinet, Panasonic can offer more usable
storage volume within the same sq.ft. of floor space than competitive
models.