Liebherr SFFfg 4001 Laboratory Freezer, Ignition-source-free Interior, ATEX, 242 l, 994249751

A laboratory freezer with special safety features is required for the storage of flammable substances that may create explosive atmospheres. According to the type plate, the Liebherr SFFfg 4001 has an ignition-source-free interior and is designed for storing sensitive substances at constant temperatures. It also offers comprehensive monitoring and alarm functions. The interior, made of robust polystyrene, is manufactured in a single, seamless piece and is therefore quick and easy to clean, which is particularly important for laboratory hygiene when storing chemical samples. The SFFfg 4001 belongs to the Performance segment of Liebherr’s laboratory equipment range and is available either with open shelves or in a version with six additional drawers.

Technology and cooling capacity

The temperature is displayed digitally on the outside and can be set within a range of -9 °C to -30 °C, with a permissible ambient temperature of +10 °C to 35 °C. The natural refrigerant R 290 is used (fill quantity 90 g), with a low global warming potential compared to older synthetic refrigerants. The SmartFrost cooling technology supports even temperature distribution inside the unit. In the event of faults, the unit issues visual and audible warnings, ensuring that temperature deviations are immediately detected, even outside regular monitoring times. Via a retrofittable Wi-Fi/LAN interface, the freezer can be integrated into an existing laboratory network as required, to centrally document temperature trends.

Safety: ignition-source-free interior according to ATEX

The ignition-source-free interior makes the SFFfg 4001 a suitable choice for laboratories that need to store flammable solvents, chemicals or other substances where no ignition sources are permitted inside the unit. For example, in a chemistry or analytical laboratory, this ensures the safe deep-freeze storage of flammable samples during routine operations without the need to set up a separate explosion-proof storage area. As the successor to the LGex 3410, the SFFfg 4001 continues this safety philosophy and enhances it with additional features.

Interior layout and ease of use

Six glass shelves in the freezer compartment ensure organised storage; five of these are height-adjustable and adapt to different container sizes, from small test tubes to larger storage boxes. The antimicrobial handle with an integrated opening mechanism makes it easy to operate, even whilst wearing gloves, as is common in everyday laboratory work. The door hinge is on the right but can be reversed, allowing the unit to be flexibly adapted to the existing room layout; when the door is open, the unit is 64.2 cm wide. Defrosting is carried out manually.

Certification and cleanroom class

The SFFfg 4001 is tested to IEC 60068-3, IEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-011 and IEC 61326-1, and meets cleanroom class ISO 5 in accordance with ISO EN 14644-1. According to the product data sheet, the unit complies with GMP Class B, a relevant benchmark for laboratories with documented quality requirements for the storage environment.

Connection and installation

The connection cable, which is approximately 3 metres long, allows for flexible positioning within the laboratory, even if the nearest socket is not immediately adjacent to the intended installation site. As the operating ambient temperature range is specified as +10 °C to 35 °C, the unit is suitable for standard laboratory rooms; however, it should not be operated continuously in non-air-conditioned ancillary rooms with highly fluctuating outside temperatures, so as not to place an unnecessary strain on the cooling capacity.

Durability and energy efficiency

With an annual energy consumption of 384 kWh, the SFFfg 4001 can be operated cost-effectively even in continuous use, without compromising on the safety requirements for the storage of flammable substances. Particularly in laboratories where the unit is in operation round the clock, low energy consumption has a noticeable impact on running costs, without having to compromise on temperature accuracy or the safety of the ignition-source-free interior.

Origin and documentation

The SFFfg 4001 is manufactured at the Liebherr plant in Lienz, which specialises in refrigeration and freezing technology for laboratories and the healthcare sector. For quality assurance and tendering purposes in the laboratory sector, comprehensive technical documentation is available, including operating instructions and a product data sheet, which provide traceable documentation of safety-related characteristics. This facilitates internal approval when a laboratory procures a new freezer for potentially explosive atmospheres.

Typical applications

The SFFfg 4001 demonstrates its strengths wherever flammable substances need to be stored safely at low temperatures, for example when an analytical laboratory needs to store flammable solvent samples at a constant temperature over a prolonged period without compromising safety:

• Deep-freeze storage of flammable solvents and samples in chemistry and analytical laboratories
• Storage of potentially explosive substances in accordance with ATEX requirements for the interior
• Research and quality control laboratories requiring documented temperature monitoring
• Replacement of older models, such as the LGex 3410, in existing laboratory environments

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1x Liebherr SFFfg 4001 laboratory freezer, standard version, ready for use
• Operating instructions

Individual requirements and procurement service

Do you require the drawer version (740), individual advice on ATEX design, or suitable accessories for your laboratory freezer? Our procurement service will be happy to support you with the suitable selection.