Thermo TSX70086 Ultralow Freezer

Thermo Scientific TSX70086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer (Refurbished)

The Thermo Scientific TSX70086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer is a high-capacity, energy-efficient -80°C freezer designed for laboratories maintaining large and valuable collections of biological samples. With 33.5 cubic feet (949 liters) of internal capacity and storage for up to 700 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the TSX70086A is an excellent choice for biobanks, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology laboratories, core facilities, and research organizations requiring maximum upright ULT storage capacity.

The TSX70086A combines Thermo Scientific's V-drive technology with advanced touchscreen monitoring, onboard data logging, USB data export, natural refrigerants, and a highly insulated cabinet. Unlike conventional ULT refrigeration systems that typically cycle compressors on and off, V-drive technology adjusts compressor operation according to freezer conditions and usage patterns. This helps the TSX70086A balance temperature performance, recovery, energy consumption, and noise.

Despite its very large capacity, the TSX70086A consumes approximately 10.2 kWh/day under Thermo's published standard test conditions and operates at approximately 48 dBA, making it particularly attractive for laboratories seeking to increase sample-storage capacity while controlling energy consumption, HVAC load, and laboratory noise.

Refurbished Thermo Scientific TSX70086A freezers from American Instrument Exchange are thoroughly inspected, cleaned, performance tested, and supplied with a 90-day warranty.

Thermo Scientific TSX70086A Key Features

• Thermo Scientific TSX Series ultra-low temperature freezer

• Model TSX70086A

• 33.5 cu. ft. (949 L) internal capacity

• Holds up to 700 standard 2-inch cryoboxes

• Potential storage for approximately 70,000 2 mL vials

• Operating temperature range of -50°C to -86°C

• Thermo Scientific V-drive technology

• Variable-speed compressor operation responds to changing freezer conditions

• Approximately 10.2 kWh/day typical energy consumption at -80°C under manufacturer test conditions

• Quiet operation at approximately 48 dBA

• Advanced touchscreen user interface

• Onboard temperature and event logging

• Temperature mapping and data-download capabilities

• Built-in USB port

• Wireless monitoring capability

• Advanced alarm and security functions

• Natural refrigerants

• High-performance cabinet insulation

• Insulated inner compartments help minimize cold-air loss during sample access

• Large 700-box capacity for high-density sample storage

• 115V, 60Hz electrical configuration

• Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange

• 90-day warranty included

Overview

The Thermo Scientific TSX70086A represents the high-capacity end of the TSX upright ultra-low freezer platform. Its 33.5 cubic foot chamber provides storage for as many as 700 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, giving laboratories the ability to consolidate very large sample collections into a single upright cabinet.

For laboratories using 100-place cryoboxes, this translates to a theoretical capacity of approximately 70,000 cryovials. This level of storage density makes the TSX70086A particularly valuable for biobanks, pharmaceutical development programs, longitudinal studies, large academic research programs, and centralized sample repositories.

The TSX platform also addresses two significant operating concerns associated with large ultra-low freezers: energy consumption and noise. Thermo's V-drive refrigeration technology continuously adapts compressor operation according to changing freezer conditions rather than relying solely on conventional fixed-speed compressor cycling.

During stable operation, the system can operate at lower speeds to conserve energy. Following door openings or other events that increase refrigeration demand, compressor speed can increase to help restore operating conditions.

The result is a large-capacity ULT freezer designed to combine sample protection with efficient day-to-day operation.

Common Applications

The Thermo Scientific TSX70086A is commonly used for long-term storage of cell lines, DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, antibodies, serum, plasma, tissue specimens, bacterial cultures, viral samples, pharmaceutical compounds, clinical research materials, genomic samples, biobank specimens, and other biological materials requiring ultra-low temperature preservation.

Its 700-box capacity makes it especially appropriate for centralized sample repositories, biobanking programs, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology development, genomics and proteomics research, translational medicine, clinical research, cell biology, and other applications generating large quantities of frozen samples.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The TSX70086A is particularly well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research and development facilities, biobanks, hospital research laboratories, clinical research organizations, university core facilities, large academic research programs, genomics and proteomics laboratories, cell and molecular biology groups, government research facilities, and other organizations maintaining extensive ultra-low temperature sample inventories.

For facilities approaching the capacity limits of smaller ULT freezers, the TSX70086A can also provide an efficient way to consolidate samples while reducing the number of individual freezer cabinets that must be powered, monitored, maintained, and serviced.

Performance & Temperature Uniformity

The Thermo Scientific TSX70086A operates across a temperature range of -50°C to -86°C, including the approximately -80°C setpoints commonly used for long-term biological sample preservation.

A defining feature of the TSX platform is its V-drive refrigeration system. Variable-speed compressor technology allows the refrigeration system to respond dynamically to changing conditions inside the freezer. Under stable conditions, the system can operate more efficiently, while increased refrigeration capacity is available when conditions demand it.

Thermo's published performance data for the TSX70086A indicates approximately 31 minutes of door-opening recovery time under specified test conditions. Insulated inner compartments further help protect stored samples by limiting exposure of the complete chamber when the outer door is opened.

For laboratories maintaining tens of thousands of samples in a single freezer, these performance characteristics can be particularly important because sample retrieval may occur frequently throughout the working day.

Sample Storage Recommendations

The TSX70086A accommodates up to 700 standard 2-inch cryoboxes. When using 100-place boxes, this represents a theoretical maximum of approximately 70,000 cryovials, although actual storage capacity depends on the racks, boxes, and vial formats selected.

Typical materials stored in the TSX70086A include cell lines and cell banks, DNA and RNA samples, proteins and enzymes, antibodies, serum and plasma, tissue specimens, microbial cultures, clinical research samples, pharmaceutical compounds, genomic materials, biobank specimens, and archived research collections.

For a freezer containing such a large sample inventory, organization is especially important. Clearly labeled racks and cryoboxes can significantly reduce retrieval time and unnecessary door openings.

Laboratories storing valuable or irreplaceable materials should also maintain independent temperature monitoring, remote alarm notification, backup storage capacity, and a documented emergency response plan.

Thermo Scientific TSX70086A Specifications

Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and American Instrument Exchange product information.

Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs

Energy efficiency is one of the strongest reasons for choosing a Thermo Scientific TSX Series ULT freezer. According to Thermo's published performance data, the TSX70086A consumes approximately 10.2 kWh per day at a -80°C setpoint and 20°C ambient temperature under manufacturer test conditions.

That is notable given the freezer's 33.5 cubic foot capacity and ability to accommodate as many as 700 cryoboxes. When storage density is considered, the TSX70086A can provide an efficient approach to maintaining very large sample collections.

V-drive technology contributes to this performance by varying compressor speed according to refrigeration demand rather than relying exclusively on traditional fixed-speed operation.

Energy consumption is particularly important for ULT freezers because electrical use represents only part of their facility impact. Heat produced by the refrigeration system is released into the surrounding laboratory and must frequently be removed by the building HVAC system. Reducing freezer energy consumption can therefore help reduce both direct electrical costs and laboratory cooling demand.

Actual consumption will depend on ambient conditions, temperature setpoint, cabinet loading, door-opening frequency, ventilation, condenser condition, and other operating factors.

Refurbishment & Testing Process

Every Thermo Scientific TSX70086A ultra-low freezer refurbished by American Instrument Exchange undergoes a comprehensive inspection and testing process before shipment. Our technicians inspect the V-drive refrigeration system, compressors, condenser, touchscreen controls, temperature probes, alarms, door seals, insulated inner compartments, shelving, cabinet hardware, and overall freezer condition.

Components are repaired or replaced as necessary, and the freezer is thoroughly cleaned before final testing.

Most importantly, American Instrument Exchange operates and temperature tests each refurbished ULT freezer using NIST-traceable probes and data loggers. Temperature controls and readouts are checked for accuracy, and freezer performance is monitored to verify that the unit reaches and maintains ultra-low temperatures within appropriate operating tolerances before shipment.

For laboratories protecting tens of thousands of valuable samples, this testing process provides an important advantage over purchasing used laboratory equipment with an unknown operating history.

Shipping & Installation Considerations

The TSX70086A is a very large ultra-low freezer, with exterior dimensions of approximately 45.2"W × 37.6"D × 78"H and a shipping weight of approximately 894 lbs. Delivery planning should therefore begin before the freezer leaves American Instrument Exchange.

Loading docks, building entrances, elevators, hallways, turns, and the final installation location should all be evaluated. Thermo specifies a doorway clearance requirement of approximately 34.5 inches for this cabinet configuration, but the complete delivery route should always be confirmed before shipment.

The TSX70086A operates on 115V, 60Hz electrical service and is rated at approximately 10.6A with a NEMA 5-15 plug. A properly grounded dedicated circuit is recommended for ultra-low freezer installations.

Adequate room ventilation and HVAC capacity are also essential. Although the TSX70086A is designed for efficient operation, any ULT freezer continuously rejects heat into its surroundings.

After installation, allow the freezer to reach and stabilize at the selected operating temperature before transferring valuable samples into the chamber.

Related Laboratory Equipment

Laboratories purchasing the Thermo Scientific TSX70086A frequently require laboratory refrigerators and laboratory freezers for routine reagent and sample storage, cryogenic storage systems for liquid nitrogen preservation, centrifuges for sample preparation, biosafety cabinets for aseptic and containment workflows, and CO₂ incubators for cell culture applications.

American Instrument Exchange offers refurbished equipment across these categories, allowing laboratories to build or expand complete sample preparation, cell culture, and cold-storage workflows while reducing capital equipment costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many samples can the Thermo Scientific TSX70086A hold?

The TSX70086A can accommodate up to 700 standard 2-inch cryoboxes. When using 100-place boxes, this represents a theoretical maximum of approximately 70,000 cryovials, although actual capacity depends on the racks, boxes, and vial configuration used.

What is Thermo Scientific V-drive technology?

V-drive is Thermo Scientific's variable-speed refrigeration technology. Rather than operating only at a fixed compressor speed, the system can adjust refrigeration output according to freezer conditions and usage. This allows the freezer to balance temperature performance and recovery with energy-efficient operation.

How energy efficient is the TSX70086A?

Thermo reports typical energy consumption of approximately 10.2 kWh/day for the TSX70086A at a -80°C setpoint and 20°C ambient temperature under its specified test conditions. This is particularly impressive given the freezer's 33.5 cubic foot chamber and 700-box storage capacity.

Is the TSX70086A suitable for a biobank?

Yes. The combination of 700-box capacity, advanced monitoring, onboard data capabilities, V-drive refrigeration, and high-density sample storage makes the TSX70086A particularly well suited for biobanks, core facilities, pharmaceutical laboratories, and other organizations maintaining large collections of valuable biological samples.

Is the TSX70086A quiet enough for a working laboratory?

Thermo reports a sound level of approximately 48 dBA, which is relatively quiet for an ultra-low freezer of this size. This can be an important advantage when the freezer is installed close to occupied laboratory or research areas.

What is the difference between the TSX70086A and TSX60086A?

Both use Thermo Scientific's TSX platform and V-drive technology, but the TSX70086A provides greater storage capacity. The TSX70086A offers 33.5 cu. ft. and capacity for 700 cryoboxes, compared with approximately 28.8 cu. ft. and 600 boxes for the TSX60086A. The TSX70086A is therefore a strong choice when maximizing sample capacity per freezer is a priority.

Is the TSX70086A a 115V freezer?

Yes. The “A” configuration is rated for 115V, 60Hz power. Thermo also produced the TSX70086D for 208–230V operation, so confirming the complete model number is important when planning an installation.

How is a refurbished Thermo TSX70086A tested before shipment?

American Instrument Exchange inspects the refrigeration system, V-drive components, touchscreen controller, temperature probes, alarms, door seals, inner compartments, shelving, and overall freezer condition. The freezer is then operated and monitored using NIST-traceable temperature probes and data loggers to verify temperature control accuracy and dependable ultra-low temperature performance before shipment.