VWR double glass door chromatography refrigerator

Product Code : SKU 4388X REFRIG

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VWR HCCS-49 Double Glass Door Chromatography Refrigerator

Protein purification workflows demand more than reliable refrigeration—they require workspace specifically designed for chromatography instrumentation. The VWR HCCS-49 Double Glass Door Chromatography Refrigerator is engineered to provide a controlled 1°C to 10°C environment for HPLC, FPLC, ÄKTA protein purification systems, chromatography columns, fraction collectors, and associated instrumentation. With an impressive 49 cubic foot (1,387 L) capacity, dual insulated glass doors, and laboratory-specific features such as an internal GFCI duplex outlet and dedicated cable access ports, the HCCS-49 is an ideal solution for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, academic research laboratories, and bioprocess development facilities.

Unlike a standard laboratory refrigerator, the HCCS-49 is designed around chromatography workflows. The spacious interior accommodates complete purification systems while allowing long chromatography columns to remain installed during operation. Forced-air refrigeration, digital microprocessor controls, adjustable shelving, and bright LED lighting help maintain excellent temperature uniformity while providing outstanding visibility and accessibility during lengthy purification runs. Natural R290 refrigerant and an energy-efficient refrigeration system further reduce operating costs without compromising performance.

Many laboratories pair the HCCS-49 with ultra-low freezers for long-term sample preservation, laboratory freezers for frozen reagent storage, biosafety cabinets for sterile sample preparation, and centrifuges to create a complete protein purification and molecular biology workflow.

VWR HCCS-49 Key Features

Manufacturer: VWR International
Model: HCCS-49
49 cu. ft. (1,387 L) capacity
Temperature range: 1°C to 10°C
Dual insulated swing glass doors
Digital microprocessor temperature controller
Digital temperature display
Positive forced-air circulation
Automatic cycle defrost
One GFCI-protected duplex electrical outlet for chromatography equipment
One 2" chromatography access port with self-closing cover
Additional probe access port
Adjustable heavy-duty wire shelving
Bright LED interior lighting
Audible and visual high/low temperature alarms
Battery-backed alarm system with remote alarm contacts
Keyed door locks
Natural R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant
Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included

Overview

The VWR HCCS-49 is purpose-built for chromatography laboratories that require refrigerated operation of complete purification systems. Rather than simply storing samples, the refrigerator allows chromatography instruments, pumps, solvent reservoirs, purification columns, and fraction collectors to operate inside a temperature-controlled environment, helping improve protein stability and purification reproducibility during extended runs.

Its large dual-door design offers substantially more usable workspace than smaller chromatography refrigerators, making it easier to configure multiple instruments or accommodate larger purification systems. Integrated electrical service and cable pass-through ports eliminate the need for improvised modifications while maintaining cabinet temperature integrity.

Common Applications

The HCCS-49 is commonly used for:

ÄKTA protein purification systems
FPLC systems
HPLC systems
Protein purification
Antibody purification
Chromatography column storage
Fraction collection
Enzyme purification
Bioprocess development
Molecular biology research

Ideal Laboratory Types

The HCCS-49 is well suited for:

Biotechnology companies
Pharmaceutical manufacturers
Protein purification laboratories
Bioprocess development facilities
Academic research laboratories
Government research laboratories
Core laboratory facilities
Molecular biology laboratories

Laboratories performing routine protein purification or large-scale chromatography workflows will appreciate the HCCS-49's spacious interior, instrument-ready design, and dependable temperature control.

Why Choose a Chromatography Refrigerator?

Chromatography refrigerators are engineered to allow purification systems to operate entirely within a refrigerated environment. Maintaining pumps, tubing, chromatography columns, buffers, and collected fractions at controlled temperatures helps reduce protein degradation and improve reproducibility during lengthy purification procedures.

The HCCS-49 enhances this workflow with a factory-installed GFCI electrical outlet, dedicated chromatography access port, probe port, and generous interior workspace that accommodates complete purification systems without sacrificing temperature stability.

Typical Stored Materials

The VWR HCCS-49 is commonly used with ÄKTA chromatography systems, HPLC and FPLC instruments, chromatography columns, fraction collectors, purification buffers, protein samples, antibodies, enzymes, cell lysates, and other temperature-sensitive biological materials.

VWR HCCS-49 Key Specifications

Identification

Manufacturer: VWR International
Model: HCCS-49
Product Type: Double Glass Door Chromatography Refrigerator
Door Configuration: Two insulated swing glass doors

Capacity

49 cu. ft. (1,387 liters)

Temperature Range

1°C to 10°C

Construction

Double insulated swing glass doors
Adjustable heavy-duty wire shelving
Bright LED interior lighting
Powder-coated steel cabinet
Keyed door locks

Chromatography Features

One GFCI-protected duplex electrical outlet
One 2" chromatography access port with self-closing cover
Additional probe access port
Full-height operating chamber
Designed for chromatography systems and long purification columns

Refrigeration System

Positive forced-air circulation
Automatic cycle defrost
Digital microprocessor controller
Natural R290 refrigerant
Energy-efficient laboratory refrigeration system

Monitoring & Controls

Digital temperature display
Audible and visual alarms
Alarm mute with ring-back
Adjustable alarm volume
Battery backup
Remote alarm contacts

Electrical Requirements

115V, 60 Hz
4.5 Amps
1/4 HP compressor

Exterior Dimensions

54" W × 33" D × 77" H

Interior Dimensions

49" W × 21" D × 52" H

Weight

445 lbs.

Operating Costs & Energy Considerations

The HCCS-49 combines natural R290 refrigerant with an efficient forced-air refrigeration system to reduce energy consumption while maintaining stable operating temperatures. Proper condenser maintenance and adequate ventilation around the cabinet will help maximize efficiency and extend compressor life.

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

Refurbishment & Testing Process

Every VWR HCCS-49 received by American Instrument Exchange undergoes a comprehensive inspection before shipment. Our technicians verify refrigeration performance using calibrated temperature measurement equipment, confirm temperature stability throughout the cabinet, inspect the microprocessor controller, alarms, shelving, access ports, electrical outlet, door gaskets, and lighting, and thoroughly clean the refrigerator. Components are repaired or replaced as necessary to ensure dependable laboratory performance before shipment.

Laboratories building complete chromatography suites frequently purchase ultra-low freezers, laboratory freezers, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, and additional laboratory refrigerators from American Instrument Exchange.

Shipping & Installation Considerations

The VWR HCCS-49 ships by freight from American Instrument Exchange. Before installation, verify doorway clearances, electrical service, and adequate ventilation around the cabinet. Allow the refrigerator to stabilize at operating temperature before installing chromatography equipment or loading temperature-sensitive materials to ensure optimal temperature uniformity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the HCCS-49 accommodate a complete ÄKTA or FPLC purification system?

Yes. The large 49 cu. ft. interior is designed to accommodate complete chromatography systems, including pumps, fraction collectors, solvent reservoirs, and long chromatography columns, depending on the specific instrument configuration.

Why does the refrigerator include an internal electrical outlet and access port?

These features allow chromatography equipment to operate inside the refrigerated cabinet while routing power and communication cables without compromising temperature stability.

What temperature range does the HCCS-49 maintain?

The refrigerator operates between 1°C and 10°C, making it suitable for most protein purification and chromatography applications.

How is the HCCS-49 tested before shipment?

Every refurbished VWR HCCS-49 is inspected and temperature tested by American Instrument Exchange technicians. Refrigeration performance, controller operation, alarms, electrical outlet, access ports, and overall cabinet operation are verified before shipment.

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.