MUHWA 6-Well Aluminum Cooling Block — Precision Thermal Management for 10mL and 15mL Centrifuge Tubes
MUHWA 6-well aluminum cooling block is a solid, precision-machined thermal conduction block designed to maintain uniform low temperatures for 10mL and 15mL conical centrifuge tubes during sample preparation, enzymatic reactions, and temperature-sensitive handling. The block is CNC-machined from a single billet of high-grade aluminum for maximum thermal conductivity and rapid heat transfer — place it on ice, dry ice, in a -20°C or -80°C freezer, or in a refrigerated water bath, and the aluminum quickly equilibrates to the surrounding temperature, keeping your samples consistently cold well-to-well. The 6 precision-drilled wells (16 mm diameter, 52 mm depth) provide a snug, full-contact fit around each tube, maximizing surface contact for efficient thermal conduction. Compact 110 × 40 × 55 mm dimensions fit standard ice buckets, benchtop cooling stations, and freezer racks. An indispensable tool for molecular biology, biochemistry, and clinical laboratories performing temperature-sensitive protocols.
Key Features
- Solid CNC-Machined Aluminum — Single-billet construction with no joints, welds, or gaps ensures uniform thermal conductivity throughout the block. Aluminum's high thermal conductivity (~205 W/m·K) rapidly transfers cold from ice/freezer to tubes.
- 6 Precision 16mm Wells — Each well is drilled to 16 mm diameter with a 52 mm depth, providing a snug fit for standard 10mL and 15mL conical centrifuge tubes (Falcon-style). Full circumferential contact maximizes conductive heat transfer.
- Rapid Temperature Equilibration — Pre-chill the block in a -20°C freezer for 30–60 minutes or on wet ice for 15–20 minutes. The aluminum block reaches and maintains uniform temperature for hours of benchtop work.
- Compact 110×40×55mm Footprint — Small enough for standard ice buckets, fits inside most -20°C and -80°C freezer drawers, and occupies minimal bench space.
- Corrosion and Oxidation Resistant — Natural aluminum oxide passivation layer protects against corrosion from condensation, ice water, and routine lab handling. Wipe dry after use for extended service life.
- Versatile Temperature Range — Safe for use from -80°C (ultra-low freezer) to +100°C (boiling water bath). Does not crack, warp, or degrade across this range.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Material | Solid aluminum (single billet, CNC-machined) |
| Number of Wells | 6 |
| Well Diameter | 16 mm |
| Well Depth | 52 mm |
| Compatible Tube Sizes | 10 mL and 15 mL conical centrifuge tubes |
| Overall Dimensions (L×W×H) | 110 × 40 × 55 mm |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~205 W/m·K (aluminum) |
| Temperature Range | -80°C to +100°C |
| Weight | ~500–600 g |
Applications
- Enzymatic Reactions on Ice — Maintain restriction digests, ligations, phosphorylation, and other enzymatic reactions at 0–4°C on the benchtop. Place the pre-chilled block on a bed of ice for hours of cold working time.
- Sample Preparation for Proteomics — Keep protein lysates, extracts, and protease inhibitor cocktails cold during homogenization, sonication, and centrifugation steps to prevent proteolytic degradation.
- RNA Work — Maintain RNA samples at low temperature during extraction, purification, and cDNA synthesis to inhibit RNase activity and preserve RNA integrity.
- Temperature-Sensitive Reagent Storage — Keep enzymes, dNTPs, antibodies, and fluorescent dyes cold at the bench during experimental setup without repeated trips to the freezer.
- Bacterial Transformation Heat Shock — Pre-chill tubes on ice, then transfer the block + tubes to a 42°C water bath for precise heat shock timing. The aluminum block provides thermal mass for consistent timing.
- Clinical Sample Handling — Maintain blood, plasma, serum, and urine samples at 2–8°C during processing, aliquoting, and pre-analytical handling in clinical chemistry and hematology labs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the block stay cold after removing from the freezer?
A: At room temperature (~22°C), a -20°C pre-chilled block maintains tube contents below 4°C for approximately 30–45 minutes (without additional ice). Placing the block on wet ice extends cold working time to 2+ hours. Actual duration depends on ambient temperature, tube contents, and frequency of tube removal/insertion.
Q: Can this block be autoclaved?
A: Yes. Solid aluminum withstands standard autoclave cycles (121°C, 15 psi, 20 min). Ensure the block is completely dry before autoclaving to minimize water spotting. Cool gradually to avoid thermal shock.
Q: Will 50mL tubes fit?
A: No. The wells are 16 mm diameter, designed for 10mL (16mm OD) and 15mL (17mm OD) conical tubes. 50mL tubes have an outer diameter of ~30mm and will not fit. For 50mL tubes, use a dedicated 50mL cooling block.
Q: Does the block leave metal residue on tubes?
A: No. The wells are smooth-bored and the aluminum surface is stable. Under normal use with plastic centrifuge tubes, there is no metal transfer or abrasion. Wipe wells periodically to remove any ice crystal residue.
