The overall layout of arktic is shown below.
The front hatch allows access to a loading area where racks are dried and held at -20°C. Vials are then conveyed pneumatically to the main -80°C store.
arktic reads the ID barcode of each vial as it is stored, and uses this to record the vial's location in the store.
To retrieve a vial, you simply request the vial ID barcode.
arktic does not store information about the contents of vials: you will need to use a laboratory
information management system to associate samples with vial barcodes.
Refrigeration setpoints and limits
arktic is designed to maintain the store temperature within set limits and the dual refrigeration
system allows control of the temperature even if there are problems with one of them.
arktic will alarm if the temperature is not within +/- 4°C of the setpoint i.e. -
76°C and -84°C if the setpoint is - 80°C.
The backup refrigeration unit will turn on at + 8°C of the setpoint i.e. -72°C if the setpoint is -
80°C. It will also turn on if the primary unit loses power (fuse or breaker trip).
INFORMATION: Do not block air flow to any of the vented panels located at the front and rear of
arktic, as this may compromise the performance of the refrigeration
systems.
Next article - Installation