Benchtop Precision Chiller
HEC, HEF, and INR recirculating chillers satisfy low capacity temperature control demand in the range of 140 to 1200 watts. A refrigerant-free, thermoelectric peltier element controls temperature from 4.0 to 60.0°C, with precision of ±0.01°C under stable load conditions. Extracted heat can be air or water cooled. 15 alarms support functional troubleshooting, and can be observed on the LCD display or over serial communication. Low noise and vibration, compact dimensions and flexible power requirements are suitable for laboratory benchtop service.
HEF, Compact Thermoelectric Chiller, Air Cooled
The HEF compact recirculating chiller is a precision temperature control solution for a high-tech, space-constrained environment. It uses a Peltier thermoelectric device, rather than a refrigeration circuit, to extract heat from the cooling loop. The HEF series is a benchtop favorite because it is 80% smaller than a traditional chiller and weighs 75% less. It’s used by lab researchers and scientists for cooling microscope plates, sample preparation, and PCR set-ups. With its compact size and 37~60 dBA low-noise operation, its presence is non-intrusive and compatible in any lab space.
- Cooling capacity: 220W
- Heating capacity: 500W
- Dimensions: 130mm x 150mm x 210mm
- Temperature range setting: 10 to 60°C
- Temperature stability: ±0.1°C
- Power supply requirement: 24 VDC ±10%
- Circulating fluid: Tap water or ethylene glycol solution (20% or less)
- Standards: CE, UKCA, UL (NRTL), RoHS
- Please contact an SMC Representative for availability due to refrigerant regulations
INR-244-832, Compact Thermoelectric Chiller, Low Temperature, Air Cooled
The INR-244-832 compact Peltier chiller is a specialized variant optimized for lower set points and extreme stability. It’s used by semiconductor process engineers to cool sensors or small components in gas delivery systems and small electrostatic chucks where space is at premium and vibration must be zero. It is also sought out by engineers designing "all-in-one" cabinets for lasers because of its 88% smaller footprint and global compliance (it doesn’t contain refrigerants).
- Cooling capacity: 150W
- Heating capacity: 380W
- Dimensions: 140mm x 160mm x 240mm
- Temperature range setting: 4 to 60°C
- Temperature stability: ±0.03°C or better depending on load stability
- Power supply requirement: 24 VDC ±10%
- Circulating fluid: Tap water or ethylene glycol solution (20% or less)
- Standards: CE/UKCA, UL, RoHS
- Please contact an SMC Representative for availability due to refrigerant regulations
HEC-A, Thermoelectric Chiller, Air Cooled
While the HEF is for light benchtop use and the INR is for extreme low-temp stability, the HEC-A is the standard industrial-grade solution for high-accuracy temperature control. Unlike most industrial chillers, specific models in the HEC-A line are compliant with IEC 60601-1, the global safety standard for medical electrical equipment. This chiller is used for X-Ray and MRI cooling and blood and specimen storage. The HEC-A is the go-anywhere model. It is chosen over the water-cooled HEC-W because the user needs a unit that only requires a standard wall outlet and because they don’t have access to facility water.
- Cooling capacity: 230W, 600W
- Temperature range setting: 10 to 60°C
- Temperature stability: ±0.03°C or better depending on load stability
- Power supply requirement: single phase 100 ~ 240 VAC, 50/60Hz
- Circulating fluid: Clear water
- Standards: CE, UL, RoHS
- Please contact an SMC Representative for availability due to refrigerant regulations
HEC-W2, Thermoelectric Chiller, Water Cooled, 600W, 1200W
The HEC-W2 thermoelectric chiller is chosen when you need 600W to 1200W of cooling capacity without exhausting hot air into your laboratory or cleanroom. This model uses a water-cooled peltier element to regulate coolant for a heat generating instrument or process requiring high precision temperature regulation. It is ideal for semiconductor equipment maintenance, medical systems integrators, industrial laser operators, and cleanrooms.
- Cooling capacity: 600 W, 1200 W
- Temperature range setting: 10 to 60°C
- Temperature stability: ±0.03°C or better depending on load stability
- Power supply requirement: single phase 200 ~ 220 VAC, 50/60Hz
- Circulating fluid: Clear water or fluorinated fluid
- Standards: CE
- Please contact an SMC Representative for availability due to refrigerant regulations
HEC-W5, Thermoelectric Chiller, Water Cooled, 140W, 320W
The HEC-W5 thermoelectric chiller was designed for situations where the stability and cleanliness of a water-cooled system is needed, but for a low-power application. It’s used for high-precision benchtop or localized cooling where heat loads are small and there is no tolerance for temperature drift. It’s often used by advanced analytical chemists, researchers using high-magnification tools such as electron microscopes, and engineers who need to spot cool specific parts of a larger machine. Because it's a Peltier device, it’s environmentally friendly and easy to ship globally without hazardous material paperwork.
- Cooling capacity: 140 W, 320 W
- Temperature range setting: 10 to 60°C
- Temperature stability: ±0.03°C or better depending on load stability
- Power supply requirement: single phase 100 ~ 240 VAC, 50/60Hz
- Circulating fluid: Clear water or 20% ethylene glycol
- Standards: CE, UL, RoHS
- Please contact an SMC Representative for availability due to refrigerant regulations
Precision Benchtop Chillers Side-by-Side
|
Feature |
HEF |
INR-244-832 |
HEC-A |
HEC-W5 |
HEC-W2 |
|
Cooling |
Air-Cooled |
Air-Cooled |
Air-Cooled |
Water-Cooled |
Water-Cooled |
|
Cooling Capacity |
220W |
150W |
230W / 600W |
140W / 320W |
600W / 1200W |
|
Stability |
±0.1°C |
±0.03°C |
±0.03°C |
±0.03°C |
±0.03°C |
|
Temp Range |
10 to 60 °C |
4 to 60 °C |
10 to 60 °C |
10 to 60 °C |
10 to 60 °C |
|
Noise Level |
37–60 dB |
45 dB |
45–54 dB |
Quiet |
Quiet |
|
Power Source |
24 VDC |
24 VDC |
100-240 VAC |
100-240 VAC |
200-220 VAC |
|
Best For |
General Benchtop |
Low-Temp Lab |
Medical / Lasers |
Cleanroom / AFM |
High-Power Semi |
Benchtop Precision Chiller FAQs
What is the main difference between the HEF and HEC series?
HEF Series: A compact air-cooled unit designed for space-saving and laboratory environments. It is roughly 80% smaller than similar-capacity units in the HEC line.
HEC Series: A more diverse line including both air-cooled (HEC-A) and water-cooled (HEC-W) models with a wider range of cooling capacities (up to 1200W).
What technology do these units use for temperature control?
Both series use Peltier (thermoelectric) modules. This allows for precise temperature control without the use of compressors or refrigerants, making them environmentally friendly and low-vibration.
What are the cooling and heating capacities?
HEF Series: Cooling capacity is approx. 220W; Heating capacity is approx. 500W.
HEC Series: Ranges from 140W to 1200W depending on whether the model is air-cooled or water-cooled.
What is the temperature range and stability?
The unit maintains a temperature stability of ±0.1°C (when the load is stable). The set temperature range is between 5°C and 40°C.
What fluids can be used?
Both series are compatible with tap water and ethylene glycol aqueous solutions (up to 20%). When the fluid level drops below the LOW level, 'ERR20' is displayed and the thermo-con stops.
Can I use deionized (DI) water?
Yes, both series utilize wetted materials like stainless steel, resin, and rubber, making them compatible with DI water (with proper maintenance).
Can I control the unit remotely?
Yes. Both series support serial communication via RS-232C or RS-485. They also feature RUN/STOP signal inputs and alarm output contacts.
What is the "Offset Function"?
This function allows you to compensate for temperature deviations that occur in the piping between the Thermo-con and the heat source. By inputting an offset value, the unit ensures the fluid reaching your equipment is at the exact target temperature.
What happens if there is a system failure?
The units feature an Output Shut-off Alarm. If a critical error is detected (such as pump failure or temperature overheating), the unit will display an alarm code, stop the pump/fan, and trigger a relay contact to alert external systems.