Redesigned TCU Line Expanded

Conair has rounded out its Thermolator line of temperature control units (TCUs) with the new mid-range TW-E and basic TW-B Series. The company notes these TCUs offer upgraded mechanical and electronic components plus a new panel layout said to reduce maintenance and extend maximum operating life. The new models round out Conair’s TCU line, complementing the high-end TW-T unit launched in May 2022.

Conair says the TW-B basic unit provides cost-efficiency for fundamental temperature control applications, featuring an LCD control panel with multiple readouts and indicator lights; a 250°F maximum setpoint; and a choice of ¾- or 2-hp pumps. The basic units share upgraded components and features with the higher-end TW-T and TW-E units, including high-efficiency pumps, incoloy heaters and new silicon-carbide seals for long-term, leak-free operations even at high temperatures.

All of the new units are built on a common, redesigned chassis that reduces the TCU’s footprint by 15% compared to previous-generation Conair TCUs. An optional rack allows dual-unit stacking for more space savings. The units also share an open-backed cabinet design that improves airflow around pumps and internal components that also enables inspection without panel removal.

The mid-range TW-E TCUs have all the standard features of the TW-B units, plus enhanced LCD digital control with multiple screen displays for normal operations, user-programmable parameters and integrated diagnostics, as well as a modulating cooling valve that automatically adjusts flow and temperature to serve varying mold sizes and process needs. Compared to an ordinary on/off solenoid valve, this proportional valve can adapt to mold changes or process variations without deadheading or cooling valve replacement. In addition, an adaptive maximum setpoint is possible, allowing the unit to adjust for continued operation in the face of plumbing limitations that might reduce input water pressure.

TW-E’s also feature auto-pressure relief, which uses the modulating cooling valve to relieve excess system pressure internally, eliminating puddles caused by external pressure relief valves. These units come with pump sizes up to 10 hp, heater sizes to 48 kW/zone and adaptability for single or dual-zone control. Digital pressure transducers replace analog gauges and provide real-time system pressure readings.

Optional upgrades for the new TW-E unit, include an automatic phase-detection circuit that ensures proper wiring and shaft rotation; solid-state heater controls; brazed plate heat exchanger; 300°F maximum operating temperature; a mold-purge cycle; and MODBUS-TCP communications via Ethernet.