CoolBox
TM
30
Instructions for Use
Overview of CoolBox 30 System
CoolBox 30 is a portable cooling system for maintaining cooling and freezing sample temperature
on the bench top without ice. It is intended for use with a variety of CoolRack
®
tube modules.
The design and thermal conductivity of CoolRack modules maintain samples at uniform well
to well temperature throughout the cooling period regardless of sample position. By selecting
from a number of cartridges and cooling options, samples can be maintained within a variety of
temperature bands that range from -78°C to 4°C. For a list of compatible CoolRack modules, see
last page.
Using +2
o
C Gel Cartridge (Blue) at 0.5
o
C to 4
o
C
Freeze blue +2°C cartridges in a -20°C freezer for a minimum of four hours. Pre-chill the CoolRack
module to 0 to 4°C in a refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes. Remove cartridge from freezer
and allow cartridge to sit at room temperature until the surface frost begins to melt (approximately
10 minutes). Place a frozen cartridge in the CoolBox 30 base followed by a CoolRack module. The
CoolRack temperature should equilibrate between 0.5°C to 4°C. Keep the lid on the CoolBox 30 to
prolong the cooling duration.
IMPORTANT: It is possible to also start with a room temperature CoolRack module placed directly
onto frozen cartridge immediately after removing it from the freezer. The system will take approxi-
mately 20 minutes to equilibrate to approximately 4°C and will not undercool samples below 0°C.
For cooling beyond 10 hours, simply exchange the cooling cartridge with a freshly charged one.
Actual performance may vary depending upon ambient temperature, start-up parameters, sample load,
initial sample temperature, air currents, radiant energy sources and other conditions.
Temperature Range
Cooling Source
Cooling Duration
Open Lid
Cooling Duration
Closed Lid
0.5
o
C to 4
o
C
+2
o
C Cartridge - Blue
Over 4 hours
Over 10 hours
-20
o
C to -4
o
C
-20
o
C to 0˚C Cartridge - Green
Over 3 hours
Over 6 hours
-78
o
C
Dry Ice
Over 5 hours
Over 6 hours
Care and Cleaning
CoolBox 30 is constructed from high density closed cell polyethylene foam. The CoolBox 30 is com-
patible with prolonged cryogenic temperature exposure. The foam may be cleaned by water and
mild soap. Rinse thoroughly. The CoolBox 30 is resistant to alcohols and 10% bleach solutions.
Avoid abrasive or sharp objects. Do not use the CoolBox for pulverizing dry ice. Do not autoclave.
Maximum temperature exposure: 60°C. Avoid exposure to UV light sources. The CoolBox 30 is not
recommended for shipping of temperature-sensitive samples.
CoolRack and CoolSink Thermo-Conductive Sample Modules Compatible with CoolBox 30
Dimensions (L x W x H):
Internal (with Cooling Cartridge loaded): 12 x 10.4 x 7.9 cm / 4.7 x 4 x 3.1 in
External: 16.5 x 15.25 x 12.7 cm / 6.5 x 6 x 5 in
Care and Cleaning
The CoolBox is constructed from high density polyethylene foam. The CoolBox is compatible with prolonged cryogenic tempera-
ture exposure. The CoolBox may be cleaned by water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly. The CoolBox is resistant to alcohols and
10% bleach solutions. Avoid abrasive or sharp objects. Do not use the CoolBox for pulverizing dry ice. Do not autoclave. Maxi-
mum temperature exposure: 60°C. Avoid exposure to UV light sources.
0.5°C to 4°C (+2ºC Gel Cartridge - Blue)
Freeze blue +2°C cartridges in a -20°C freezer for a minimum of four hours. Pre-chill the CoolRack to 0 to 4°C in a refrigerator
for approximately 30 minutes. Remove cartridge from freezer and allow cartridge to sit at room temperature until the surface
frost begins to melt (approximately 10 minutes). Place a frozen cartridge in the CoolBox followed by a CoolRack. The CoolRack
temperature should equilibrate to between 0.5°C to 4°C. Keep the lid on the CoolBox to prolong the cooling duration; use
insulator pad to extend cartridge service interval or in conditions of higher environmental temperatures.
Important: It is possible to also start with a room temperature CoolRack placed directly onto a frozen cartridge immediately after
removing it from the freezer. The system will take approximately 20
minutes to equilibrate to approximately 4°C and will not undercool
samples below 0°C.
For cooling beyond the specified times shown below simply exchange
the cooling cartridge with a recharged one.
Use of insulator pad for extended cooling time:
Using the insulator pad on top of the CoolRack or closing the lid will
significantly enhance cooling time. Tubes can be inserted through the
pad.
Temperature Measurement and CoolBox Validation
The CoolRack thermoconductive design ensures that all well temperatures are identical.
Test equipment:
Temperature probe with small thermal mass such as a K-type beaded thermocouple probe.
Digital thermometer to match probe.
Representative closed sample tube with cap
Test procedure:
Drill a small hole in the center of the sample tube cap with a diameter that provides a snug fit for the temperature probe wire so
there will be minimal ambient air influx into the tube.
Fill the sample tube with 1ml of water.
Place the cap on sample tube and insert temperature probe.
Place the instrumented sample tube in any well of the CoolRack.
Rack temperatures can be measured by direct contact of the probe in any of the rack wells.
Optional Insulator
CoolRack PF30,M30,CF30
CoolBox
+2ºC Cartridge
The CoolBox
™
30 is a portable device for maintaining cooling and freezing sample temperatures on the bench top. It is intended for
use with any of the 30-well CoolRack
™
tube holders such as CoolRack M30, M30-PF, CF30, CFT30, 500ul and MassSpec. Due to the
design and thermal conductivity of CoolRacks, samples will experience identical well to well temperature throughout the cooling
period regardless of sample position. By selecting from a number of cartridges and cooling options, samples can be maintained within
a variety of temperature bands that range from -78°C to 4°C.
CoolBox
Temperature Range
Cooling Source
Cooling Duration
Open Lid
Cooling Duration
Closed Lid
0.5ºC to 4ºC
+2ºC Cartridge - Blue
up to 4 hours
up to 10 hours
0.5ºC to 4ºC
Wet Ice Cartridge - Red
up to 4 hours
up to 10 hours
-18ºC to -4ºC
-12ºC Cartridge - Green
up to 3 hours
up to 6 hours
-30ºC to -20ºC
Dry Ice with
Insulator Pad
up to 5 hours
up to 10 hours
-78ºC
Dry Ice
up to 5 hours
up to 6 hours
copyright 2008, BioCision
®
, LLC. All rights reserved. Patents pending.
CoolBox Instructions, rev October 2010
www.biocision.com
775 E. Blithedale, Suite 203 Mill Valley, CA 94941 Tel 888.478.2221 Fax: 415.634.2350 Email:[email protected]
Note 1: Using insulator pad to protect exposed surface of CoolRack from environmental heat influx will provide optimal cooling duration.
Note 2: Actual performance may vary depending upon ambient temperature, start-up parameters, sample load, initial sample temperature,
air currents, radiant energy sources and other conditions.
0
4
10º
3
10 hours
Lid
Lid
* Data obtained from pre-chilled (4°C) CoolRack at
approximately 18-20°C ambient room temperature.
*Data obtained from pre-chilled (4˚C) CoolRack at
approximately 18- 20˚C ambient room temperature.
Base
CoolRack module
Cooling Cartridge
(Pre-frozen in -20˚C
Freezer)
Lid
Item
Description
Accommodates
BCS-125
CoolRack M15
15 x 1.5ml or 2ml microfuge tubes
BCS-127
CoolRack M15-PF
15 x 1.5ml conical microfuge tubes
BCS-108
CoolRack M30
30 x 1.5ml or 2.0ml microfuge tubes
BCS-128
CoolRack M30-PF
30 x 1.5ml conical microfuge tubes
BCS-137
CoolRack M-PF 500 uL
30 x 500 uL microfuge tubes
BCS-126
CoolRack CF15
for 15 cryogenic vials
BCS-138
CoolRack CFT30
for 30 cryogenic vials or FACS tubes
CAUTION: The product described here are intended for the exclusive use by trained and experienced
laboratory and medical personnel. A portion of the methods described require the use of dry ice. Direct
skin contact with dry ice or metal components that have been touching dry ice can cause freezing injury.
Always use appropriate protective equiptment for eyes and skin when handling dry ice and cold metal
components.
Made in USA.
15 Elizabeth Dr., Chelmsford, MA 01824 USA brookslifesciences.com/contact-us brookslifesciences.com
CoolBox 30 Instructions, May 2018
CoolBox 30 ©Brooks Automation, Inc. All rights reserved.
