Temperature Mapping of Ultra-Low Temperature (-80°C) Freezers

Sep 26 / Chris Maughan
Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) Freezers are essential for storing biological samples, pharmaceutical products, and other temperature-sensitive materials. They are commonly used in laboratories, hospitals, research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and biobanks.

ULT freezers typically operate between -40°C and -90°C, with the most common setpoint being -80°C. The tolerance range for this is usually -70°C to -90°C. These extreme temperatures present unique challenges for temperature mapping, requiring specialized validation and calibration equipment.

What Validation Equipment Should You Use for Temperature Mapping Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers?

Choosing the right validation equipment is key to conducting an accurate and reliable temperature mapping exercise. Here are some key considerations:

  • Temperature Range: The sensors you choose should be capable of operating both above and below the freezer's temperature range. For a ULT freezer, this generally means covering from ambient temperature to -90°C.

  • Accuracy: A minimum accuracy of ±0.5°C within the operating range is recommended to ensure precise measurements.

  • Log Interval: The scan rate should be appropriate for the testing. Typically, this would range between 10 seconds to 1 minute.

  • Battery Life: Ensure that wireless dataloggers have sufficient battery life for the entire testing period.

  • Memory: If using wireless dataloggers, ensure there is enough memory to store all the associated data for the test duration.


By carefully selecting suitable systems, you can significantly reduce test times, increase accuracy, and minimize equipment downtime. Optimizing sensor selection allows engineers to map multiple ULT freezers at once, improving efficiency.

Can You Use Wireless Dataloggers for -80°C Freezer Temperature Mapping?

Absolutely. Wireless dataloggers are a great option to streamline the temperature mapping process. They can be installed quickly and safely, with trained engineers able to position sensors rapidly, minimizing door open times and preventing unnecessary thermal fluctuations.

In contrast, thermocouple-based systems usually require the freezer to be defrosted for sensor placement. Thermocouples are also prone to damage during installation and removal, so regular calibration of these sensors is highly recommended.

Reduce Risk and Ensure Accurate Data with Regular Calibration

Calibration ensures that your sensors are functioning accurately, which is crucial to the integrity of your temperature mapping results. Additionally, performing post-use calibration verification at the end of the test helps complete the qualification process, closing the calibration loop.
Training and Validation Support

How can we help?

We offer Temperature Mapping Training or we can perform the testing for you using our calibrated equipment!
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