Büchi F-105 Recirculating Chiller

Brand : Buchi

Product Code : SKU 1516A CIRC

Price Match Policy

Shipping

All products ship from our 30,000 sq. ft. Haverhill, MA warehouse

Buchi F-105 Recirculating Chiller

The Buchi F-105 Recirculating Chiller is a compact laboratory cooling system designed for rotary evaporation, condenser cooling, and other applications requiring a reliable source of temperature-controlled recirculating fluid. With an adjustable temperature range of -10°C to +25°C, cooling capacity up to 530 W at +15°C, a 3 L reservoir, and an integrated circulation pump, the F-105 provides efficient closed-loop cooling while eliminating the continuous water consumption associated with tap-water-cooled condensers.

Designed specifically for integration with Buchi laboratory equipment, the F-105 is an excellent companion to Buchi Rotavapor systems and can also support compatible condensers and other laboratory equipment within its cooling and circulation capabilities. Its compact footprint helps conserve valuable laboratory space while providing consistent cooling conditions for solvent condensation and recovery.

Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, this Buchi F-105 is inspected and tested for refrigeration, circulation, temperature control, and overall operating performance. A 90-day warranty is included.

Key Features

-10°C to +25°C adjustable temperature range
530 W cooling capacity at +15°C
390 W cooling capacity at +10°C
120 W cooling capacity at 0°C
Approximately ±1°C temperature accuracy
3 L coolant reservoir
Approximately 2.5 L/min pump flow
Approximately 0.6 bar pump pressure
Digital temperature display with 0.1°C resolution
Closed-loop coolant circulation
Compact 280 × 500 mm footprint
Designed for rotary evaporator condenser cooling
Compatible with Buchi laboratory evaporation systems
Reduces or eliminates once-through cooling-water consumption
Integrated compressor-based refrigeration
Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included

Overview

The Buchi F-105 is a dedicated refrigerated recirculating chiller designed to provide temperature-controlled coolant to compatible external laboratory equipment.

Instead of continuously supplying a condenser or instrument with fresh tap water, the F-105 circulates coolant through a closed loop. Fluid leaves the chiller, passes through the connected equipment where it absorbs heat, and then returns to the F-105. The refrigeration system removes the accumulated heat before recirculating the coolant.

This arrangement is particularly advantageous for rotary evaporation.

Effective rotary evaporation depends on maintaining a sufficiently cold condenser to capture solvent vapor after it leaves the evaporation flask. Consistent coolant temperature can improve condensation performance, support solvent recovery, and reduce dependence on facility-water temperature.

Buchi designed the F-105 as a compact cooling solution for laboratory evaporation systems. Its 3 L reservoir and relatively small footprint make it particularly appropriate for a single rotary evaporator or similar moderate-load application.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Buchi
Model	F-105
Equipment Type	Refrigerated recirculating chiller
Temperature Range	-10°C to +25°C
Temperature Accuracy	Approx. ±1°C
Display Resolution	0.1°C
Cooling Capacity at +15°C	Approx. 530 W
Cooling Capacity at +10°C	Approx. 390 W
Cooling Capacity at 0°C	Approx. 120 W
Cooling Capacity at -10°C	Approx. 10 W
Reservoir Volume	3 L
Pump Flow Rate	Approx. 2.5 L/min
Pump Pressure	Approx. 0.6 bar
Hose Connection	8 mm
Refrigerant	R134a
Display	Digital
Refrigeration	Compressor-based
Ambient Operating Range	5°C to 35°C
Approximate Width	280 mm / 11.0 in.
Approximate Depth	500 mm / 19.7 in.
Approximate Height	420 mm / 16.5 in.
Approximate Weight	30 kg / 66 lb
Electrical Requirements	Verify individual unit nameplate
Warranty	90 days

Common Applications

The Buchi F-105 is particularly well suited for rotary evaporation and laboratory solvent-processing applications. Typical uses include rotary evaporator condenser cooling, solvent recovery, distillation, chemical synthesis, condenser cooling, extraction workflows, and other laboratory equipment requiring a moderate-capacity external coolant supply.

Rotary evaporation is the F-105's strongest application.

A rotary evaporator reduces the pressure above a liquid sample, allowing solvent to evaporate at a lower temperature. The resulting vapor must then be efficiently condensed so that the solvent can be collected rather than lost to the vacuum system.

The F-105 provides a controlled coolant source for this condenser. Compared with tap-water cooling, the chiller provides a more consistent coolant temperature and allows the same cooling fluid to be continuously reused.

The F-105 can also be used with compatible non-Buchi equipment provided the required temperature, cooling capacity, flow rate, pump pressure, and fluid connections fall within the chiller's capabilities.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The Buchi F-105 is well suited for pharmaceutical laboratories, biotechnology facilities, chemistry laboratories, medicinal chemistry groups, organic synthesis laboratories, natural-products research groups, cannabis and botanical testing laboratories where permitted, food and beverage research facilities, academic chemistry laboratories, and industrial R&D environments.

It is particularly attractive for laboratories already using Buchi rotary evaporators.

The compact configuration can also be beneficial in laboratories where bench and floor space are limited and a large process chiller would provide unnecessary cooling capacity.

Performance & Temperature Stability

The Buchi F-105 provides an adjustable temperature range from approximately -10°C to +25°C with manufacturer-specified temperature accuracy of approximately ±1°C.

Cooling capacity varies considerably with coolant temperature.

Buchi specifies approximately 530 W of cooling capacity at +15°C and approximately 390 W at +10°C. Capacity decreases to approximately 120 W at 0°C and approximately 10 W at -10°C.

This cooling curve is important when selecting the F-105 for a particular application. The -10°C minimum temperature does not mean that the chiller can remove a substantial continuous heat load while operating at -10°C.

For rotary evaporation, operating the coolant at an appropriate temperature rather than simply selecting the lowest possible setpoint can provide substantially more available refrigeration capacity.

The F-105's integrated pump provides approximately 2.5 L/min flow at up to approximately 0.6 bar pressure. Actual circulation through connected equipment will depend on tubing length, fittings, coolant viscosity, elevation, and hydraulic resistance within the condenser or instrument.

Refurbishment & Testing

This used Buchi F-105 Recirculating Chiller is refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange before shipment. Our technicians inspect the compressor, condenser, refrigeration circuit, circulation pump, reservoir, digital controller, display, fluid connections, electrical components, housing, and applicable safety systems.

Temperature-controlled equipment is tested using NIST-traceable probes and data loggers. The F-105 is operated under simulated laboratory conditions to evaluate temperature pull-down, refrigeration performance, circulation, temperature regulation, controller operation, and overall system reliability.

The reservoir and accessible fluid-contact components are cleaned and inspected before shipment.

Customers purchasing the F-105 for a specific rotary evaporator or other laboratory instrument are encouraged to provide the required coolant temperature, approximate heat load, circulation requirements, and intended coolant. When practical, American Instrument Exchange can incorporate customer-requested operating conditions into final testing.

A 90-day warranty is included.

Shipping & Installation

The Buchi F-105 weighs approximately 66 lb and is compact enough for relatively straightforward laboratory installation. American Instrument Exchange prepares the chiller for shipment with the coolant drained and appropriate protection for the refrigeration system, controller, housing, and fluid connections.

After installation, the F-105 should be filled with an appropriate heat-transfer fluid selected for the intended operating temperature.

Buchi specifies an ambient operating range of approximately 5°C to 35°C. The chiller should be installed on a clean, level, vibration-free surface with adequate ventilation around the air-cooled refrigeration system.

Proper airflow is especially important because the heat removed from the rotary evaporator or other connected equipment must ultimately be rejected into the surrounding laboratory through the chiller's condenser.

Coolant tubing should be appropriately sized, securely connected, and inspected for leaks before operation. The F-105 uses approximately 8 mm hose connections.

Related Equipment

American Instrument Exchange stocks a range of laboratory circulators, including Buchi recirculating chillers, refrigerated circulators, heated baths, immersion circulators, and process cooling systems. Laboratories using the F-105 may also want to compare available evaporators and extractors, including rotary evaporator systems that can be paired with recirculating chillers for efficient solvent evaporation and recovery.

Buchi F-105 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Buchi F-105 used for?

The Buchi F-105 is a refrigerated recirculating chiller designed primarily to provide temperature-controlled coolant for rotary evaporators and other compatible laboratory equipment.

What is the temperature range of the Buchi F-105?

The F-105 provides an adjustable coolant temperature range of approximately -10°C to +25°C.

How much cooling capacity does the Buchi F-105 provide?

Cooling capacity depends on operating temperature. Buchi specifies approximately 530 W at +15°C, 390 W at +10°C, 120 W at 0°C, and approximately 10 W at -10°C.

Why does cooling capacity decrease at lower temperatures?

Mechanical refrigeration systems generally have less heat-removal capacity as the required coolant temperature decreases. This is why the F-105 can reach -10°C but cannot remove the same continuous heat load at -10°C that it can at +10°C or +15°C.

What is the reservoir capacity of the F-105?

The Buchi F-105 has an approximately 3 L internal coolant reservoir.

What are the pump specifications?

Buchi specifies approximately 2.5 L/min pump flow with maximum pressure of approximately 0.6 bar.

Can the F-105 be used with a Buchi Rotavapor?

Yes. Rotary evaporation is one of the primary applications for the F-105, and Buchi designed the chiller for integration with compatible Rotavapor systems.

Can the Buchi F-105 be used with another manufacturer's rotary evaporator?

Potentially, yes. Compatibility depends on the evaporator's required coolant temperature, heat load, flow, pressure, tubing connections, and heat-transfer fluid. The F-105 is not limited exclusively to Buchi-branded equipment.

Why use an F-105 instead of tap water with a rotary evaporator?

The F-105 recirculates coolant through a closed loop rather than continuously consuming fresh tap water. It also provides controlled coolant temperature independent of seasonal or facility-water fluctuations.

Does colder coolant always improve rotary evaporation?

Not necessarily. Lower coolant temperatures can improve condensation, but the chiller's available cooling capacity decreases substantially at lower temperatures. The appropriate setpoint depends on the solvent, vacuum conditions, evaporation rate, condenser design, and required solvent recovery.

Can the Buchi F-105 operate below 0°C?

Yes. The F-105 can be set as low as approximately -10°C when used with an appropriate heat-transfer fluid. Available cooling capacity becomes significantly lower as the operating temperature approaches -10°C.

What refrigerant does the Buchi F-105 use?

Manufacturer documentation for this generation of the F-105 specifies R134a refrigerant.

How large is the Buchi F-105?

The F-105 measures approximately 11.0 inches wide × 19.7 inches deep × 16.5 inches high and weighs approximately 66 lb.

Is the Buchi F-105 suitable for a large process reactor?

The F-105 is primarily a compact instrument chiller rather than a high-capacity process chiller. Applications with substantial continuous heat loads may require a larger recirculating chiller.

Does this refurbished Buchi F-105 include a warranty?

Yes. This used Buchi F-105 is refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange and includes a 90-day warranty.

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Equipment

Ensure Accuracy, Safety, and Dependable Performance Across Applications

At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished laboratory equipment undergoes a rigorous, multi-point testing protocol to ensure optimal performance, operational safety, and long-term reliability. Whether the equipment is destined for research, diagnostics, quality control, or production environments, our thorough inspection and testing process is designed to meet the highest standards of laboratory excellence.

Why Testing Used Lab Equipment Is Essential

Before any refurbished laboratory equipment is returned to service, it must be carefully tested to verify:

• Functional integrity and operational performance
• Setpoint accuracy and repeatability (where applicable)
• User interface responsiveness and control features

Proper testing reduces the risk of equipment failure, measurement inaccuracies, or user hazards—helping to ensure consistent results in clinical, academic, biotech, and industrial labs.

Our standardized lab equipment testing procedures are tailored to each equipment type, ensuring every unit meets manufacturer specifications and industry benchmarks.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Equipment

1. Initial Visual Inspection

• Examine equipment housing for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage
• Check ports, power cords, and exterior components for tampering or deterioration
• Verify that internal and external parts (racks, shelves, connectors, accessories) are present and undamaged

2. Functional Startup and Operational Testing

• Power on the equipment and verify startup diagnostics
• Confirm functionality of displays, buttons, switches, and control panels
• Run basic functions to confirm proper response and behavior under standard operating conditions

3. Testing and Performance Verification

• Test internal sensors or control systems using industry-standard tools
• Perform operational tests to validate accuracy and consistency
• Verify key performance specifications such as temperature control, timing, speed, or measurement outputs, depending on equipment type

4. Mechanical and Electrical System Testing

• Evaluate motors, pumps, fans, or other moving parts for smooth operation
• Inspect and test wiring, relays, fuses, and circuit boards for safety and reliability
• Test power delivery and grounding compliance

5. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Ensure equipment is grounded and insulated to meet laboratory safety standards
• Test alarms, interlocks, emergency stops, or safety shutdown systems if applicable

6. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Perform extended runtime testing
• Document operational logs, testing results, and any repairs or adjustments made
• Complete a final inspection, thorough cleaning, and packaging for delivery

Trusted Quality from American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years of experience in laboratory equipment refurbishment, American Instrument Exchange is committed to delivering certified, lab-ready instruments backed by expert testing. Our testing protocols ensure that each piece of equipment—regardless of type—is safe, accurate, and dependable from day one.

Whether you're equipping a startup lab or expanding a high-throughput facility, you can count on our refurbished laboratory equipment to perform with precision and reliability.

Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Equipment from American Instrument Exchange

At American Instrument Exchange, every piece of used laboratory equipment we offer undergoes a multi-step refurbishment process. Whether it's an analytical balance, centrifuge, freezer, oven, or any other essential lab instrument, our goal is to restore each unit to peak performance—ensuring accuracy, safety, and long-term reliability in scientific, clinical, industrial, and academic environments.

Why Choose Refurbished Lab Equipment from American Instrument Exchange?

• Thoroughly tested for performance, precision, and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• A cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through equipment reuse and waste reduction
• Serviced by expert technicians with decades of laboratory equipment experience

Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol

Every instrument and system refurbished at American Instrument Exchange follows a detailed, industry-aligned process:

1. Initial Intake & Inspection

• Complete visual and structural inspection for cosmetic damage, wear, or corrosion
• Mechanical assessment of hinges, seals, fasteners, motors, and moving parts
• Missing components and damaged items are documented for repair or replacement

2. Cleaning and Decontamination

• Full internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive, lab-safe solutions
• Removal of biological, chemical, or particulate contamination
• Disassembly and cleaning of removable parts such as trays, shelves, and filters

3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair

• Replacement or repair of worn or broken mechanical parts
• Evaluation and servicing of control panels, sensors, switches, and displays
• Testing and repair of electrical wiring, fuses, circuit boards, and power supplies

4. Functional System Testing

• Assessment of all major functions specific to the equipment type (e.g., speed, temperature, force, weight, timing)
• Operation of control interfaces, programming menus, and digital displays
• Verification of stabilization time, responsiveness, and user input reliability

5. Testing and Performance Verification

• Testing of internal sensors, controllers, and measurement systems using certified tools
• Multi-point testing to ensure repeatability, accuracy, and performance consistency
• Confirmation of user-defined setpoints, timing sequences, or programmable cycles

6. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Testing of safety interlocks, alarms, and over-limit protection systems (as applicable)
• Electrical safety inspections, including grounding and insulation verification

7. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Full operational testing under simulated lab conditions
• Completion of performance benchmarks, testing results, and repair logs
• Final cleaning and visual inspection

Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years of experience in the laboratory equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted leader in high-quality refurbished lab instruments. Our refurbishment protocols ensure that every piece of equipment we sell is lab-ready—offering the precision, performance, and durability your team can count on.

Whether you’re outfitting a new lab or expanding an existing operation, choose American Instrument Exchange for tested, warrantied, and cost-effective laboratory equipment.

Warranty Information

All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,

Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”

Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.

Return & Cancellation Policy

American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.

Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.

Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.

Ongoing and Extended Support Options

American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.

For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.

For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.

Please contact our team at info@americaninstrument.com for more details.

FAQ

Does the equipment come with a warranty?

Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty.
Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.

How do you test and recondition the equipment?

Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality.
We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.

How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?

We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.

Return and order cancellation policy

American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.

Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?

Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.

How does your price matching policy work?

We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.

Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?

Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.

1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.

Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?

Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.