Peter Huber Refrigerated Bath K20

The Peter Huber K20 is a high-capacity refrigerated bath designed to provide a robust and versatile cooling foundation for larger laboratory applications. With a generous 20-liter bath volume and an extended temperature range of -30°C to +200°C, this unit is engineered for researchers who require deeper cooling and more space for sample tempering. As part of Huber's commitment to sustainability, the K20 utilizes natural refrigerants with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP), ensuring compliance with modern environmental standards. While the bath provides the powerful refrigeration required for sub-ambient work, it is designed to be paired with a Huber immersion circulator, which manages the heating, precision temperature control, and fluid circulation.

Key Features:

• Brand: Peter Huber
• Temperature Range: -30°C to +200°C (requires immersion circulator for control)
• Bath Capacity: 20 Liters
• Power Supply: 230V 1~ 50/60 Hz
• Refrigerant: Natural, eco-friendly R290 (Propane)
• Active Cooling: Continuous refrigeration system providing active counter-cooling across the entire range
• Cooling Capacity: 0.35 kW at 20°C; 0.27 kW at 0°C; 0.16 kW at -10°C; 0.12 kW at -20°C; 0.02 kW at -30°C
• Construction: High-quality, corrosion-resistant stainless steel bath with premium insulation
• Design: Robust vertical footprint (350x555x398 mm) designed for stability and durability
• Versatility: Suitable for internal bath applications or external thermoregulation when equipped with a pump adapter

The K20 is ideal for intensive laboratory tasks such as materials testing, large-scale sample preparation, and quality control. Its continuous refrigeration system ensures high temperature stability and fast cooldown times, even when the immersion circulator is working against ambient heat. By decoupling the bath from the controller, users have the flexibility to select a circulator that matches their specific needs—from the straightforward KISS interface to the advanced, multi-functional Pilot ONE.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I choose the K20 over smaller models?
The K20 offers a larger 20-liter volume and reaches lower temperatures (down to -30°C). This makes it more suitable for larger samples or applications requiring deeper cooling that 12-liter or 15-liter models cannot achieve.

2. How does the "active cooling" benefit my experiment?
Unlike systems that only turn on the compressor when the temperature rises, the K20 provides continuous refrigeration. This allows for much more precise control near ambient temperatures and allows the system to react instantly to exothermic reactions within the bath.

3. Can I use tap water in the K20?
Water can be used for temperatures between 5°C and 80°C. For the full operating range of -30°C to 200°C, you must use a specialized thermal fluid, such as a water-glycol mix for cooling or silicone-based oils for high-temperature work.

4. Is the K20 difficult to maintain?
Because it uses natural refrigerants, the K20 is exempt from many of the complex leak-testing requirements associated with synthetic HFC refrigerants. Standard maintenance involves keeping the condenser grilles clean to ensure optimal airflow.

5. Will this bath fit under a standard lab bench?
The K20 has a height of 398 mm. When combined with an immersion circulator, the total height will increase. Always verify the total height of your specific circulator and bath combination to ensure it fits within your workspace.