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Industrial Refrigerator Monitoring System

Unexpected discoveries, not knowing exactly where an experiment will lead—these variables make the scientific process exciting. However, labs still require consistency, especially when it comes to their equipment. Reliable refrigerator and freezer monitoring, in particular, enables labs to preserve perishable samples, so researchers can continue their cutting-edge work and laboratories can improve their bottom line.


Many biotech research labs are still using outdated tools and systems to monitor their cold storage units. Why? Likely, because nothing has gone wrong—yet. While the details of a cold storage monitoring system can seem unimportant in the grand scheme of things, they are essential to a lab’s ability to function. What should laboratories use for their industrial refrigerator monitoring system? In most cases, an all-in-one cold storage monitoring platform connects to building management systems or other systems via API. This connectivity allows the temperature data to be sent to another system, improving functionality. Keep reading for the differences between temperature monitoring systems, what happens when things go wrong, and what labs can do to improve their device reliability. 

What is a temperature monitoring system, and what does a temperature monitoring system do?

A temperature monitoring system tracks freezer and refrigerator temperatures at regular intervals; these systems are essential for biotech laboratories that rely on samples with temperature and humidity sensitivities. An effective cold storage temperature monitoring system allows labs to:

  • Improve research outcomes.
  • Reduce costly setbacks.
  • Alleviate monotonous tasks.    

These benefits all stem from one central improvement: extending the shelf-life of delicate samples. Laboratories invest years in experiments that rely on cold storage units to maintain progress. An error in their temperature monitoring system could damage samples and set researchers back weeks or even years. These setbacks are expensive for companies and frustrating for researchers.

Using refrigeration to lengthen sample shelf life.

In certain cases, proper refrigeration extends the shelf life of samples well beyond their original expiration dates. In fact, a study published by Histopathology found that some diagnostic antibodies are effective up to 77 months after their expiration date, while others are still usable up to 134 months after their expiration date. This discovery is significant because it proves cold storage can help reduce waste and costs for health care researchers. Extending the shelf life of samples can also increase access to rare antibodies, which helps expedite progress.  

When things go wrong: the Harvard Brain Tissue Center thaw.

While freezer and refrigerator monitoring can feel like a tedious process you want to set-and-forget, it’s important to explore ways to improve that system. That’s because even minor issues can cause major setbacks. To see how devastating even a small error can be, consider this example from when the Harvard Brain Tissue Center experienced a freezer monitor alarm failure in 2012. The center, which held the world’s largest collection of preserved brains that had experienced autism, had a freezer malfunction. As temperatures rose significantly above freezing, two separate alarms failed to alert employees. This thaw resulted in the destruction of approximately one third of the center’s brain samples. Brains can only be stored for research after a donor passes away, and it is rare for donors to have both lived with autism and passed away at a young age. Due to the limited sample supply and how long it can take to replenish it, this catastrophe is estimated to have set autism research back by a decade.    

So what does a commercial freezer temperature monitoring system need to do to provide the benefits and avoid  failures like the one discussed above? Cold storage monitoring should:

  • Measure unit temperatures at frequent and consistent intervals.
  • Communicate readings in real-time.
Traditional freezer monitor systems—like thermometers and chart recorders—require constant human involvement. These tools are better than nothing, but as an entire monitoring system, they leave labs with knowledge gaps that can cost them big time. What about when everyone goes home for the day, or takes a long weekend and there’s no one to check the thermometers? Instead of relying on manual readings, biotech labs should strive for a comprehensive monitoring system that automatically records temperatures as well as storage unit activity, and sends that information to key team members in real-time. That’s the exact solution Elemental Machines provides; learn more about it here.
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Which equipment is used to monitor the temperature in a cold storage?

The most common options for cold storage monitoring equipment are thermometers, chart recorders, data loggers, and wireless IoT monitoring and alarming. Each system has its pros and cons, making trade offs between initial costs, reliability, and convenience.

  • Thermometers: This method is likely the default for many labs because it’s been around the longest. At first, it may also seem like the easiest system to implement. All that’s needed is a thermometer in each cold storage unit and a team member to check it. However, frequently checking temperatures can take a lot of time. Recording temperatures across a 24 hour cycle would require night shift employees. On top of the significant time investment, this system is also prone to human error. 
  • Chart recorders: Chart recorders are more efficient than thermometers because they produce a continuous record of temperature fluctuations, similarly to how a seismograph records the ground’s movement during an earthquake. This reduces how often employees have to check on each unit because they don’t have to manually record the temperature at each interval. However, like thermometers, chart recorders don’t have built-in alarm systems. If something goes wrong, no one will know until the next manual check-in. 
  • Data loggers: This type of temperature monitoring sensor records data electronically and can connect to a local alarm system. This alleviates the burden on employees to constantly check temperatures, as they can periodically view results on their local network or check the data stored on a USB drive. While data loggers are often a step up from thermometers and chart recorders, they come at an increased cost and don’t make data accessible off-site. 
  • Wireless IoT monitoring and alarming: Implementing a wireless refrigerator monitor with app connectivity gives teams access to their freezer temperature data no matter where they’re working from. These systems also include a WiFi freezer alarm, so employees can get alerts immediately when there’s a concern instead of waiting until the next time they’re in the lab. Wireless IoT monitoring and alarming systems are some of the most expensive upfront, but they provide a return on their investment as the best line of defense against temperature regulation malfunctions.

Is there such a thing as a freezer alarm?

Yes—freezer alarms exist and are an essential component of proactive cold storage monitoring. Without alarms, there are many cases where recorded data could be useless. Going back to the earlier example of the Harvard Brain Tissue Center thaw, alarm malfunctions resulted in the damaged samples. The monitoring systems were recording data, but they could not properly communicate it to the right people.

Industrial refrigerator monitoring should be proactive, not reactive. That’s why it’s important to have a comprehensive solution like the Elemental Machines Platform. Using devices like the Element A and Element T in combination with our software, cloud, and data science, you can monitor all of the factors that can influence your cold storage temperature, including humidity, light, vibration, and temperature fluctuation from external influences like HVAC systems. Our devices, like the Element T, also integrate seamlessly with existing ELN and LIMS assets—no need to start from scratch. In the case of abnormal readings, Element T alerts users immediately, not after the damage is done. 

Which temperature sensor is used in industry labs?

The industry standard for laboratory freezer temperature monitoring is moving toward centralized, cloud-based systems. That’s because these systems offer the best in convenience, accuracy, accessibility, and responsiveness. Being able to observe multiple cold storage units at once makes laboratory refrigerator temperature monitoring easier. Sensors that make frequent recordings and also take external factors into account eliminate costly human error. Essentially, cloud-based monitoring systems make accurate 24/7 temperature monitoring possible. 

Each cold storage unit easily connects to an Element T device which sends temperature data to the cloud-based EM Platform. Using the EM Insights dashboard, you’ll have access to centralized monitoring and alerting. LabOps professionals can use this platform to check frequent readings. The Element T records data every 15 seconds, and that information is available in the cloud after just 60 seconds. This platform also allows users to tailor alert settings to fit their specific monitoring system. Standard systems will track temperature fluctuation and send alerts when readings are too high or too low. Customized systems can include additional measurements, such as how often freezer doors open. LabOps professionals can use this data to streamline processes and minimize changes in temperature from external factors.

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How many times per day does the refrigerator need temperature monitoring?

Regulatory bodies determine how often refrigerator and freezer temperatures need to be checked. Requirements vary depending on what laboratories store. For example, when storing vaccines,  laboratory temperature and humidity standards guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that cold storage unit temperatures should be monitored a minimum of twice per day.    

While following basic guidelines can keep labs compliant, the most reliable systems monitor temperatures at any time and in real-time. After all, malfunctions can happen without notice, even when employees aren’t around to notice. That’s where wireless cloud-based monitoring systems can fill in the gaps by notifying lab personnel remotely by SMS text, email, or automatically call and escalate to additional people until the issue is resolved. .

How can I monitor my fridge temperature remotely? Elemental Machines.

Remote cold storage monitoring improves accuracy and makes it easier to respond to emergencies quickly; Elemental Machines is designed to enable remote monitoring within 60 seconds after unboxing. Don’t let the convenience fool you, Element T is a comprehensive solution. Here’s what’s included:

  • Temperature recordings every 15 seconds
  • Readings uploaded to the cloud every 60 seconds
  • Customizable alerts
  • 24/7 connectivity
  • All these features and more in one easy-to-use platform
See the difference for yourself, and schedule a demo today!
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