Thermo TSX40086 Ultralow Freezer

Thermo Scientific TSX40086 Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer

The Thermo Scientific TSX40086 Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer is a high-performance upright ULT freezer designed for dependable long-term storage of biological samples, research materials, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive inventory at temperatures down to -86°C. With 19.4 cu. ft. (549 L) of internal capacity and storage for up to 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the TSX40086 combines substantial sample capacity with a relatively narrow cabinet footprint.

Part of the Thermo Scientific TSX Series, the TSX40086 incorporates V-drive variable-speed compressor technology, vacuum insulation panels, natural hydrocarbon refrigerants, touchscreen controls, onboard data logging, and advanced alarm and monitoring capabilities. These features are designed to provide strong sample protection while reducing energy consumption, heat output, and operating noise compared with many traditional ultra-low temperature freezer designs.

This used Thermo Scientific TSX40086 is refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange before shipment and includes a 90-day warranty.

Key Features

• 19.4 cu. ft. (549 L) ultra-low temperature freezer

• Adjustable operating range from -50°C to -86°C

• Capacity for up to 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes

• Approximately 40,000 × 2 mL vial capacity with appropriate storage configuration

• V-drive variable-speed compressor technology

• Adaptive refrigeration control

• Touchscreen LCD interface

• Vacuum insulation panels with water-blown polyurethane foam insulation

• Natural hydrocarbon refrigerants

• Onboard temperature, event, and diagnostic data logging

• USB data download capability

• Audible and visual high- and low-temperature alarms

• Remote alarm capability

• Manual defrost

• Two insulated inner compartment doors

• Three interior shelves

• 16-rack capacity

• Approximately 47.5 dBA operating noise for the 115 V TSX40086A configuration

• Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange

• 90-day warranty included

Overview

The Thermo Scientific TSX40086 was developed for laboratories that require dependable ultra-low temperature storage while also seeking to reduce the energy consumption and operational demands traditionally associated with -80°C freezers.

At the center of the TSX design is Thermo Scientific's V-drive variable-speed compressor technology. Rather than operating solely at fixed compressor speeds, the system adjusts refrigeration performance in response to changing operating conditions. Cooling output can increase following door openings or other thermal loads and decrease during periods of stable operation.

This adaptive approach helps balance temperature recovery, sample protection, energy consumption, heat rejection, and compressor operation.

The TSX40086 is particularly attractive where laboratory space is limited. Its 19.4 cu. ft. chamber accommodates as many as 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes while the cabinet measures only approximately 28.3 inches wide. This provides substantial sample density without requiring the width of larger 500-, 600-, or 700-box TSX models.

A touchscreen interface provides access to freezer operating information, alarm settings, event records, temperature data, and system diagnostics. Built-in USB functionality allows data to be downloaded for review and recordkeeping.

Common Applications

The Thermo Scientific TSX40086 is appropriate for long-term ultra-low temperature storage of compatible DNA, RNA, plasma, serum, tissue specimens, cell lines, stem cells, bacterial cultures, viral samples, proteins, enzymes, monoclonal antibodies, research compounds, clinical specimens, pharmaceutical reference materials, and other valuable biological samples.

Typical applications include biobanking, molecular biology, genomics, cell biology, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology development, clinical research, microbiology, vaccine research, translational medicine, and long-term archival sample storage.

Individual samples and products should always be stored according to their validated temperature requirements. A -80°C freezer should not automatically be assumed to be appropriate for every biological material.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The TSX40086 is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, biobanks, academic research institutions, hospitals, clinical research laboratories, molecular biology facilities, public health laboratories, government research facilities, and biomedical research organizations.

Its combination of high storage density and a relatively narrow footprint can be particularly useful for laboratories where multiple ULT freezers must be installed within a limited cold-storage room or equipment area.

The comparatively quiet operation of the TSX platform can also make the freezer suitable for placement closer to occupied laboratory areas when facility layout and ventilation requirements permit.

Temperature Recovery & Uniformity

Temperature recovery is a critical consideration in an ultra-low freezer because routine door openings introduce substantial heat into a chamber operating near -80°C.

The TSX40086 uses V-drive variable-speed refrigeration to respond to changing thermal loads. When additional cooling is needed following sample access, the refrigeration system can increase output; during stable periods, it can operate more efficiently.

Thermo Scientific's published performance data for the TSX40086A indicates approximately 20 minutes of door-opening recovery under its specified test conditions, with the freezer operating at a -80°C setpoint in a 20°C ambient environment.

The cabinet also incorporates vacuum insulation panels and two insulated inner doors, helping reduce cold-air loss when researchers access only one portion of the storage chamber.

Actual temperature recovery and uniformity will vary according to freezer loading, sample configuration, ambient temperature, door-opening duration, maintenance, operating setpoint, and other laboratory conditions.

Sample Storage Recommendations

The TSX40086 can accommodate up to 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, making careful inventory organization important for both sample management and freezer performance.

Compatible freezer racks can be used to organize boxes by project, researcher, sample type, study, collection date, or other laboratory-defined criteria. With appropriate rack and box configurations, the freezer can accommodate approximately 40,000 standard 2 mL cryovials.

Frequently accessed materials should be positioned so they can be retrieved without prolonged searching. Using clearly labeled racks, boxes, and inventory locations helps minimize door-open time and reduces unnecessary temperature disturbances.

Researchers should also make use of the freezer's inner-door compartments by organizing samples so that only the required section needs to be opened during retrieval.

High-value or irreplaceable samples should be supported by appropriate laboratory procedures, including alarm-response protocols, independent or remote monitoring where appropriate, backup ULT capacity, emergency power planning, and documented sample-transfer procedures.

Key Specifications

Electrical requirements vary by TSX40086 configuration. The TSX40086D operates on 208–230 V, 60 Hz, while other international configurations are also available. Confirm the exact model suffix and equipment data plate for the individual freezer before installation.

Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs

Energy efficiency is one of the major advantages of the Thermo Scientific TSX platform.

Ultra-low freezers operate continuously at extremely low temperatures, making them among the more energy-intensive pieces of equipment in many laboratories. The TSX Series was designed to reduce this burden through V-drive variable-speed refrigeration, high-performance insulation, natural refrigerants, and adaptive compressor operation.

For the 115 V TSX40086A, Thermo Scientific reports typical energy consumption of approximately 8.5 kWh per day when tested at a -80°C setpoint in a 20°C ambient environment. Actual consumption will vary with operating temperature, room conditions, freezer loading, door-opening frequency, ventilation, and maintenance.

Lower electrical consumption can provide benefits beyond the freezer's utility cost. Every watt of energy consumed by refrigeration equipment ultimately contributes to the heat load within the facility, so more efficient ULT freezers can also reduce demand on laboratory HVAC systems.

The use of natural hydrocarbon refrigerants and water-blown foam insulation further supports the TSX Series' sustainability-focused design.

Refurbishment & Testing

This Thermo Scientific TSX40086 ultra-low temperature freezer is supplied used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange.

Before shipment, AIE technicians inspect, clean, and performance test the freezer. Ultra-low temperature equipment is tested using NIST-traceable temperature probes and data logging equipment as appropriate to verify its ability to reach and maintain ultra-low operating temperatures.

The refrigeration system and V-drive compressor operation are evaluated along with the touchscreen controller, temperature display, alarms, battery backup where equipped, data-logging functions, door hardware, inner doors, gaskets, insulation, shelving, electrical components, and cabinet.

Temperature performance is monitored over time rather than simply confirming that the freezer reaches its setpoint. This helps identify refrigeration or control problems that may only become apparent after sustained operation.

Worn or defective components are repaired or replaced as necessary during refurbishment, and the freezer interior and exterior are thoroughly cleaned before shipment.

Customers with specific testing or documentation requirements are encouraged to discuss those needs with American Instrument Exchange before shipment. When practical, AIE can accommodate application-specific temperature testing requests.

This refurbished Thermo Scientific TSX40086 includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Shipping & Installation

The TSX40086 measures approximately 28.3"W × 37.6"D × 78"H. Although relatively narrow for its storage capacity, the freezer is a large and heavy piece of laboratory equipment that requires appropriate delivery and installation planning.

The 115 V TSX40086A has a published shipping weight of approximately 665 lb., so customers should verify loading dock access, doorway clearances, elevator capacity, floor loading, and the complete delivery path before shipment.

Adequate ventilation around the freezer is essential. Ultra-low refrigeration systems reject substantial heat into the surrounding environment, and insufficient ventilation can negatively affect performance, energy consumption, and compressor life.

Electrical service should be verified against the data plate of the specific freezer. For the TSX40086A configuration, Thermo specifies 115 V, 60 Hz, 9.0 A with a 15 A circuit and NEMA 5-15 plug.

After delivery, the freezer should be positioned according to manufacturer requirements and allowed to reach and stabilize at its intended operating temperature before valuable samples are loaded.

American Instrument Exchange can arrange freight transportation throughout the United States and internationally. Customers requiring liftgate service, inside delivery, rigging, or specialized placement should discuss those requirements with AIE before shipment.

Related Laboratory Equipment

Laboratories building or expanding biological sample-storage capacity can browse American Instrument Exchange's selection of ultra-low temperature freezers, including Thermo Scientific, Revco, Forma, VWR, Panasonic, PHCbi, and other major manufacturers.

Samples requiring conventional frozen storage rather than -80°C conditions can be maintained in one of AIE's laboratory freezers, while reagents, media, and other materials requiring refrigerated conditions can be stored in our laboratory refrigerators.

For workflows involving long-term cryogenic preservation, AIE also offers cryogenic storage equipment.

American Instrument Exchange also maintains inventories of refurbished centrifuges, CO₂ incubators, and biosafety cabinets for laboratories developing complete sample-processing and storage workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperature range of the Thermo Scientific TSX40086?

The TSX40086 has an operating range of -50°C to -86°C, allowing it to support common -70°C and -80°C ultra-low temperature storage applications.

How many cryoboxes does the TSX40086 hold?

The TSX40086 can accommodate up to 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes with the appropriate freezer racks.

How many 2 mL cryovials can the TSX40086 store?

Using compatible 100-vial cryoboxes and rack configurations, the freezer can accommodate approximately 40,000 × 2 mL cryovials.

Actual capacity will depend on the boxes, racks, and storage format being used.

What is V-drive technology?

Thermo Scientific's V-drive refrigeration technology uses variable-speed compressor operation to adjust cooling output according to freezer demand.

The system can increase cooling activity when recovering from door openings or other thermal loads and reduce compressor activity when chamber conditions are stable. This helps balance sample protection, temperature recovery, energy consumption, and operating noise.

How quickly does the TSX40086 recover after a door opening?

Thermo Scientific reports approximately 20 minutes of door-opening recovery for the TSX40086A under its published test conditions at a -80°C setpoint and 20°C ambient temperature.

Real-world recovery will vary with loading, door-open duration, room temperature, setpoint, and other operating conditions.

How much energy does the TSX40086 use?

Thermo Scientific reports typical energy consumption of approximately 8.5 kWh/day for the 115 V TSX40086A at a -80°C setpoint and 20°C ambient temperature.

Actual laboratory consumption will vary according to usage and environmental conditions.

How loud is the Thermo TSX40086?

Thermo Scientific's published performance data lists the TSX40086A at approximately 47.5 dBA under its test conditions.

Its relatively quiet operation can make the TSX40086 more suitable for placement near occupied laboratory areas than many older ultra-low freezer designs.

Does the TSX40086 have data logging?

Yes. The TSX platform provides onboard logging of temperature, events, and diagnostic information, with USB functionality for downloading data.

Does the TSX40086 have temperature alarms?

Yes. The freezer includes audible and visual high- and low-temperature alarms and supports additional monitoring capabilities.

Is the TSX40086 ENERGY STAR certified?

Applicable TSX40086 configurations are ENERGY STAR certified and incorporate natural refrigerants, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient V-drive refrigeration technology.

Is the TSX40086 manual defrost?

Yes. Like most ultra-low temperature freezers, the TSX40086 uses a manual-defrost design. Laboratories should monitor frost accumulation and follow appropriate maintenance procedures.

How does American Instrument Exchange test a refurbished TSX40086?

American Instrument Exchange operates and performance tests refurbished ultra-low freezers before shipment. NIST-traceable temperature probes and data logging equipment are used as appropriate to evaluate temperature performance over time.

The refrigeration system, V-drive compressor operation, touchscreen controller, alarms, doors, gaskets, electrical components, and cabinet are also inspected for proper operation and physical condition.

Does this refurbished Thermo Scientific TSX40086 include a warranty?

Yes. This used and refurbished Thermo Scientific TSX40086 includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange unless otherwise noted.