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VWR 1171MD Recirculating Chiller
The VWR 1171MD Recirculating Chiller is a compact refrigerated cooling system designed to provide reliable, closed-loop coolant circulation for laboratory instruments and process equipment. With a -10°C to +40°C operating range, ±0.1°C temperature stability, and a magnetic-drive centrifugal pump capable of circulating approximately 14.7 L/min, the 1171MD is well suited for applications requiring relatively high coolant flow at moderate pressure.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the VWR 1171MD combines refrigeration, temperature control, a circulation pump, and a compact fluid reservoir in a self-contained laboratory chiller. Typical applications include condenser cooling, rotary evaporators, analytical instruments, reaction vessels, vacuum systems, and other heat-generating equipment. A 90-day warranty is included.
Key Features
-10°C to +40°C operating temperature range
±0.1°C temperature stability
Magnetic-drive centrifugal circulation pump
Maximum flow rate of approximately 14.7 L/min
Maximum pump pressure of approximately 0.66 bar
800 W cooling capacity at 20°C
Digital LED display with microprocessor control
PID temperature regulation
Compact 1/4 HP refrigeration system
Closed-loop cooling can reduce facility-water consumption
Used, refurbished, and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included
Overview
The VWR 1171MD is a refrigerated recirculating chiller designed primarily for external laboratory equipment cooling. The system continuously removes heat from its circulating fluid and returns cooled fluid to the connected instrument, allowing a controlled volume of coolant to be reused rather than discharged after a single pass.
The “MD” designation identifies the unit's magnetically coupled centrifugal pump. This pump configuration emphasizes relatively high fluid flow at lower pressure, making the 1171MD appropriate for equipment with comparatively unrestricted cooling circuits.
VWR also produced positive-displacement “PD” versions of these chillers. Those systems emphasize higher pump pressure at lower flow rates. Choosing between the two configurations depends largely on the hydraulic requirements of the equipment being cooled.
The 1171MD uses microprocessor-based PID control to regulate coolant temperature, while its digital display allows operators to monitor system performance during operation.
Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
VWR
Model
1171MD
Equipment Type
Refrigerated recirculating chiller
Temperature Range
-10°C to +40°C
Temperature Stability
±0.1°C
Pump Type
Magnetically coupled centrifugal pump
Maximum Flow Rate
Approx. 14.7 L/min
Maximum Pump Pressure
Approx. 0.66 bar / 10 psi
Cooling Capacity at 20°C
800 W
Cooling Capacity at 10°C
500 W
Cooling Capacity at 0°C
200 W
Compressor
1/4 HP
Controller
Microprocessor PID
Display
Digital LED
Connections
1/2 in. NPT inlet/outlet
Exterior Dimensions
Approx. 15 in. W × 31 in. D × 23 in. H
Electrical Requirements
120 V, 60 Hz, 9.5 A
Weight
Approx. 148 lb
Warranty
90 days
Common Applications
The VWR 1171MD can provide dedicated cooling for a variety of analytical instruments and laboratory processes. Typical applications include AA furnaces, ICP systems, condenser cooling, laser and plasma equipment, reaction vessels, rotary evaporators, vacuum systems, and other equipment that generates heat during continuous operation.
Its magnetic-drive pump makes the 1171MD particularly useful for applications requiring a relatively high volume of circulating coolant without unusually high pressure.
The system can also replace once-through tap-water cooling in many compatible applications. Rather than continuously consuming facility water, the 1171MD cools and recirculates the same heat-transfer fluid through a closed loop.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The VWR 1171MD is suitable for analytical laboratories, chemistry facilities, pharmaceutical and biotechnology research groups, materials-science laboratories, industrial R&D facilities, academic research departments, quality-control laboratories, and other facilities operating heat-generating laboratory equipment.
Its combination of moderate cooling capacity, compact size, and relatively high circulation flow makes it particularly useful for individual instruments and benchtop processes that require dedicated cooling without the capacity of a larger industrial chiller.
Temperature Control & Stability
The VWR 1171MD operates from -10°C to +40°C and provides specified temperature stability of approximately ±0.1°C. Microprocessor-based PID control continuously adjusts refrigeration performance to maintain the selected coolant temperature as thermal conditions change.
Cooling capacity varies with fluid temperature. This 120 V configuration provides approximately 800 W of cooling at 20°C, 500 W at 10°C, and 200 W at 0°C.
This decrease in available cooling capacity at lower temperatures is an important consideration when sizing any recirculating chiller. Laboratories should compare the heat generated by the connected equipment with the chiller's available cooling capacity at the intended coolant temperature rather than considering only its -10°C minimum operating specification.
Circulation & Pump Performance
The 1171MD uses a magnetically coupled centrifugal pump capable of approximately 14.7 L/min maximum flow at up to approximately 0.66 bar, or 10 psi.
This pump design favors higher circulation flow at relatively low pressure. It can therefore be a good choice for condensers, heat exchangers, instruments, and other systems with relatively unrestricted coolant pathways.
VWR's positive-displacement PD models serve a different hydraulic requirement. Those pumps sacrifice maximum flow in exchange for substantially higher pressure, making them more appropriate for restrictive circulation loops.
Actual flow through an installed 1171MD system will depend on tubing diameter and length, fittings, coolant viscosity, elevation changes, operating temperature, and resistance within the connected equipment. Buyers should verify both flow and maximum allowable pressure before connecting any instrument to the chiller.
Refurbishment & Testing
This used VWR 1171MD Recirculating Chiller is refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange before shipment. Our technicians inspect the refrigeration system, circulation pump, reservoir, temperature controller, electrical components, controls, fluid connections, and general operating condition.
Temperature-controlled equipment is tested using NIST-traceable probes and data loggers. The refrigeration system is operated to verify cooling and temperature regulation, while the pump and circulation system are evaluated for proper operation. Fluid-contact areas are cleaned and inspected prior to shipment.
If your application requires a particular coolant temperature or has specific testing requirements, contact American Instrument Exchange before shipment. When practical, our technicians can incorporate customer-requested operating conditions into final testing.
A 90-day warranty is included with this refurbished VWR recirculating chiller.
Choosing the Right Recirculating Chiller
Selecting the correct recirculating chiller requires matching both refrigeration performance and pump characteristics to the application. Buyers should consider target coolant temperature, heat load, required flow, allowable pressure, electrical requirements, and resistance within the external circulation loop.
The 1171MD is particularly appropriate for moderate cooling loads where relatively high coolant flow is desirable. Its magnetic-drive centrifugal pump delivers substantially more flow than the positive-displacement versions of comparable VWR chillers while operating at lower maximum pressure.
For equipment with narrow passages, restrictive heat exchangers, long tubing runs, or other conditions requiring substantially higher pressure, a PD-type chiller may be more appropriate.
Cooling capacity should also be considered at the actual intended operating temperature. A laboratory requiring coolant near 0°C has significantly less refrigeration capacity available from the 1171MD than an application operating at 20°C.
American Instrument Exchange can help compare available used and refurbished laboratory chillers based on your target temperature, heat load, pump requirements, and application.
The VWR 1171MD operates from approximately -10°C to +40°C, making it suitable for a range of below-ambient and near-ambient laboratory cooling applications.
What does “MD” mean in VWR 1171MD?
MD identifies the magnetically coupled centrifugal pump configuration. These pumps provide relatively high fluid flow at lower pressure compared with VWR's positive-displacement PD models.
What is the maximum flow rate of the VWR 1171MD?
The 1171MD provides a maximum circulation flow rate of approximately 14.7 L/min. Actual flow through connected equipment depends on tubing, fittings, fluid properties, and resistance within the cooling circuit.
How much cooling capacity does the VWR 1171MD provide?
This 120 V 1171MD provides approximately 800 W of cooling at 20°C, 500 W at 10°C, and 200 W at 0°C. Available refrigeration capacity decreases as the coolant temperature drops.
Can the VWR 1171MD be used with a rotary evaporator?
Yes. Recirculating chillers are commonly used to provide controlled coolant to rotary evaporator condensers. The evaporator's required coolant temperature and thermal load should be compared with the 1171MD's cooling capacity before use.
What is the difference between the VWR 1171MD and a VWR PD chiller?
The primary difference is pump performance. The 1171MD uses a centrifugal pump that emphasizes higher flow at lower pressure. VWR PD models use positive-displacement pumps that provide lower maximum flow but substantially greater pressure for more restrictive circulation loops.
Can the VWR 1171MD reduce laboratory water consumption?
Yes. In compatible applications, a closed-loop recirculating chiller can replace once-through facility-water cooling. The chiller repeatedly cools and circulates its heat-transfer fluid rather than continuously sending fresh water through an instrument and down the drain.
Does this refurbished VWR 1171MD include a warranty?
Yes. This used VWR 1171MD is refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange and includes a 90-day warranty.
CLICK HEREto see the VWR 1171 MD recirculating chiller on our YouTube channel
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.
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.
