Thermodynamic Artwork
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The Tango’s thermodynamic-hydraulic circulation system is a skilfully crafted work of art, which has been created by local refrigeration engineers and stainless steel welders. The following objects from the Ministat-Unitstat-Tango-inventor's studio are acknowledged thermodynamic and microelectronic works of art. This gallery displays unique works of art that have not been invented or built in this form, or with this technology, anywhere else in the world.
In the fine arts it is quite common to place great value on the original but because we do have to make a living, thousand replicas of the objects displayed here can be found in the better families of the laboratory world. There are alone ten thousand copies of our family’s darling *, the Ministat, in circulation. The Ministat, Unistat and Tango are probably better known than the name Huber.
*) ca. 75.000, in 2007
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The Art of Distillation
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According to legend (Wikipedia), the famous Black Forest cherry brandy, Kirsch, was first distilled in Elgerweier (see first gallery). The spirits distiller is the most common type of distillation apparatus in the Ortenau area. The rotary evaporator is the most common distillation apparatus in research laboratories and in the Tango Club. Originally it was operated with an electrical heating bath, a water-cooled condenser and glass filter pump. Over the centuries, this form of directly running perfectly good drinking water into the sewage system has been one of the reasons why the Black Forest Trout and North Sea Salmon have not had a chance to see each other alive.
The Huber company's first contribution to water preservation was the ROTOSTAT, which is filed with the German Patent Office and was awarded the Baden-Württemburg price for innovation. It is the only unit that can evacuate and regulate the temperature by heating and cooling at the same time. During distillation both processes are needed simultaneously. Looking at it from a technical viewpoint the Rotostat is a rotary evaporator. From an historical viewpoint however, it is a Trojan horse that went unnoticed by the pursuers of the Tango's predecessor.
Interestingly, it is also the microelectronic predecessor of the Tango. Half a year after winning the innovation prize , TPO, a technology park, was established in Offenburg, and one of its first founders received one of his first assignments to develop the first microprocessor controller for the Huber company’s Rotostat (Z80).
Thermodynamics and microelectronics – in that order – it takes two to tango. 20 years later, the Offenburg daily newspaper calls this "a promotional concept with irrefutable success".
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It’s Magic
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Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic (Arthur C. Clarke). The truth is that the different origins of the Huber temperature control technology are so subtle that it sometimes takes years for competitors to detect them.
Cui bono, who benefits from it? The Rotostat, the previous thermodynamic art work, triggered the thermodynamic development of the Tango and because it also desperately needed it, it has helped the current Tango obtain its microelectronics. Unfortunately, the Tango’s popularity has slowed down the reproduction rate of the Rotostat. This is either something to laugh (because of the Tango’s success) or cry about. But there is a solution on its way. In the end, the Rotostat will get something back from it, namely the best microelectronics and operational ease imaginable.
The final Rotostat model is waiting like the rabbit in a hat, while the ROTACOOL gives an indication of the space savings yet to come. The original Rotostat won its prize because, despite all its additional abilities and extras, it took up no extra space. Not quite invisible but a perfect example of extreme power density (Watt/cbm) that almost reaches infinity. To help tide over and as a consolation to the patient Rotostat-fans, the Rotacool has also been infused with this characteristic.
The ROTACOOL is a co-product of Heidolph (for the naming) and Huber (for the technology and design). It is the most unique cooling unit for rotary evaporators with flasks of up to 3 liters. It has 450 Watts of power, even though, as you can see by clicking on its picture, it hardly takes up any space. This was something Heidolph and many customers did not expect. The Ministat-Unistat-Rotostat-Tango-creators do not think there is anything wrong with being asked to make miracles happen.
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in tango veritas
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In Baden, where milk and honey, but no oil flows, we mainly live off saving energy. We also live on air and love and good wine. In vino veritas… wine possesses the healthiest alcohol.
The oldest roman vineyards in the area and the oldest application of early Tango technology are located in Alsace, surrounding Colmar and Riquewihr and in the Ortenau area, surrounding Offenburg, Here, according to legend, babies are born with tartar, a wine deposit, in their stomachs. The Tango Factory, where - since the end of the 20th century - we cultivate the Tango-Alemanno, is located right in the middle. In tango veritas, but this could evolve only after all the relevant experience and know-how from Baden and Alsace about wine culture and distilling had been amassed. Huber's first wine cooling unit was built for the wine growers' cooperative in Fessenbach to precipitate tartar at minus 4 degrees Celsius. This is also the optimum temperature to extract impurities from refined brandy. When producing perfume in France, Huber’s distillate coolers use the same procedure. This brings us back to products for sensual enjoyment - in moderation. Our first big cooler for distilling spirits was built for the company Weiss in Gutach and used to cool large amounts of liquid to minus 4 degrees Celsius and to reheat them to the bottling temperature. This is something that many before us could do. With electrical, gas or oil heating. So why get involved?
We have always got involved when there is something to be gained thermodynamically or energy-wise (we also got involved with the closing of the ozone hole). Whether the eternal snow of the Kilimanjaro will soon be a thing of the past is an important question for us. It can be proved though, that the Tango Factory’s self imposed CFC phase-out (ozone hole) and the development of energy-saving processes are extremely beneficial to the environment (greenhouse effect). The distillate cooler of the early Tango-Technology, with its cooling-heating pump and heat recovery uses only about 1/10 of the energy consumed by conventional methods.
In tango veritas… The thermodynamic result of wine and brandy coolers, and as the Rotostat has shown, the Tango has an impressive ancestry.
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Electronic Artwork
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The Huber temperature control thermostats are faster than others and this is only possible because they have the fastest controller available. The electronic masterpiece of Huber's temperature control thermostats and chillers is their Plug & Play technology which has been exclusively exerted since 1980. Only three or four controllers were required to manage all our large unit families which can have up to 20 to 50 fairly different members. In 2003, the year of the great unification, the masterpiece created from this idea led to the fact, that 300 very different, small and large, or to be more exact all conventional Compatible Control thermostats and Unichillers are managed by one single structurally identical microelectronic element which is interchangeable. We offer three options: CC1 is basic and practical, CC2 is external process oriented and CC3 is automation capable and each controller is universally interchangeable. Without stress and without downtime, without complicated installation procedures and without any appreciable extra cost. Just two or three simple adjustments are required. Click here to see for yourself what you're supposed to believe.
There is no doubt that the competition, which has also always placed a strong emphasis on microelectronics, has some great controllers. But its is clear that the handling ease of our Plug & Play system, which came in from the cold, is worth more than its weight in gold. Whether the next shop is five minutes away or on the other side of the globe. For more than a quarter of a century we have been offering a three year guarantee (as a testimony of quality and long service life).
Our newest work of art and the genuine master piece of Plug & Play technology links the old world of conventional thermostats to the new Tango world in the crucial sphere of user operation. After we have carried out our largest operational manoeuvre in Ministat-Tango history, all of the Huber fleet will sail under the command of only two structurally diverse controllers. Compatible Control for the old world and Unistat Control (which is also a form of Compatible Control) for the new Unistat world. This means they will be Plug & Play capable and will operate according to the same rules. Thus, making it easier for the laboratory pilots that have to work with them day in and day out and for the children of tomorrow who do not have the time to learn it all.
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Big Eyes
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The big eyes of the Compatible Control Thermostats caused quite a commotion below the Huber tower at the Munich trade fair, because the latest artwork comes with a monitor that is almost as big as the Tango and only Ingrid Bergmann’s eyes are prettier. Arousing anxiety in the camp of its pursuers (you get on my nerves, kid) and even more excitement in its supporter's. A dream in seven languages that shocked some and delighted others.
No one can gaze up the stairs like Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), and never before could one see so much in the eyes of a common thermostat. We have almost reached our goal, the manager cheerfully cries. I can see the break-even on the horizon. The manager had not taken the idiosyncrasy of the horizon into consideration, which makes it recede a step for every step taken towards it. (Johannes Gross, Notizbuch, last sequence, last act) The small controller with the big eyes was the last coup and the next one follows on its foot steps.
The new Compatible Control Pilot (picture) pushes for the creation of the small Tango. In 2008, the Huber company celebrates its 40th anniversary (young enough) and the Tango its 20th (old enough) and before the end of the year a first cry will be heard. The little one already has its mind and eyes (its controller), its hair color (anthracite and stainless steel) and its name should ring true in the ears of non-numbed Tango fans:
"Petite Fleur"… that is a Tango!
Petite Fleur… PetiteTango… the small Tango, dreamed with my own eyes for many years ... The big Tango has a pretty mother, the Tango Factory, and many fathers. Of course the small Tango will not have any fewer. In 2008, after the Analytica, and even if only one or two people get together in the name of the Tango, we will supplement every visit and every training for the international Tango club with a current picture of the pregnancy. In order to answer questions and above all to ask them. How would you like it? Tango users, sympathizers, missionaries and medics are all called upon to participate in its conception.
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The Pride Of Creation
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Thermodynamics and microelectronics – it takes two to tango. A Tango could never have been created if we had set our priorities the other way around. As is pointed out by the second main proposition of the Tango philosophy: you have to be two to tango. This does not mean that thermodynamics are more important than electronics. However, the best controller can not turn a lame duck into a speed champion. If their dance partner is not inclined then the best tango dancer will struggle to no avail. On the other hand, though, the best thermodynamics and the cleverest refrigeration techniques can not show everything they can accomplish if the controller lags behind.
The Tango has become the fox in the chicken coop because it is umpteen times faster due to thermodynamic rules and naturally, this means it has to be regulated umpteen times faster. The Unistat-Control unit of the Tango Nuevo does not only regulate more (internal) temperatures than the others but it also has control over the HT-cooler’s stepper motor, cooling-water capacities, refrigerant pressures and now even over pump pressure. These are tasks that can not be tackled by conventional methods and which are seldom even attempted by the pack racing to catch up with the Tango. The competition did not miss its chance, though, to find the Archilles’ heel in the operational handling of our units. A little bit of nastiness keeps the antagonism alive. But that's settled now.
After the grumbling had reached God, he let it be known that the celestial youth should be given the option between harps and keyboards (taken from Traxler's short stories). In accordance to a resolution passed by the Swiss Tango Club in Spiez (the Tango Club has the final say) the Tango Nuevo - featured at the end of this art gallery - has received the same simple controller as the Compatible Control Thermostats (see above) and the Unichillers - a rotary knob and three buttons. Additionally, it has touch screen graphic applications and online help. These are not optional but standard equipment for a planned eternity.
And the Tango Club saw that it was good – Genesis. Of course, it is never good enough but after the largest operational maneuver in Tango history, anyone acquainted with the Ministat or the Tango will be able to intuitively and instantaneously operate all of the other Huber thermostats or Unichillers.
Obviously the Tango will never be completed. The infinite number of possibilities contained in a screen alone will keep the Tango factory's software experts and the many Tango fans who depend on them busy. When the competition takes a step back, they really take a step backwards. We only step back to get a better start.
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A Legend
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The extraordinary feat of the original Ministat in 1976 (Fig. 1) goes back to a Northern cooly expressed wish of the company Eppendorf: “half the size (of the others), please.” That very same night the first Ministat come into being on a beer coaster. This refrigeration dwarf proves that the Huber company, which also builds the largest refrigeration units, once started out real small.
The extraordinary feat of the 1981 Ministat (Fig. 2) evolves from its extreme power density, which has never been achieved by the competitors’ units. Everybody´s Darling. Those who have a Ministat keep it … always.
After coolly surviving a quarter of a century of pursuit, the Ministat, a top placing hot shot among the miniatures (Fig. 3), has now, along with its two big brothers, made its appearance on center stage - equipped with the Plug and Play technology masterpiece and wearing a stylish matt stainless steel coat. Each the smallest (and the finest) in its own class.
Aesthetics at the workplace. The all-stainless-steel Ministat is built to last forever with the delicate laboratory finger in mind. Just run your hand or a cleaning cloth over the bath’s edges . (Fig 4)
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Exotic, Bold and Practical
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The right bath for every situation. Sometimes it seems as if switching over from too small baths in compact thermostats is as difficult as operating a canal lift. The exotically built Variostat is the only conventional bath thermostat where the bath is not a fixed feature so the bath can be selected according to your requirements. Because the Variostat is a link between the various Huber products - and because it has a unique concept that competitors try to pretend does not exist- it seems more than likely that the Tango and the Unistat will be called in when more power is necessary whereas the Variostat will remain the expert of flexibility for less demanding processes in any kind of baths.
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The Godfather
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Its only fear in this world is the Tango above it and the Ministat below it. It is the Tango’s godfather and it gave the Unistat's exclusive principle its name. There was nothing better. The classic Unistat was the measure of all things concerning all imaginable improvements. It was godfather to the all-stainless-steel Ministat which in the end led to its own demise. The Ministat and its three spin-offs were the first to do, what, in 27 years, none of Unitstat pursuers were able to do: namely, technically surpass the Unistat and its power density. So the famous Huber veteran was put to pasture (the lad is alive but the horse is dead – Heinz Erhard) Keep calm and do not get to sentimental: the Unistat cc will be taken from the line of fire, but will be built until the last Unistat fan has fallen for the Ministat.
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Is It The Tango’s Fault That It Is So Attractive?
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A loyal defender of the classical Unistat (the Godfather) and member of a critical faction of the Tango Club - from a constructional standpoint - is momentarily obsessed by the idea that the users have a Tango because it is so attractive. A somewhat questionable comment considering the fact that both parties are desperately trying to keep a hold on the conventional market and not leave it to the competition.
Is it the Tango’s fault that it is so attractive? Laboratory assistants, who do not by chance drive a Lamborghini, do not have a Tango because it is attractive. They have it because conventional thermostats are per se technically inferior and the necessary additional equipment would make them more expensive. If there are alternatives available then one should take advantage of them. At any rate, no one at Huber's would even think about down playing classical methods. The exact opposite is true: In accordance with the agreement concerning the protection of endangered species, the Tango Factory will evaluate and employ all of its knowledge acquired from the development of the Tango to improve the Unichillers and the conventional Compatible Control methods. The latest example of this:
Six months before the Tango Nuevo was released all Compatible Control thermostats were equipped with variable speed pumps. In dubio pro Tango, but even if our competition comes out with more high tec models that can run vertical adjustable fountains, the ordinary Huber units have long been able to control fluid pressure and not just rotational speed.
The Ministat-Unistat-Tango Factory is not a beauty farm. It is committed to technology. It is important to be informed and not confuse a Ministat with a Tango or an ordinary thermostat with a Huber unit. That is exactly why the Handbook of Thermoregulation was written.
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A Round Tango
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The ball is round so that it can accomplish three dimensional movement. A record is round so that it can turn. This was at least believed until 1978, when the first square record was produced featuring the title: It takes two to tango.
A thermostat is a thermostat, because it is only supposed to be a thermostat. Until 1988 that is what the world believed and then the first article about the Tango was published - in a square format. The title: High Precision Thermoregulation.
The Tango’s designers are refrigeration specialists because everyone knows the way to the top. Why worry, according to the second principle of thermodynamics when you reach 300 or 400 degrees the temperature will sink all by itself. That is what the world believed until 2000 when the first High Temperature Unistat was produced – in a round format. The title: CC400.
Because of the Plug & Play principle it is a Compatible Control thermostat and can be heated up to 400°C and then from there it can be cooled down intelligibly. It is not about creating an artificial design in order to win a beauty contest but it is a matter of cleaning up what the heating specialists have overlooked. The CC400’s real achievement is that its controlled cooling does not waste cooling water, does not stink and does not smoke like a steam engine. That is why it goes down so well with the customers. And also of course because of its elegant design: the stainless-steel look. Our work should be noble, useful and well constructed. Otherwise it has no right being in our gallery.
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Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!
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The lower the more Huber. The Tango Factory has been building the smallest cooling thermostats for a quarter of a century and the largest one, which can weigh up to 4 tons, for ten years now. Five kW of cooling power at -100 °C outweighs one hundred kW at -5°C.
Brrr... (with 15 r…) - the Business Magazine used „Hidden-Champions“ as an attention getter to reveal the secret of the Huber temperature control methods. It is a good title because the grapes and expectations hang high when striving for a warm spot under -100 °C. The low temperature units of the Tango Factory are something very few laboratory wholesalers have on stock. But the Tango Factory can easily produce what research requires up till minus 120°C and hundreds of Tango paramedics of the Tango Mission provide service all across the globe so that Tango Club members will never get cold feet.
The real achievement of the big Unistat with its two stage compressor and two and three stage cascades is its ability to run for years. Refrigeration repair experts are totally content if they can adjust and immobilize expansion valves within half a degree (Act. II, Chap 2). Nevertheless, the thermostat league measures in Mili-Kelvins a fact that makes common refrigeration technicians shudder. The director and crew of Tango history have neither reinvented the wheel nor rotation. They just readjusted their perspective on them. It is something that has provided a good feeling for neglected and temperature needy creatures. Abstract and concrete. And of course consistent with the second proposition of the Tango philosophy. Thermodynamics and microelectronics – it takes two to tango. The Tango’s real achievement can be found in its alternative details and in hundreds of “little things” - in both disciplines. As the Tango paramedic Kenny Gregson, illuminates the importance of elementary details with the help of his bagpipes: "If this strange stick, as you call it, weren't here, this instrument would not sound any better than a common piano."
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Tango Nuevo
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Tango fortissimo! The Tango Alemanno - as the German refrigeration trade journal "Laborjournal" christened it to distinguish it from Tango Argentino – is what it always was and yet, everything about it is new. Just as the members of the Tango club wished. The Tango Nuevo, as the new range has been named to distinguish it from earlier versions, sets the standard for effective temperature control and environmentally-safe refrigeration technology.
Tempo needs Tango. There is nothing faster on the market even within the product range of "high dynamic temperature control systems" which was developed ten years later than the Tango. Meanwhile, the Tango continues to move forward. While many manufacturers have been vaguely promising "adaptive control" for many years now, the Tango Nuevo is the first to deliver it!
After all, we’ve taken care of the Achilles’ heel, the apparent lack of the Tango’s handling ease, that had the competition so worried. Now that’s all settled. Tango Nuevo and the new big Unistats have the same simple-to-use controls as the Compatible Control thermostats and Unichillers: three buttons and one control knob. There is also a touchscreen providing visual information and online help, as requested by the Swiss Tango club in Spiez. tautologous but thus, Ministat and Tango, Minichiller and the biggest Unsitats and Unichillers have the same controller making temperature control unsurpassably child’s play.
Safety first. The Tango and the big Unistats are inherently safe thermostats. To us, it is natural that thermostats should strive to achieve the most precise temperature control possible. We take it as a compliment that more conventional thermostats are moving quickly towards smaller baths since the global spread of the Tango. Although, this in itself raises a problem of a different kind of expansion. For the Tango this is of no concern - it is known for its mastery over expansion! The Tango Nuevo's latest magic is its variable speed pump, with which fluid pressure can be set and precisely maintained before it reaches sensitive apparatus. Your glass reactors will be grateful!
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