VWR 1173-PD Recirculating Chiller

Brand : VWR

Product Code : SKU 1496NN CIRC

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VWR 1173-PD Recirculating Chiller

The VWR 1173-PD Recirculating Chiller is a compact laboratory cooling system designed to provide controlled, closed-loop coolant circulation for analytical instruments, condensers, reaction vessels, rotary evaporators, vacuum systems, and other heat-generating laboratory equipment. With a -10°C to +40°C operating range and a positive-displacement pump capable of producing high circulation pressure, the 1173-PD is particularly useful for applications where coolant must be moved through restrictive equipment or longer circulation loops.

Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, this VWR recirculating chiller combines refrigeration, temperature control, a 4.2 L reservoir, and high-pressure fluid circulation in a self-contained system. Closed-loop cooling can also reduce dependence on facility tap water while providing more consistent coolant conditions. A 90-day warranty is included.

Key Features

-10°C to +40°C operating temperature range
Positive-displacement circulation pump
Approximately 1 GPM / 3.6–3.85 L/min maximum flow
High-pressure circulation for demanding external applications
Adjustable pump pressure
4.2 L / 1.1 gal reservoir capacity
Digital display for temperature and operating information
Closed-loop design can reduce tap-water consumption
Compact, portable configuration
Used, refurbished, and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included

Overview

The VWR 1173-PD is a refrigerated recirculating chiller designed primarily to remove heat from externally connected laboratory equipment. Rather than continuously supplying an instrument with facility water and sending that water to drain, the chiller cools and recirculates a controlled volume of fluid through a closed loop.

The 1173-PD configuration uses a positive-displacement pump. Compared with the magnetically coupled centrifugal pumps used in VWR's MD-series chillers, the PD pump provides lower maximum flow but substantially greater pressure. This makes the 1173-PD particularly useful when coolant must pass through restrictive fluid paths, longer tubing runs, or equipment with a relatively high pressure drop.

Digital controls allow users to establish the desired coolant temperature and monitor system operation. Temperature, flow, and pressure monitoring help operators confirm that appropriate cooling conditions are being maintained.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	VWR
Model	1173-PD
Equipment Type	Recirculating laboratory chiller
Pump Type	Positive displacement
Temperature Range	-10°C to +40°C
Temperature Stability	±0.1°C
Reservoir Capacity	1.1 gal / 4.2 L
Maximum Flow Rate	Approx. 1 GPM / 3.6–3.85 L/min
Pump Pressure	Adjustable; high-pressure PD configuration
Cooling Capacity at +20°C	Approx. 0.99 kW
Cooling Capacity at +10°C	Approx. 0.74 kW
Cooling Capacity at 0°C	Approx. 0.41 kW
Connections	1/2 in. NPT inlet/outlet
Exterior Dimensions	Approx. 15 in. W × 28 in. D × 23 in. H
Electrical Requirements	120 V, 60 Hz, 13.1 A
Weight	Approx. 160 lb
Warranty	90 days

Common Applications

The VWR 1173-PD can provide dedicated cooling for a wide variety of laboratory instruments and processes. Common applications include rotary evaporator condensers, reaction vessels, vacuum systems, ICP instrumentation, atomic absorption furnaces, laser systems, plasma equipment, condensers, and other laboratory apparatus that generates heat during operation.

Its high-pressure positive-displacement pump is particularly useful for applications where the circulation loop creates substantial resistance. Equipment with narrow internal passages, restrictive heat exchangers, longer tubing runs, or significant pressure drop may benefit from the higher-pressure characteristics of the PD pump.

Closed-loop recirculation can also replace once-through tap-water cooling in appropriate applications, reducing water consumption and helping limit scale buildup within connected equipment.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The VWR 1173-PD is suitable for analytical laboratories, chemistry facilities, pharmaceutical and biotechnology research groups, materials-science laboratories, industrial R&D facilities, quality-control laboratories, academic research departments, and other environments requiring dedicated equipment cooling.

It is especially useful for laboratories operating analytical or process equipment that requires a relatively low coolant flow rate at higher circulation pressure.

Temperature Control & Stability

The 1173-PD provides an operating temperature range from -10°C to +40°C with specified temperature stability of approximately ±0.1°C. This allows the system to maintain controlled coolant conditions both below and near ambient temperatures.

Cooling capacity depends substantially on circulating-fluid temperature. The 1173-PD provides approximately 0.99 kW of cooling at +20°C, 0.74 kW at +10°C, and 0.41 kW at 0°C.

This relationship is important when sizing a chiller. A unit capable of reaching -10°C without an external thermal load will not necessarily maintain that temperature when connected to equipment continuously adding heat to the circulation loop. Buyers should therefore compare their application's heat load with the chiller's available cooling capacity at the intended operating temperature.

Circulation & Pump Performance

The positive-displacement pump is one of the defining features of the VWR 1173-PD. VWR offered this family with both MD and PD pump configurations. MD models emphasized higher flow at relatively low pressure, while PD models provided lower flow with substantially greater available pressure.

The 1173-PD delivers approximately 1 GPM, or roughly 3.6–3.85 L/min, making it particularly appropriate for restrictive external cooling circuits where pressure capability is more important than very high fluid volume.

Actual operating flow and pressure depend on the complete circulation loop, including tubing diameter and length, fittings, fluid viscosity, temperature, elevation changes, and restrictions within the connected equipment. Operators should verify the allowable pressure of the equipment being cooled before setting the chiller's circulation pressure.

Refurbishment & Testing

This used VWR 1173-PD 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, and fluid connections and operate the chiller to confirm proper functionality.

Temperature-controlled equipment is tested using NIST-traceable probes and data loggers. Pump operation and fluid circulation are evaluated, and the refrigeration system is operated to verify that the unit cools and maintains temperature appropriately. The reservoir and fluid-contact areas are also 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

When choosing a recirculating chiller, buyers should consider temperature range, cooling capacity at the required operating temperature, pump flow, pump pressure, reservoir volume, electrical requirements, and the hydraulic resistance of the equipment being cooled.

Pump type is especially important with the VWR 1173-PD. Applications requiring very high flow at relatively low pressure may be better served by a centrifugal-pump chiller. The positive-displacement configuration of the 1173-PD is more appropriate when higher pressure is necessary to overcome restrictions in the external cooling circuit.

Cooling capacity should also be evaluated at the intended operating temperature rather than only at the manufacturer's highest published capacity. Available refrigeration capacity decreases as coolant temperature drops.

American Instrument Exchange can help compare available used and refurbished laboratory chillers based on your target temperature, thermal load, flow and pressure requirements, and application.

Related Equipment

American Instrument Exchange stocks a range of laboratory circulators, including recirculating chillers, refrigerated circulators, heated circulators, and laboratory temperature-control systems. Laboratories using the VWR 1173-PD may also require evaporators and extractors, reactors and fermenters, laboratory water baths, or other refurbished laboratory equipment.

VWR 1173-PD Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperature range of the VWR 1173-PD?

The VWR 1173-PD has an operating temperature range of approximately -10°C to +40°C, making it suitable for below-ambient and near-ambient laboratory cooling applications.

What does “PD” mean in VWR 1173-PD?

PD identifies the positive-displacement pump configuration. VWR's PD chillers provide lower flow but higher circulation pressure than the MD versions equipped with magnetically coupled centrifugal pumps.

What is the flow rate of the VWR 1173-PD?

The 1173-PD provides approximately 1 GPM, or roughly 3.6–3.85 L/min, of maximum circulation flow. Actual flow depends on the resistance of the connected cooling circuit.

How much cooling capacity does the VWR 1173-PD provide?

Cooling capacity varies with operating temperature. Published specifications indicate approximately 0.99 kW at +20°C, 0.74 kW at +10°C, and 0.41 kW at 0°C.

Can the VWR 1173-PD be used with a rotary evaporator?

Yes. Recirculating chillers such as the 1173-PD are commonly used to provide controlled coolant to rotary evaporator condensers. The evaporator's cooling load and required coolant conditions should be compared with the chiller's specifications before use.

Can the VWR 1173-PD replace tap-water cooling?

In many compatible applications, yes. Closed-loop recirculating chillers can reduce facility-water consumption while providing controlled coolant temperature and limiting scale buildup associated with once-through tap water.

When should I choose a positive-displacement chiller instead of a high-flow chiller?

A positive-displacement pump is particularly useful when the external system has narrow passages, longer tubing, or other restrictions that require greater pump pressure. Applications requiring very high flow through a relatively unrestricted circuit may be better suited to a centrifugal-pump chiller.

Does this refurbished VWR 1173-PD include a warranty?

Yes. This used VWR 1173-PD 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.