70544_LM_Cold Storage_eBook_JL V3 COLD STORAGE RESOURCE GUIDE How to reduce freezer energy consumption for more sustainable operations BEST PRACTICES to improve energy efficiency HOW TO IMPLEMENT green cold storage practices FEATURES to look for Table of Contents
3 Cold Storage: Make a Big Impact on Lab Sustainability 5 The Basics: Ultralow Temperature Freezers 7 Taking a Sustainable Approach to Cold Storage 9 LEAF Helps Cultivate Lab Sustainability 11 Simple ways to reduce environmental impact 12 Organized Sample Storage Reduces Freezer Energy Consumption 14 How to Choose an Ultralow Freezer 2 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide Introduction
Cold Storage: Make a Big Impact on Lab Sustainability Features and operating practices to reduce energy consumption Cold storage solutions, especially ultralow temperature (ULT) freezers, are indispensable for labs that store biological samples and other temperature-sensitive materials. ULTs preserve and protect these valuable samples and safeguard the lab's future. They are also very energy-inten- sive. To support a shift toward greater sustainability in the lab, there are numerous cold storage features and operating practices that can make a big impact on energy consumption. There are several factors that contribute to ULT freezer energy consumption. They rely on powerful compressors to achieve the ultralow temperatures (often -70ºC to -80ºC) required to protect samples. Nearly continuous operation and large capacities also increase energy consumption. Fortunately there are many features and practices that can optimize efficiency. 3 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide Introduction Thhen purchasing a new freezer there are several sustainability features to consider. Variable speed compressors that adjust their speed based on cooling demand, high-efficiency insulation that minimizes heat transfer, and automated or adaptive defrost cycles are available on many models and worth considering. How laboratory personnel work with cold storage equipment is as important for sustainabil- ity as energy-saving features. Reading the manual and ensuring all personnel are properly trained is a great first step. Other routine maintenance practices such as cleaning filters, fans, and vents, ensuring proper door alignment, and preventing ice buildup are also simple steps that can reduce energy consumption. This resource guide provides an overview of ULT freezer function and tips for proper operation. It provides guidance on how cold storage can be optimized within the context of Green initiatives such as LEAF, and includes a green practices checklist. This guide also describes how to create a well- organized freezer-an often overlooked practice for reducing energy consumption. For those considering a new freezer purchase it includes advice on finding the right freezer for your lab's needs and an overview of sustainability features to look for. 4 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide
The Basics: Ultralow Temperature Freezers How they work and how to maintain them by Andy Tay and Rachel Muenz ULT freezers come in two main shapes-upright or chest. Upright freezers are the preferred model as they have a better physical footprint and use space more efficiently. However, the chest-shaped freezer, which is shorter, is likely to be more inclusive to the needs of researchers with physical disabilities. All ULT freezers come with two doors, with the inner door serving to reduce unwanted heat input into the freezer interior for maintaining a uniform temperature. The doors can also be shut very tightly through the use of an external knob and silicone, gel-like gasket seals that line up along the perimeters of the doors. Furthermore, the walls of ULT freezers are fitted with polyurethane material for maximum heat insulation from the external environment. Many modern ULT freezers also come with a display panel that shows the interior temperature and other key param- eters that can be remotely accessed. Most ULT freezer designs forbid users from opening the freezers too frequently and are equipped with an alarm system if the interior tem- perature is too high. ULT freezers usually make use of cascade refrigeration, which consists of two or more vapor compressors using dif- ferent refrigerants and an inter-stage heat exchanger to cool the freezer over its desired temperature range. The typical refrigerants used in ULT freezers are gaseous compounds like propane and ethane that can be easily liq- uefied, with well-characterized properties like evaporation temperature; these compounds also have limited toxicity. Imagine a cascade refrigeration system with two compres- sors, A and B, with A being the one with the lower tempera- ture system. The evaporation of refrigerant A removes heat from the space to be cooled (this concept is similar to the cold feeling you have probably experienced after emerging from the pool as water evaporates and removes heat from your skin) and transfers it to a heat exchanger, which is then cooled by the evaporation of refrigerant B in the higher temperature system. The higher temperature system B then transfers heat to a conventional condenser where the entire heat output of the ULT freezer can be fan or water-cooled. The ULT freezers used in labs are usually air-cooled, which explains their continual loud noise. As a result of continual cooling, ULT freezers generate a substantial energy foot- print, which has led to a push to maintain ULT freezers at -70 degrees Celsius (instead of the -80 degrees Celsius they are designed for) and innovate in design features, such as quick restoration of a freezer's interior temperature after door opening. According to experts, there are a few key steps to looking after your ULT freezer, which will typically last around 10 years if maintained properly: Clean the condenser filter and replace when needed Vacuum the condenser Defrost the freezer on a regular basis Read the manual If samples are irreplaceable, users may want to pur- chase a service plan or extended warranty to ensure proper maintenance and reduce downtime Monitoring systems-available either through third-party companies or the freezer's original manufacturer-are an option for many new ULT freezers that will let users know if something goes wrong to prevent the loss of critical samples. For example, if the temperature rises above the freezer's setpoint or a door is left ajar, alarms will sound and the user or facility manager will receive an email, text, or phone call about the issue so it can be addressed quickly. 6 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide Product Spotlight Is frost getting in the way of your research? PHCbi brand's FrostLess ultra-low temperature freezer provides reliable temperatures as low as -86°C. It is engineered to mitigate frost buildup more than our category-leading models while maintaining the reliability and energy efficiency that today's laboratories require. Its all-new thermal insulation design helps prevent large amounts of frost buildup from accumulating outside the inner doors. Using the residual heat from the refrigeration system, the perimeter heater under the gasket allows for gentle warmth, further reducing ice buildup on the door gasket. Key benefits include: The EZlatch™ ergonomic door closure with integrated lock is engineered to tolerate frequent door openings and simplify freezer access through one-handed operation that maintains the integrity of the door seal.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE 7 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide
Taking a Sustainable Approach to Cold Storage There are many ways to make your cold storage more eco-friendly by Ian Black As the need for more environmentally friendly laboratory practices continues to grow, many industry leaders are turning their eyes to cold storage, with the intent of developing more sustainable refrigeration technology and establishing best practices for use. Here, we provide tips on how to take a more strategic approach to your lab's cold storage sustainability. The simplest step to lower the energy cost of regular or ULT freezers is to make use of preventative maintenance. Typically, this means regularly defrosting your freezers and keeping any filters clean, as well as more extensive mainte- nance concerns, such as maintaining temperature regulation and sensing hardware. Additionally, make sure all freezers in your lab undergo annual inspections to confirm the door seal and parts are in working condition. A door that can't close properly is usually a sign of ice buildup or a poor seal and should be addressed quickly. In many cases, the set temperature for ULT freezers is lower than what is required by regulation for what is being stored. 8 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide Obviously, this will vary depending on what the freezer is housing, but there is usually no scientific reason for keeping a freezer at -80°C when preserving samples. Increasing the temperature by as little as 10°C can cut energy use by up to 30 percent. It is also worthwhile to double check freezer temperatures with an independent sensor. This is especially true for -20°C freezers as you neither need nor expect these to run colder than -20°C. Making sure you are accurately maintaining the desired temperature can provide long-term energy savings. Building an organization scheme that helps you find samples quickly and limits the time that freezer doors are open is another best practice that helps save energy. Color-coded freezer racking, using an inventory management system, and regularly clearing out unneeded or expired samples and reagents will minimize door-open time and increase lab efficiency. Keeping the most frequently used items close to the front of the freezer is also helpful. Keeping your freezers and inventory organized can also prevent the acquisition of otherwise unneeded cold storage units. If you need to invest in a new refrigerator or freezer, advo- cate for purchasing an energy-efficient model (the Energy Star rating in the US is an excellent indicator). To earn an Energy Star rating, freezers must meet a strict energy effi- ciency requirement and are at least 15 percent more efficient than the minimum standard. Acquiring a new unit should be a last resort, however, as the best option is finding ways to improve the efficiency of already owned models. In the end, the best method for improving the sustainability of your cold storage units is to take the time to keep them maintained and organized. By adopting regular maintenance best practices into your lab's routine and by keeping your freezers only at the temperature needed to protect the sam- ples stored in them, you can avoid energy waste. 9 Lab Manager "Increasing the temperature by as little as 10°C can cut energy use by up to 30 percent." Cold Storage Resource Guide
LEAF Helps Cultivate Lab Sustainability The choice of equipment, together with changes in behavioral habits, can contribute to a more sustainable future for laboratory practices by Richard Jafrato The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework ( LEAF) was developed by University College London with the aim of encouraging laboratories to minimize their impact on the environment by using fewer plastics and less water, energy, and other resources. Energy use can be substantially lowered by implementing simple measures such as not leaving unes- sential items in a fume hood, activating power-saving modes, unplugging unused benchtop equipment overnight, and tran- sitioning to LED lights. Fridges and freezers, of course, can't be switched off, but it is still possible to reduce their energy consumption by choosing the right model to purchase and following best practices. Energy efficiency is a key factor that the public has become more aware of in recent years; we all recognize the A-E en- ergy rating scores that are now at the top of product listings for every household appliance specification. It's apparent even in this context that energy efficiency varies consid- erably between different models of fridges and freezers, and even between different manufacturers. Perhaps more importantly in a lab setting, it is also crucial to look at the energy-to-space ratio as smaller units will look more energy efficient but offer less space. For freezers, there are also different technologies available that offer varying flexibility in energy efficiency. For example, one of the most energy-ef- ficient refrigeration systems-based on frequency conversion compressor technology-allows the freezer to adapt to its environment, ultimately helping to optimize the energy usage. This is especially important for ultra-low temperature freezers that operate under -80 °C and draw a significant amount of power. Thhatever the make or model of fridge or freezer a lab chooses, changing user habits can also have a considerable impact on energy consumption. Simple practices such as minimizing the time a fridge door is left open, preventing the storage of unnecessary items, and ensuring that fridges and freezers are thoroughly cleared of samples and reagents after experiments have been finished can all help to reduce energy usage. Thhile much of this sounds like common sense, unfortunately, this is not always common practice. There are, however, many easy ways to implement standard working practices that support sustainability. For example, employing a rigorous and systematic inventory system with numbered racks can help staff to find samples faster, reduc- ing the time that a door needs to stay open and maximizing storage capacity. There are other operational measures that can be taken to reduce energy usage. For instance, increasing the set point temperature in freezers from -80 to -70 °C can make a difference, although some individuals may hesitate due to concerns about samples reaching critical temperature in a shorter time in the case of a power outage. However, imple- menting reliable monitoring systems and battery backups make people more willing to embrace a higher temperature setting. These additional safety measures simultaneously ensure that temperature fluctuations can be closely moni- tored and managed, mitigating the potential risks associated with a power cut. A comprehensive and strict maintenance program helps labs to get real mileage out of their initial investment. Labora- tories that have set themselves on the sustainability path are often eager to switch out their old fridges and freezers for newer, more energy-efficient models. But it is crucial to remember that producing these instruments also requires resources. Lab managers would be wise to hold on to equip- ment that is working well until it has clearly reached the end of its efficient lifetime. "Whatever the make or model of fridge or freezer a lab chooses, changing user habits can also have a considerable impact on energy consumption." 11 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide Product Spotlight Reclaim Research Time with Expert Comprehensive Cold Storage Solutions Leave the sample and material management to the experts and get back to what matters the most - the research. Transcend the tedious parts of your projects with access to a full suite of proven cold-chain sample management and multiomics services that enable operational efficiency, simplify workflows, and empower organizations to control labs with confidence. Find your zen with the right combination of Azenta products and services across the sample management spectrum to help your sample workflows thrive:
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE 12 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide
Simple ways to reduce environmental impact Maintain a well-organized freezer Accurate inventory mapping will help minimize the frequency and duration of door openings Group materials by temperature requirements Basing temperature setpoint of each freezer on current needs minimizes the number running at ultralow temperatures Monitor temperature Track freezer temperature fluctuations enables proactive maintenance and can reduce unnecessary cooling Opt for energy efficient models Features like variable speed compressors and efficient insulation can reduce energy consumption Perform routine maintenance Schedule regular checks for seals, fans, insulation, and more Opt for natural refrigerants Some ULT freezers now use more environmentally friendly refrigerants. Often hydrocarbons (such as propane (R-290) or isobutane (R-600a)) Maximize space Keep samples in high density storage containers Manage inventory Regularly clean out the freezer and discard items or samples that are no longer needed or viable 13 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide
Organized Sample Storage Reduces Freezer Energy Consumption Creating and maintaining a well-organized freezer is a sustainable practice by Marnie Willman There are many ways to reduce energy consumption in the lab. One of the simplest ways is to maintain a well-orga- nized freezer to reduce the frequency and duration of door openings. At the end of an experiment it's all too easy to put tubes in a cardboard box and into the freezer with no overall plan. Taking time to catalog samples and label freezer boxes and tubes makes finding them later much quicker. There are tools available to keep your fridges and freezers organized and support sustainability efforts. Stainless steel freezer racks are a very useful tool to take full advantage of freezer space and keep project materials togeth- 14 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide er. To prevent an eventual avalanche of samples when the door is opened, sorting boxes into sliding freezer racks with a handle makes for easy access to 12 or more boxes at once. These are also stored across the full length of a standard upright lab fridge or freezer, maximizing space. Keeping racks sorted by date, staff member, or project allows even more control over organization for future use. Sorting boxes into storage racks also reduces frost buildup in two ways. As organized boxes will allow you to locate samples faster, keeping the boxes organized limits the time that the door is left open. Additionally, many commercially available racks are sizes and shapes that prevent gaps where frost can accumulate. Traditional cardboard tube boxes are excellent for storing samples, but colored plastic boxes can aid in organization. By organizing projects by color, any member of staff can see at a glance what materials are being stored for which projects, along with how much space is allotted to them. Organization by color also prevents the problem of prolonged storage of nonessential samples by color identification. Once projects are finished, the group of associated boxes can be moved to long-term storage or disposed of. Using a single color for projects that are finished, published, and are simply being stored for future reference can aid in visual organization of the space as well. LIMS for sample management A laboratory information management system (LIMS) can be used for sample management. It allows users to register samples (and associated metadata such as type, source, date, etc.) into the system with unique identifiers or barcodes. It maintains a freezer inventory with the exact location of the sample (on a specific shelf, rack, or position within a box), making locating any sample quick and easy-reducing door openings. Plastic boxes are not only more durable than cardboard boxes, but they are also less prone to the damage that occurs when cardboard boxes are frozen and thawed. Each freeze- thaw cycle makes the box damp and compromises the card- board's integrity. Plastic boxes can be purchased with a lip that clicks together with the lid, making spillage less likely if the box is dropped. The final tier of the physical organization pyramid is label- ing. Having -80 or fridge-safe labels for boxes and sticking them to the front of the lid when the box is dry and at room temperature is the best practice for effective labeling. Using a pen that is fridge- or freezer-safe will stop smudging and ink running that can make labels impossible to read. Carefully labeling boxes with the contents, name of the staff member who placed the samples into storage, and the date can all assist in later identification without having to open each box and look at various tubes inside. To maximize freezer organization and efficiency, it is also possible to synchronize the implemented labeling system with an inventory management database. Using barcodes or numerical codes, boxes can contain information that will direct the user to an online inventory system. Thhile inven- tories used to be kept on paper such as files or notebooks, online inventory systems have become more popular for their real-time accuracy and ease of updating. Online inven- tories can take the form of Excel spreadsheets or inventory tracking software. Maintaining the inventory is made easier by keeping the freezer organized and clean, keeping every- thing visible, and having descriptive (including inventory management) labels on the boxes. Ice buildup can hinder freezer organization. Unfilled spaces may become iced over more quickly, blocking their use and limiting space. In addition, ice buildup can make some racks and storage areas inaccessible, forcing an inconsistent organizational method. Setting time aside every few months to clear and de-ice a freezer is a maintenance essential. Having samples stored in racks also makes this process more efficient, enabling clearance of a full freezer in minutes by sliding racks into another freezer. This is much easier than removing individual tubes or samples from the freezer for a large-scale defrost. 15 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide
How to Choose an Ultralow Freezer Factors and innovations to consider by Andy Tay Capacity: Generally, the larger the freezer volume, the more costly it will be to buy and operate. If the lab only needs a small storage volume, a smaller ULT freezer with lower operating costs may be preferred. Physical footprint: -80.0¡C Upright ULT freezers have larger volumes with a smaller physical footprint compared to the chest design. However, for labs that may have researchers who face physical challenges in height and mobility, the chest design is much more inclusive. Energy efficiency: ULT freezers are typically equipped with designs such as double doors, gasket seals and polyurethane heat insulation to maximize energy efficiency. Depending on the type of refrigerant and compressor they have, they can differ significantly in terms of their energy consumption. Backup cooling: The typical choice of back-up cooling system is liquefied nitrogen (maintains temperature down to -80oC) or carbon dioxide (maintains temperature down to -70°C). User interface: Newer designs of ULT freezers can be connected to Wi-Fi and be remotely controlled. Some user interface options include buttons and touchscreens that can be used to access freezer information like voltages and number of door openings, and adjust settings like the set temperature, allowable temperature range, and alarm. Temperature uniformity: One of the most important factors affecting the temperature homogeneity is recovery time to -80°C after warm air outside the freezer rushes in during door opening. Opt for ULT freezers with multiple inner doors for different storage shelves instead of a single inner door for the entire freezer. Noise: Generally, the larger the freezer, the louder the noise they generate as they need to be cooled down more substantially to provide uniform temperature. Manufacturers usually provide the noise level generated by ULT freezers- as a point of reference-a normal conversation generates about 60 decibels although the enclosed area of labs can amplify the noise intensity. Cold Storage Resource Guide Over time, innovative ULT freezer designs have improved, enhancing their reliability and sample preservation capacities. Backup cooling, efficient compressor technology, and innovative materials with anti-frost properties are all features to consider. 16 Lab Manager PHC Corporation of North America, located in Wood Dale, IL, is a leader in laboratory equipment for the biopharmaceutical, life sciences, academic, healthcare and government markets. Product lines under the PHCbi brand include the space saving and energy efficient VIP® ECO and TwinGuard® ultra-low temperature freezers, cryogenic and biomedical freezers, pharmacy and high- performance refrigerators, cell culture CO2 and multigas incubators, and Drosophila/plant growth chambers. PHC Corporation of North America is a subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, which is a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences.
www.phchd.com/us/biomedical Azenta is a leading provider of life sciences solutions worldwide, enabling impactful breakthroughs and therapies to market faster. Azenta provides a full suite of reliable cold-chain sample management solutions and multiomics services across areas such as drug development, clinical research, and advanced cell therapies for the industry's top pharmaceutical, biotech, academic, and healthcare institutions globally.
www.azenta.com 17 Lab Manager Cold Storage Resource Guide In partnership with
