Setting up your K2 medical grade cold-storage device can be simple. We've done a lot of the work in advance.
Temperature Setpoints
All K2 units come preprogrammed to common specifications. Refrigerators are preprogrammed to 4°C, and freezers are preprogrammed to -20°C. K2 Chest freezers are set at -40°C, and K2 ultra-low freezers are set at -80°C. If you know you need a different set point from these standard temperatures, just ask. We'll set the unit prior to shipment, saving you time and effort.
Placement and
Place the unit in its desired location. Make sure to leave at least 2" of space on all sides to ensure proper airflow around the unit. Plug the unit in and let it run for 24 hours before storing anything inside. This will allow the walls of the cabinet to fully cool, ensuring the best temperature stability.
If you have a unit with casters, be sure to lock them once the unit is in place.
Electrical
It is strongly advised to operate the unit on its own dedicated circuit. Also, avoid using extension cords and shared power strips. YOU MUST use three-prong outlets at the right voltage. All K2 units run on 120V outlets with the exception of our Sample Preparation and Plasma Blast Freezer, which requires special plug and power configurations.
Storing Products
Leave at least 2" on the inside of the units to ensure proper airflow and the most efficient cooling cycles. Do not store products against the inside walls, as it will impact temperature stability and energy efficiency if the air cannot freely flow through the internal cabinet. For products that are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuation, we recommend that you fill the internal chamber gradually to avoid drastic temperature rises that can occur with prolonged door openings or when loading products that are not pre-conditioned to a desired temperature.
External Data Logger Use and Set Up
Some drug and vaccine manufacturers require the use of a backup temperature monitor. These data loggers provide several key benefits:
1. A data logger serves as a secondary confirmation that your unit is functioning at the required temperature.
2. Using a NIST-calibrated data logger and probe allows your unit's calibration and temperature validation to ride with the data logger rather than the unit itself. In not all, but many cases, this saves hundreds if not thousands of dollars in calibration services. Some data loggers allow multiple probes to monitor temperature throughout the cabinet if needed.
3. Data loggers with monitoring services provide email and text alerts when temperature excursions occur due to power outages, extended product loads, a propped door, a gasket failure, or other unit malfunctions. Notifications provide peace of mind and payload protection 24/7.
4. Long-term data collection can be analyzed to identify operational trends and errors, Key data can be used for process improvement and staff coaching.
Make sure the thermocouple you are using is calibrated for the exact temperature required by your payload. It is recommended that you use a NIST Calibrated probe and buffer. This type of calibration provides traceable certification back to a qualified laboratory. The use of a buffer is preferred over an air probe as it provides a better product-simulated temperature reading, adding an improved layer of security for valued assets.
Would you like some help to select the right data logger for your use purpose? Start a chat, or reach out to your sales representative for guidance.
Proper Installation of Your Selected Data Logger
When installing a data logging device, using the access port on the side or back of your unit is critical. Do not run the data logging wire that connects the probe and buffer to the data logging device through the door gasket. Over time a wire running through the door will impact the gasket function and allow ambient air to leak into the internal chamber. This is a common error that negatively impacts energy efficiency, compressor cycling, as well as temperature stability and uniformity.
Be sure to use K2 Port Putty or another approved sealant to prevent unwanted air from leaking into the chamber.
Check out this helpful video for installation success.