Chiller Selection Guide for Pharma & Biotech Labs
17th Feb 2026
Calculating Cooling Capacity and Pump Pressure
Why chillers are critical in pharma environments
Chillers support:
- glass reactors
- rotary evaporators
- analytical instruments
- stability workflows
In pharma and biotech, temperature control affects:
- reaction reproducibility
- impurity profiles
- batch consistency
Choosing the wrong chiller can compromise both performance and compliance confidence.
Step 1: Cooling capacity basics (kW)
Cooling capacity determines how much heat a chiller can remove.
Key drivers:
- reactor or rotovap size
- heat load (exothermic reactions)
- target temperature range
- ambient conditions
Underpowered chillers lead to:
- temperature drift
- slower processes
- inconsistent results
Step 2: Pump pressure and flow rate
Cooling systems need both:
- sufficient cooling power
- adequate fluid circulation
Pump pressure determines:
- flow through jackets
- heat transfer efficiency
- performance in larger systems
High-resistance jacket designs require stronger pumps.
Step 3: Matching chillers to rotovaps
For rotary evaporators, consider:
- condenser size
- solvent vapor load
- evaporation rate
Insufficient cooling causes:
- vapor bypass
- solvent loss
- process inefficiency
Step 4: Matching chillers to reactors
Reactor cooling requires:
- stable temperature control
- sufficient ramp capability
- reliable continuous duty performance
Factors include:
- jacket design
- batch size
- reaction heat
Step 5: Temperature range considerations
Some workflows require:
- sub-ambient cooling
- narrow stability windows
- multi-step thermal profiles
Ensure chiller performance at actual operating temperatures, not just nameplate specs.
Used chillers in pharma labs
When evaluating refurbished chillers:
- confirm cooling capacity at relevant temps
- evaluate pump condition
- check serviceability
- verify fluid compatibility
Industrial chillers often provide strong value if properly vetted. Explore our inventory.
FAQ
Should I oversize a chiller?
Many pharma labs include safety margins to ensure process robustness and future flexibility.
Is pump pressure as important as kW?
Yes, insufficient flow can limit heat transfer even if cooling capacity is high.
Want More Guidance?
Talk to us about your application (reactor, rotovap, analytical cooling), volume, and temperature targets. We can help match chillers that support reliable pharma and biotech workflows. Contact HiTechTrader today.