Two cooling & tempering devices in one: The HRL series

With the HRL cooling and temperature control units, two separate applications can be temperature-controlled. Two separate cooling circuits make this possible. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

With the HRL cooling and temperature control units, two separate applications can be temperature-controlled. Two separate cooling circuits make this possible. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

The cooling and temperature control units of the brand-new HRL series from SMC can separately control two temperature ranges. Those looking to save space can therefore do without an additional device. The HRL series also offers other highlights such as the series-integrated bypass, a water filter, a DI filter for conductivity regulation, and an electrical circuit breaker.

In laser applications, the new HRL cooling and temperature control units from SMC are capable of heating both the laser generator and the significantly less heat-generating optical system with just one device. This is made possible by two separate water circuits with individual temperature regulation. In addition to cost savings in purchase and operation, users benefit from the reduced space requirement. Overall, an HRL device occupies 22% less space compared to two standard cooling units.

Regulation dependent on conductivity

In some industrial sectors, such as laser applications or the optical industry, cooling with deionized water is required. The HRL series devices allow the cooling to be perfectly matched to the water specifications of a laser. An integrated conductivity sensor combined with a control valve enables defined conductivity regulation. Additionally, an integrated water filter ensures that no impurities disturb the operation of the cooling system. A bypass compensates for pressure fluctuations, ensuring that the HRL units operate extremely reliably and safely. They are mounted on casters for quick relocation from A to B. The user interface via a touch panel emphasizes simplicity and user-friendliness.

Energy-efficient operation

An eye on energy consumption reveals another highlight of the HRL series: Like other models, SMC relies on speed regulation of the compressor motor, fan, and pump. This allows the cooling capacity to be optimally adjusted to the current conditions. Since the waste heat generated by the compressor is also used to heat the circulating medium, no additional electric heating is required even in winter months. As a result, total energy savings can amount to up to 50%.

Cooling capacity up to 26 kW

The HRL series includes a total of 3 models, each providing a cooling capacity of up to 26 kW. All three models feature a second, separate cooling circuit with a cooling capacity of 1 kW. Temperature stability is ±0.1°C or ±1.0°C. For quick integration into control systems, the cooling and temperature control units are equipped with a serial interface.

The devices of the HRL series complement SMC’s comprehensive range of cooling and temperature control units. The total of 8 different series with numerous model variants covers almost every requirement: In addition to the stand-alone solutions of the HRS series, the range includes benchtop units and 19-inch rack-mounted variants, as well as the powerful devices of the HRSH series, which are also suitable for outdoor installation. The temperature control wheels and thermocontrollers with high-precision Peltier technology of the HECR series complete the diverse offering.

Cost- and space-saving device technology

The cooling and temperature control units of the new HRL series are suitable for many applications in the automotive, semiconductor, medical, and optical industries. "Their strengths are especially evident in the laser and laser-related industries. Here, the highly varying cooling capacities of laser generators and optics mean that one HRL device can handle all the cooling that would otherwise require two units. This saves a lot of money in procurement, operation, and space," explains Marco Taufer, Product Application Manager at SMC Germany.