Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller


  • Up to 200 W Cooling Capacity
  • 1.2 Bar (17.4 psi) Brushless DC Magnetic Drive Pump
  • ±0.1 °C Temperature Stability with Quiet Operation

LK220

Thermoelectric
Liquid Chiller

1/4" Outer Diameter Polyurethane Tubing (Included)

Valved CPC® Quick-Disconnect Fittings (Included)

LKF40

In-Line Filter for Chillers (Not Included)

Related Items


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Key Specifications
Maximum Cooling Powera, b 200 W (Typical)
Temperature Setting Rangec -5 °C to 45 °C
Temperature Stability ±0.1 °C Constant Load at
Constant Ambient Temperature
Static Pressure 1.2 Bar (Typical)
Noise (Max at 1 Meter) 65 dBA
  • This is the typical value when the LK220 chiller is used with CDTX Coolflow DTX refrigerant antifreeze, the dust filter is removed, and the target temperature is kept the same as the ambient temperature.
  • The LK220 is shipped with the dust filter installed, which decreases the cooling power by 30 - 50 W.
  • The actual achievable temperature range is related to the thermal load, ambient temperature, and the freezing point of the coolant.

Features

  • Air-Cooled Benchtop Chiller with Programmable Temperature Sequences
  • Valved CPC®† Quick-Disconnect Fittings for Easy Hose Attachment
  • Replacement Fittings and Hose Lengths Sold Below
  • Compatible with Coolflow DTX Refrigerant Antifreeze
  • In-Line Filter Available to Remove Debris in the Liquid Cooling Line (Sold Separately Below)
  • User-Friendly Front Panel Control
  • Flexible Remote Control Options:
    • PC Connectivity via USB, Software Included (See Software Tab for Details)
    • Analog Input for Target Temperature Control (SMA, 0 - 5 V)
    • Trigger Input for Running/Stopping the Device (SMA, 5 V CMOS)
  • 2.5 mm Stereo Jack for External Thermistor Compatibility

Thorlabs’ LK220 Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller is an air-cooled liquid chiller that provides up to 200 W of cooling, 1.2 bar (17.4 psi) of pumping capability, and ±0.1 °C temperature stability, making it an ideal benchtop solution for heat dissipation. Based on thermoelectric cooler elements (TECs), this chiller can operate at low noise levels while also achieving high temperature accuracies of 0.01 °C. For more information about the cooling capacity and flow performance, please see the Graphs tab.

A removable dust filter is installed behind the chiller's front panel to support use in industrial environments. To reach the specified 200 W cooling power of the unit (see Key Specifications table), the dust filter must be removed. This can be done by unscrewing the four M3 cap screws with a 2 mm (5/64") ball driver or hex key. Please note that we only recommend long-term use of the LK220 without the dust filter in standard photonics lab environments and cleanrooms.

LK220 Quick-Disconnect Fittings
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CPC Thumb Latch Quick-Disconnect Fittings Allow for One-Handed Operation

Quick Connections and Tubing
For easy tube connection, the LK220 chiller features two valved CPC® thumb latch quick-disconnect to ferruleless compression fittings, which accept semi-rigid plastic tubing with a 0.17" (4.3 mm) inner diameter (ID) and a 1/4" (6.4 mm) outer diameter (OD). The image to the right shows the connectors with tubing attached to the coolant in and out ports on the back panel of the LK220 chiller. For convenience, these connectors audibly click when properly connected and include a valve to reduce leaks. Each unit comes with 5 m of 0.17" (4.3 mm) ID polyurethane hose. We also offer replacement polyurethane hoses in 5 m lengths with either 11/64" (4.37 mm) ID or 1/4" (6.35 mm) ID as well as coupling inserts and bodies appropriate for the replacement hose sizes. The replacement inserts and bodies are compatible with the coolant in and out ports on the LK220 chiller.

LK220 Hinged Lid
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The coolant reservoir is easily accessible by opening the hinged lid and removing the plastic cap.

Coolant Reservoir
The 400 mL coolant reservoir can be easily accessed by opening the hinged lid at the top of the device and removing the plastic cap, as shown in the image to the left. For your convenience, both a funnel and siphon are included with the unit to simplify filling the reservoir, and a warning alarm will sound if the coolant level is too low.

Thorlabs’ thermoelectric liquid chiller is compatible with most ethylene glycol-based coolants, but we recommend using our CDTX Coolflow DTX refrigerant antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (not included) for best performance. Please note that water can be used as coolant, but will result in reduced performance, and alcohol-based coolants cannot be used with this chiller. For more information on how various coolants affect the LK220 chiller's cooling capabilities, see the Graphs tab.

In-Line Filter
We also recommend using our LKF40 In-Line Filter (not included) with our LK220 chiller to protect the instrument by removing debris in the liquid cooling line before it damages the chiller. The LKF40 filter includes a 40 mesh stainless steel filter element that can be removed, cleaned, and replaced. The filter housing is clear, which allows the amount of debris on the filter to be visually inspected without stopping the flow.

Operation
The LK220 liquid chiller can be controlled locally through the front panel, where the knob is used to make setting adjustments. The unit can also be controlled remotely, either through the included software GUI (see the Software tab for details) or the analog and trigger inputs. The analog input can be used to set the target temperature, with 0 to 5 V corresponding to temperatures from -5 to 45 °C. The trigger input enables the temperature control function, where off and on are 0 V and 5 V, respectively. Performance can be easily monitored by the adjustable knob on the front panel, which features a ring-shaped LED indicator that appears blue, green, yellow, or red depending on the operation status. For additional safety, the LK200 chiller includes a BNC interlock to disable connected equipment in the case of operational errors.

A monitor out port (BNC) is included on the front panel to indicate the actual temperature measured by the chiller, and it outputs a 0 to 5 V range that corresponds to -5 to 45 °C. To measure the outlet coolant temperature, the LK220 liquid chiller is equipped with an internal thermistor sensor inside the return coolant hose. An external thermistor, such as the Thorlabs TSP-TH temperature probe, can be connected to the chiller using the 2.5 mm stereo jack and used to provide temperature readings for the control feedback loop. Alternatively, a third party thermistor with 10 kΩ resistance at 25 °C can be used if the beta constant is set using the software.

†CPC® is a registered trademark of Colder Products Company.

Specifications
Temperature Control Specifications
Maximum Cooling Powera, b 200 W (Typical)
Temperature Setting Rangec -5 °C to 45 °C
Temperature Readout Resolution 0.01 °C
Temperature Stability ±0.1 °C Constant Load at Constant Ambient Temperature
Pump Specifications
Pump Type Brushless DC Magnetic Drive
Static Pressured 1.2 Bar (Typical)
Tubing Specifications
Fitting Type CPC® Valved Thumb Latch Quick-Disconnect Fitting
Connector Type (on Chiller) Coupling Insert with Hose Barb
Connector Type (for Tubing) Valved Coupling Body with Ferruleless Polytube Fitting
Tubing Material Polyurethane
Tubing Dimensions 1/4" Outer Diameter (6.4 mm)
0.17" Inner Diameter (4.3 mm)
General Specifications
Noise (at 1 m) 65 dBA Max
Reservoir Volume 400 mL
Power Supply 100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz
Power Consumption 600 W Max
Operating Temperature 0 °C to 40 °C
Operating Humidity 15% to 80%
Storage Temperature -15 °C to 60 °C
Dimensions (L x W x H)e 310.0 mm x 140.0 mm x 320.0 mm
(12.20" x 5.51" x 12.60")
Weight 8.1 kg (17.9 lbs)
  • This is the typical value when the LK220 chiller is used with CDTX Coolflow DTX refrigerant antifreeze, the dust filter is removed, and the target temperature is kept the same as the ambient temperature.
  • The LK220 is shipped with the dust filter installed, which decreases the cooling power by 30 - 50 W.
  • The actual achievable temperature range is related to the thermal load, ambient temperature, and the freezing point of the coolant.
  • This is the pump performance at 100% and zero flow.
  • Not Including Connectors and Feet

Performance Graphs

This data reflects the typical performance of Thorlabs' LK220 thermoelectric liquid chiller, and is presented for reference only. The guaranteed specifications are shown in the Specs tab, however, performance may vary from unit to unit. 

LK220 Cooling Capacity
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Click for Raw Data
Cooling capacity indicates the maximum heat load that the LK220 chiller can dissipate. Please note that ΔT is the temperature difference between the coolant and the ambient temperature, which was 25 °C for the dust filter off and 20 °C for the dust filter on. Measurements were taken at 60% pumping power with CDTX Coolflow DTX refrigerant antifreeze.
LK220 Flow Performance
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Click for Raw Data
Flow performance demonstrates the pumping capability of the LK220 chiller running at 50%, 80% and 100% pump power, and process flow is measured in Liters per Minute (LPM). Measurements are taken at 25 °C ambient temperature with water used as coolant. Note that the kinematic viscosity of CDTX Coolflow DTX is approximately twice that of water and will result in less than half the flow performance.

Thorlabs' LK220 thermoelectric liquid chiller can be used with most ethylene glycol-based antifreezes or coolants. The performance plots below show the LK220 cooling capacity when used with select coolants. Please note that using water for coolant will result in reduced performance and that alcohol-based coolants cannot be used with this chiller.

LK220 Cooling Capacity with Various Coolants, Dust Filter On
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Click for Raw Data
Cooling capacity of the LK220 liquid chiller with the dust filter installed for various coolants and the pump running at 60%. Please note that ΔT is the temperature difference between the coolant and the ambient temperature. The ambient temperature is 20 °C for each measurement.
LK220 Cooling Capacity with Various Coolants, Dust Filter Off
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Click for Raw Data
Cooling capacity of the LK220 liquid chiller with the dust filter removed for various coolants and the pump running at 60%. Please note that ΔT is the temperature difference between the coolant and the ambient temperature. The ambient temperature is 25 °C for the CDTX Coolflow DTX measurement and 20 °C for the other coolants.
LK220 Front Panel
Click to Enlarge

Front Panel
Front Panel
Call Out Description
1  Secondary Power Switch
2 SMA Port for Analog IN: 0 V to 5 V
3 2.5 mm Stereo Jack for External Thermistor
4 LCD Screen
5 Knob for Adjustment and Confirmation / LED Indicator
6 Airflow Inlet
7 USB Port
8 BNC Port for Monitor: 0 V to 5 V
9 BNC Port for Interlock: 0 V to 5 V
10 SMA Port for Trigger IN: 5 V CMOS
Back Panel
Call Out Description
1 AC Power Inlet / Fuse Drawer / Main Power Switch
2 Airflow Output
3 1/4" Hose Valved Coupling Insert for Coolant Supply
4 1/4"  Hose Valved Coupling Insert for Coolant Return

The LK220 liquid chiller contains the following components:

  • Liquid Chiller
  • Two CPC® Valved Quick-Connection Fittings for 4.3 mm (0.17”) Inner Diameter Hose
  • 5 Meters of 4.3 mm (0.17”) Inner Diameter Hose
  • Region-Specific Power Cord
  • USB Cable for PC Connection
  • Siphon Pump
  • Funnel
  • Flash Drive Containing the Operation Software and Manual
LK220 Liquid Chiller Software
Click to Enlarge

Software GUI for the LK220 Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller

Software

Version 1.0.3

Includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller (LK220), as well as the required device drivers and LabVIEW/C++/Python SDK for secondary development. To download, click the button below.

Software Download

Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller Software Package

GUI Interface
The software package allows for remote control of the LK220 Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller. The user-friendly interface includes readouts for the flow rate, TEC current, device status, and device temperatures. The featured temperature readouts are for the ambient, inlet, actual (coolant), cold plate, and heat sink temperatures. To monitor cooling performance as the chiller runs, these temperatures are also displayed graphically in a time trace. Temperature deviation, which is the difference between the actual and ambient temperatures, is also included in the time trace. This information can be recorded and saved over a set time duration.

The GUI features a User Control section, which allows the user to input the target temperature, temperature window, PID settings, and pump drive power. Control modes and sensor settings can also be toggled from this screen, rather than the device front panel. Temperature sequences can also be set through the GUI.


Posted Comments:
Tomy Acsente  (posted 2024-08-14 11:16:44.85)
Considering my previous comment: (posted 2024-05-22 19:45:24.607) regarding a smaller tube (2.4 mm ID). Upon receiving the LK220 in my laboratory, I immediately observed a significant and continuous temperature oscillation (39.49 - 40.11 Celsius) when using the smaller tube. After 40 minutes, the oscillation damped to 39.96-40.07 Celsius. The flow is 0.2 L/min for the 60% pump driver (in comparison to 1 L/min for which the device was factory-adjusted). It is obvious that I have to adjust the PID parameters need to be adjusted. Questions: How can I determine the optimum PID parameters? Does the device and the associated software have an auto-tuning function? Thank you very much.
cdolbashian  (posted 2024-08-16 04:49:59.0)
Thank you for contacting us again. The PID parameters can be modified directly on the software, but an auto-tuning function has not been added to the device or the software. We will contact you directly by email about how to optimize the PID parameters.
Tomy Acsente  (posted 2024-05-22 19:45:24.607)
Can this chiller be used with tubing of 2.413 mm ID? I have to chill a quartz crystal microbalance with S-304, 3.175 mm (0.125 in.) O.D. x 0.381 mm (0.015 in.) wall thickness seamless stainless steel tubing ( 3.175-2x3.175=2.413 mm). I'd like to know about the pressure increase due to the tube diameter decrease.
cdolbashian  (posted 2024-06-04 02:04:54.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. In order to connect the LK220 to the 2.413mm ID tubing, you need to find the correct adapter to connect the 2.413mm ID tube to the 1/4" OD, 11/64" ID or 3/8" OD, 1/4" ID tube/fittings that LK220 is compatible with. We currently have no data on pressure changes at the 2.413mm ID tubing. However, the pump of the chiller is tunable, which can be adjusted to achieve the target pressure.
anthony dunn  (posted 2023-11-09 19:19:20.427)
Can this chiller heat and cool and maintain a temperature at 37C?
cdolbashian  (posted 2023-11-16 02:53:32.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The temperature setting range of LK220 is -5 °C to 45°C, but the actual achievable temperature range is related to the thermal load, ambient temperature, and the freezing point of the coolant. We will contact you for more discussion.
Maria Tesa  (posted 2023-03-15 15:00:23.34)
Can this chiller be used with tubing of 3.5 mm ID? do you sell a suitable hose adaptor to change from the 1/4" tubing supplied with the product to the narrower 3.5 mm ID hose?
cdolbashian  (posted 2023-04-03 08:51:20.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. One way to use the LK220 chiller with 3.5mm ID tube is to first use the HPU9 tube, QVF9 coupling insert and QVM9 coupling body, then add a reducer which could adapt the 4.3mm ID tube to 3.5 mm tube. We will share with you one possible reducer adapter via email.
Ernest Michael  (posted 2021-02-11 09:00:23.76)
I need a formal quote please for me personally: Ernest Michael Terahertz- and Astro-Photonics RAIG Radio Astronomical Instrumentation Group Dept. of Electrical Engineering, University of Chile Av. Tupper 2007 Santiago 8370451 Chile Would this be suited for circulating water through a glass discharge tube of a CO2-laser, or would the pressure be too high for the glass tube? Can it be switched back to less than 50% of pressure? Thanks
YLohia  (posted 2021-02-18 10:18:32.0)
Hello, formal quotes can be requested by contacting your local Thorlabs Sales Team (in your case ) or adding the item to your cart and selecting "Generate a Quote" from your cart page. We will contact you directly. The LK220 can be used for your application once your tube has been adapted to a 1/4" Outer Diameter Polyurethane Tubing. Please refer to the pressure performance show in the System Pressure vs Process Flow plot in "Graphs" tab. System pressure can be reduced to lower than 50% since the chiller will be run at ~10% pump power.
user  (posted 2019-12-30 09:11:21.52)
Is it possible to use LK220 with 6.0mm ID or 1/4" bore soft hose? Thanks.
nbayconich  (posted 2019-12-31 08:57:47.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Yes the LK220 chiller can be used with 6.0mm ID soft bore hoses. LK220 has two Male Fittings on its back panel for tubing and there are two Female thumb latch connectors for 4mm ID tube by default to connect the tube to the chiller. Both the Male and Female connectors are from CPC and the Male fittings on the back panel are compatible with any Female counterparts from the same series. There are options from CPC for 6mm ID or ¼’’ soft tubes and many other tube sizes. The CPC part number of the male fitting on the back panel of LK220 is PLCD42004. You may try CPC’s website and search by this par number and find all the counterparts that fit, and our tech support team will send you several recommended parts via email
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Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller


Click to Enlarge

Cooling capacity for the LK220 chiller with and without the dust filter on. Additional performance graphs and raw data are available in the Graphs tab.
  • Benchtop Solution for Heat Dissipation
  • Up to 200 W of Cooling Power
  • Temperature Range from -5° C to 45° C 
  • Temperature Stability of ±0.1 °C Under a Constant Load

Thorlabs’ LK220 Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller is an air-cooled liquid chiller that provides up to 200 W of cooling, 1.2 bar (17.4 psi) of pumping capability, and ±0.1 °C temperature stability. 

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
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LK220 Support Documentation
LK220Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller, 200 W
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Refrigerant Antifreeze

Specifications
Frost Protection -15 °C
Recommended Operating Temperature Rangea -10 to 85 °C
Refractive Index 1.362
Kinematic Viscosity @ 20 °C 2.3635 mm2/s
Specific Heat @ 20 °C 3.7910 kJ/(kg·K)
Thermal Conductivity @ 20 °C 0.4794 W/(m·K)
  • This is the temperature range for continuous operation. Coolflow DTX can support brief temperature fluctuations up to 95 °C.
  • Ready to Use Ethylene Glycol-Based Antifreeze
  • Protects Against Corrosion and Biological Growth
  • Colored Solution for Easy Leak Detection
  • Non-Toxic to Humans and Animals
  • See the Full Web Presentation for More Information

Thorlabs offers non-toxic Coolflow DTX Refrigerant Antifreeze with Corrosion, Scale, and Biological Inhibitors for use with chillers including the LK220 thermoelectric liquid chiller. Made with ethylene glycol, this pre-diluted coolant features more efficient heat transfer characteristics than alternatives based on propylene glycol, such as lower dynamic viscosity and higher thermal conductivity; see the Specifications table for more details. Though ethylene glycol is usually toxic, Coolflow DTX contains the additive DeTox®†, which makes the solution non-harmful to humans and animals if accidentally ingested. More information regarding material safety can be found in the MSDS sheet here.

†DeTox® is a registered trademark of Evans Cooling Systems, Inc.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
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CDTX Support Documentation
CDTXCustomer Inspired! Refrigerant Antifreeze with Corrosion, Scale, and Biological Inhibitors, 5 L
$162.79
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In-Line Filter for Chillers

  • Compact In-Line Filter for Use With LK220 Chillers
  • 40 Mesh Stainless Steel Filter Element
  • CPC® Quick-Disconnect Fittings on Both Ends
  • Can Withstand Pressure up to 120 PSI

Thorlabs’ LKF40 In-Line Filter is designed to protect the LK220 Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller by filtering out debris from the liquid cooling line that may be inadvertently introduced when the line is disconnected for component changes, repair, or maintenance of instruments in the line. The in-line filter has a maximum diameter of 0.94" and is 9.45" long, including CPC quick-disconnect fittings on both ends, two pieces of connection hose clamped on barbed fittings, and an aluminum body with a quartz housing for the filter cartridge. The 40 mesh stainless steel filter element removes particles larger than 400 µm. The clear quartz filter housing allows visual monitoring of the debris in the cartridge without stopping the flow of liquid and the aluminum body has a permanent arrow to indicate the direction of liquid flow. To clean the filter, remove the threaded ends of the barbed fittings with a 14 mm wrench and then purge the filter in the opposite direction of the arrow with clean water. After reconnecting the fittings, the unit can be reinstalled back into the cooling line.

The LKF40 is directly compatible with the inlet port of our our LK220 chiller using the included CPC fittings. The temperature range for use is from -15 °C to 60 °C (5 °F to 140 °F) and it can withstand pressure up to 120 PSI. The filter can be used with water, ethanol-based coolants, or any glycol-based coolant, such as our CDTX Coolant, sold above. The filter is compatible with our LK220 Liquid Chiller, Liquid-Cooled Cold Plates, Water-Cooled Breadboards, Spatial Light Modulators, and our Liquid-Cooled HHL Laser Mount.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
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LKF40 Support Documentation
LKF40NEW!In-Line Filter for Chillers, 40 Mesh Replaceable Filter, CPC Fittings on Both Ends
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Hoses and Fittings

Hoses and Fittings
Hose Item # OD ID Compatible
Coupling Insert
Compatible
Coupling Body
HPU6 1/4" 11/64" QVF6 QVM6
HPU9 3/8" 1/4" QVF9 QVM9
  • 5 m Long Polyurethane Hoses Available in Two Sizes:
    • 1/4" Outer Diameter and 11/64" Inner Diameter
    • 3/8" Outer Diameter and 1/4" Inner Diameter
  • Natural White Acetal Coupling Fittings and Inserts with BUNA-N Seals
  • Can Withstand 120 psi of Pressure

Thorlabs offers various polyurethane hoses and coupling inserts that allow for easy connection to a water or coolant supply. All items can withstand up to 120 psi of pressure and can be used with water, ethanol-based coolants, or any glycol-based coolant, such as our CDTX Coolant.

The 5 m Long Polyurethane (PU) Hoses have an inner diameter (ID) of 11/64" or 1/4" and outer diameter (OD) of 1/4" or 3/8". These hoses can be used at temperatures from -15 to 60 °C. These hoses are intended to be used alongside our in-line 1/4" OD or 3/8" OD coupling inserts and bodies.

The inserts have male connection ports, while the bodies have female connectors with a self-lock structure for secure connection. Inserts and bodies are intended to be used in pairs, as any coupling insert can mate with any coupling body. The QVF6 coupling body and QVM6 coupling insert can support HPU6 tubing with a 11/64" ID and 1/4" OD, while the QVF9 coupling insert and QVM9 coupling body can support HPU9 tubing with a 1/4" ID and 3/8" OD.

The hoses, inserts, and bodies can be used for quick connections to a variety of Thorlabs catalog items, as well as for conversion from 1/4" ID to 11/64" ID hose. These hoses and fittings are compatible with our Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller, Liquid-Cooled Cold Plates, Water-Cooled Breadboards, or Spatial Light Modulators.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
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HPU6 Support Documentation
HPU6Polyurethane Hose, 1/4" OD, 11/64" ID, 5 m Length
$10.51
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HPU9 Support Documentation
HPU9Polyurethane Hose, 3/8" OD, 1/4" ID, 5 m Length
$14.69
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QVF6 Support Documentation
QVF61/4" OD, 11/64" ID Valved In-Line Coupling Insert
$16.73
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QVF9 Support Documentation
QVF93/8" OD, 1/4" ID Valved In-Line Coupling Insert
$16.73
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QVM6 Support Documentation
QVM61/4" OD, 11/64" ID Valved In-Line Coupling Body
$23.05
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QVM9 Support Documentation
QVM93/8" OD, 1/4" ID Valved In-Line Coupling Body
$23.05
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