VWR40086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer
Every laboratory has a different approach to long-term sample storage, but the goal is always the same: protect valuable biological materials with dependable, stable ultra-low temperatures. The VWR40086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer was designed to provide reliable preservation at temperatures as low as -86°C, combining proven cascade refrigeration technology with a practical storage capacity that's well suited for research laboratories, hospitals, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical facilities.
With 23.0 cubic feet (651 liters) of storage capacity and room for up to 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the VWR40086A offers an excellent balance between storage density and laboratory footprint. Its straightforward microprocessor control system, dependable refrigeration platform, and insulated inner doors have made it a trusted choice for laboratories requiring long-term preservation of valuable biological collections.
Laboratories developing a complete cold storage strategy often pair ultralow freezers with laboratory refrigerators for day-to-day reagent storage and laboratory freezers for samples that require temperatures between -20°C and -30°C rather than ultra-low preservation. Purchasing a professionally refurbished unit from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with dependable cold storage while significantly reducing equipment acquisition costs.
VWR40086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Key Features
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23.0 cu. ft. (651 L) storage capacity
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Holds up to 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes
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Adjustable operating temperature from -50°C to -86°C
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Proven cascade refrigeration system
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Microprocessor temperature controller
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Digital temperature display
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Manual defrost operation
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Multiple insulated inner doors
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Audible and visual alarm system
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Adjustable storage shelving
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Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day warranty included
VWR40086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Overview
The VWR40086A was developed for laboratories that prioritize dependable long-term performance and straightforward operation. Its cascade refrigeration system provides reliable ultra-low temperatures while the microprocessor controller allows users to monitor and adjust storage conditions with ease. Multiple insulated inner doors help reduce cold air loss during routine sample retrieval, improving temperature recovery and minimizing thermal exposure to stored materials.
Modern laboratory workflows rarely rely on a single instrument. Samples are commonly prepared inside biosafety cabinets, cultured in CO₂ incubators, processed using refrigerated centrifuges, and ultimately transferred into an ultralow freezer for long-term preservation. The VWR40086A provides dependable storage that supports research continuity long after samples have been collected and processed.
Common Applications
The VWR40086A is commonly used for long-term preservation of DNA and RNA libraries, stem cells, cell lines, tissue specimens, plasma, serum, vaccines, pharmaceutical compounds, microbiological collections, forensic evidence, clinical trial materials, and biological reference standards requiring storage at temperatures as low as -86°C.
Its 400-box storage capacity makes it an excellent choice for university research laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical development programs, hospitals, clinical laboratories, and centralized sample storage facilities. Laboratories requiring colder storage than traditional laboratory freezers often select ultralow freezers to provide an additional level of protection for irreplaceable biological materials.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The VWR40086A is well suited for:
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Biotechnology laboratories
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Pharmaceutical manufacturers
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Academic research institutions
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Hospitals and clinical laboratories
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Public health laboratories
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Government research facilities
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Contract research organizations
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University core laboratories
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Biobanks
Its combination of dependable refrigeration, practical storage capacity, and proven design makes it an excellent solution for laboratories expanding ultra-low temperature storage without moving to a larger 600-box platform.
Temperature Recovery & Sample Protection
Protecting valuable biological materials requires more than simply reaching an ultra-low setpoint. The VWR40086A utilizes multiple insulated inner doors to reduce cold air loss during routine sample retrieval, allowing laboratory personnel to access one section of the cabinet while minimizing temperature changes throughout the remainder of the freezer.
Its cascade refrigeration system is designed to restore cabinet temperature efficiently following door openings, helping maintain stable storage conditions for sensitive biological collections. Laboratories preserving especially valuable materials often complement ultralow freezers with cryogenic storage systems for applications requiring liquid nitrogen temperatures or specialized long-term preservation.
Typical Stored Materials
The VWR40086A is commonly used to store:
VWR40086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Key Specifications
Capacity
Temperature Range
Refrigeration System
Monitoring & Controls
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Microprocessor temperature controller
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Digital temperature display
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Audible and visual alarm system
Interior Configuration
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Multiple insulated inner doors
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Adjustable storage shelves
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Compatible with standard cryobox rack systems
Electrical Requirements
Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs
The VWR40086A was engineered around a proven cascade refrigeration platform that emphasizes dependable long-term operation. While newer hydrocarbon systems may offer lower energy consumption, the cascade refrigeration design has earned a strong reputation for reliable ultra-low performance across research, clinical, and pharmaceutical laboratories. Routine preventative maintenance and proper condenser cleaning help maintain efficient operation and extend equipment life.
Specifications compiled from VWR manufacturer literature and American Instrument Exchange product information.
Refurbishment & Testing Process
Every VWR40086A received by American Instrument Exchange undergoes a comprehensive inspection and extended performance evaluation before shipment. Our technicians verify pull-down performance, confirm stable operation throughout the operating temperature range, inspect the refrigeration system and compressors, evaluate door gaskets and cabinet insulation, test alarms and electronic controls, verify temperature stability, and thoroughly clean the freezer before delivery.
Laboratories outfitting an entire facility frequently combine refurbished ultralow freezers with laboratory refrigerators, biosafety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, and refrigerated centrifuges to create a complete laboratory equipment solution while reducing overall capital expenditures.
Shipping & Installation Considerations
The VWR40086A ships by freight from American Instrument Exchange. Before delivery, laboratories should verify doorway clearances, electrical service, floor loading capacity, and adequate ventilation around the cabinet. Allowing the freezer to stabilize after delivery before startup and maintaining recommended ventilation clearances will help maximize refrigeration performance and long-term reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cryoboxes can the VWR40086A accommodate?
The VWR40086A stores up to 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, making it an excellent choice for laboratories that need substantial ultra-low storage without the footprint of a larger 600-box model.
Why do many laboratories continue to choose cascade refrigeration ULT freezers?
Cascade refrigeration systems have been widely used in laboratory ultralow freezers for many years because they provide dependable performance, proven reliability, and consistent ultra-low temperature storage for biological samples.
What types of materials are commonly stored in the VWR40086A?
The freezer is commonly used for DNA and RNA libraries, cell lines, stem cells, tissue samples, plasma, serum, vaccines, pharmaceutical compounds, microbiological collections, and other valuable biological materials requiring long-term storage at temperatures as low as -86°C.
How is the freezer tested before shipment?
Every refurbished VWR40086A is inspected, cleaned, and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange technicians to verify pull-down performance, temperature stability, alarm functionality, refrigeration performance, and overall system operation before shipment.
