SMC Corporation · HRSC Series · Low GWP Thermo-Chiller

HRSC040-AF-20

Compact Air-Cooled Thermo-Chiller — CO₂ Refrigerant (R744, GWP 1) — 3.2 / 4.2 kW — ±0.1°C Stability

✦ GWP = 1 (CO₂) ✦ CE · UKCA · UL · RoHS ✦ Air Freight Eligible ✦ Drop-In HRS040 Replacement ✦ EPA AIM Act Compliant

3.2 kW — Cooling @ 50 Hz 4.2 kW — Cooling @ 60 Hz ±0.1°C — Temp Stability GWP 1 — R744 / CO₂ 5–40°C — Set Temp Range ≤68 dB — Noise Level (A)

Product Overview

The SMC HRSC040-AF-20 is a compact, air-cooled thermo-chiller from SMC's next-generation HRSC Series — engineered for precise industrial process cooling while meeting the latest global refrigerant regulations. It uses natural CO₂ (R744) refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential of just 1, replacing legacy high-GWP refrigerants such as R-410A (GWP 2,088) and R-134a (GWP 1,430) without any performance compromise.

Built on SMC's proven HRS040 platform, the HRSC040-AF-20 is a drop-in upgrade for existing HRS040 installations — same dimensions, same port sizes, no re-engineering required. It delivers 3.2 kW at 50 Hz and 4.2 kW at 60 Hz of cooling with ±0.1°C temperature stability via PID control, includes a built-in heating function, and features an inverter-driven compressor for approximately 24% lower energy consumption versus fixed-speed predecessors.

The single-fan air-cooled condenser operates at 68 dB(A) or less, making it suitable for lab and light-manufacturing environments. Serial communications (RS-232C/RS-485) enable PLC and SCADA integration, and a range of factory-order options — high-pressure pump, automatic fluid fill, DI water piping, and high-temperature environment spec — cover demanding application requirements.

Technical Specifications

Refrigerant Circuit

Thermal Performance

Fluid Circuit

Electrical

Environmental & Physical

Communications & Control

Certifications & Compliance

Configuration Options (Order at Time of Purchase)

Applications

Laser Processing Equipment CO₂, fiber, Nd:YAG, and diode laser cooling — prevents wavelength drift and beam quality degradation from thermal instability

CNC & Machine Tools Spindle bearing and coolant temperature control — reduces thermal expansion error in tight-tolerance machining

Semiconductor & Electronics Wafer chuck, wire bonder, and plasma etch temperature stabilization — thermal drift directly impacts yield

Analytical & Lab Instruments Spectrometers, XRD, SEM, and microscopy systems — stable detector temperatures prevent baseline drift

LCD & Display Manufacturing Exposure tools, bonding presses, and curing stations — repeatable adhesive cure temperatures, prevents substrate warpage

Mold Temperature Control Injection molding and die casting — consistent mold temperatures reduce cycle time, flash, and dimensional variation

Medical Device Manufacturing Process temperature logging via serial comms supports traceability requirements for implants, catheters, and optical assemblies

Low GWP Advantage — Why CO₂ Refrigerant Matters

Refrigerant regulations are tightening across all major markets. Upgrading to the HRSC040-AF-20 now eliminates a forced replacement later as HFC-based equipment reaches end-of-life under regulatory timelines. The HRSC series is dimensionally identical to the legacy HRS040 — switching requires no re-engineering of fluid circuits or electrical connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What refrigerant does the HRSC040-AF-20 use? R744 — natural CO₂ with a GWP of 1. It is not subject to HFC phase-down under the US EPA AIM Act, EU F-Gas Regulation, or California CARB rules, and it is eligible for air freight shipping.

Is the HRSC040-AF-20 a drop-in replacement for the HRS040-AF-20? Yes. SMC engineered the HRSC series with the same dimensions, port sizes, and electrical connections as the HRS series. Existing HRS040 users can upgrade without re-engineering piping, electrical panels, or machine footprints.

What is the cooling capacity of the HRSC040-AF-20? 3.2 kW at 50 Hz and 4.2 kW at 60 Hz, measured at the chiller outlet with circulating fluid at 20°C. If flow rate falls below the rated minimum, install Bypass Piping Set HRS-BP004 (sold separately).

What circulating fluids are compatible? Tap water, deionized (DI) water, and 15% ethylene glycol aqueous solution. A 15% glycol solution is required when the set temperature is 10°C or lower to prevent freezing. Use Option M when operating with DI water.

How loud is the HRSC040-AF-20? 68 dB(A) or less. The air-cooled condenser uses a single fan. This is suitable for lab and light-manufacturing environments where noise is a consideration.

What certifications does the HRSC040-AF-20 carry? CE, UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed), UL, and RoHS. Its CO₂ refrigerant is exempt from F-Gas regulations and complies with the US EPA AIM Act and California CARB requirements.

Can the HRSC040-AF-20 both heat and cool? Yes. The unit includes a built-in heating function using heat recovered from the refrigerant circuit — no separate heater element is required. Both heating and cooling are PID-controlled within the 5–40°C set temperature range.

Accessories & Related Parts

Installation & Operation Notes

• Indoor use only — do not expose to rain, snow, or direct sunlight
• Maintain minimum 1 m clearance at front and top for condenser ventilation; insufficient clearance reduces capacity and may trigger thermal shutdown
• If ducting the condenser outlet, allow at least one duct-diameter of free space and add a duct fan to overcome resistance — do not duct directly
• Use 15% ethylene glycol when set temperature is 10°C or lower to prevent freeze damage
• Magnet pump is seal-less — no shaft seal maintenance required
• Purge air from the fluid circuit during initial commissioning — monitor fluid level and top up until stable
• Purchase an earth leakage breaker (15 mA or 30 mA) separately, or order Option B at time of purchase
• For floor mounting, use SMC Foundation Bolt Set IDF-AB500 (M10×50mm SUS) — source anchor hardware appropriate for your floor material
• Refrigerant circuit operates at high pressure — servicing must be performed by qualified refrigeration technicians only
• Not rated for clean room environments — internal pump and fan generate particles

Note: Specifications are provided for reference based on official SMC published data. Cooling capacity is measured at the chiller outlet with circulating fluid at 20°C and rated flow rate. Always consult the official SMC HRSC Series catalog (ES40-83-HRSC) and installation manual before specifying or installing this product. SMC Corporation is the registered trademark owner of all SMC product names referenced herein.