IKA ICC 150 lite pro 9 Immersion Circulator Bath System

Overview

The IKA ICC 150 lite pro 9 is a compact, high-performance immersion circulator bath system engineered for precise temperature control in laboratory applications requiring thermal stability up to 150 °C. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, this unit operates on the principle of forced convection via an integrated pressure/suction pump, enabling both internal bath circulation and external recirculation through connected apparatus (e.g., jacketed reactors, viscometers, or analytical sample cells). Its core architecture adheres to DIN 12876 Class III specifications for laboratory heating equipment—ensuring structural integrity, thermal safety, and operational reliability under continuous duty (100% duty cycle). The system employs dual PT1000 resistance thermometers: one for active PID temperature regulation and another as an independent safety cutoff sensor, delivering redundancy critical for GLP-compliant workflows and unattended operation.

Key Features

• Heating-only operation with ambient-to-150 °C range, optimized for oil, silicone, or high-boiling-point bath media
• Integrated dual-mode pump (pressure + suction) supporting flow rates up to 15 L/min at zero backpressure, with max. pressure output of 0.3 bar and suction capability of 0.1 bar
• High-stability temperature control: ±0.05 K stability (DIN 12876), ±0.1 K heating accuracy, and 0.1 K display resolution
• Dual LED displays for real-time working temperature and independently monitored safety temperature limit (adjustable 0–160 °C)
• Comprehensive safety architecture: adjustable overtemperature cut-off, secondary thermal protection, overvoltage protection, audible/visual alarms, and automatic shutdown on sensor failure
• Compact footprint (135 × 303 × 180 mm) and lightweight design (4.7 kg) for benchtop integration; IP21-rated enclosure for standard lab environments (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH)
• Digital connectivity via RS232 and USB-B interfaces for remote parameter configuration, data logging, and integration into centralized lab management systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICC 150 lite pro 9 is compatible with stainless steel bath vessels (e.g., IB 9 pro, S-size), glass-jacketed reactors, and externally mounted heat exchangers—provided minimum bath depth is ≥150 mm to ensure full submersion of the immersion probe and optimal thermal coupling. It meets DIN 12876 Class III requirements for heating devices used in chemical and pharmaceutical laboratories, including mechanical robustness, labeling clarity, and fail-safe thermal design. Electrical compliance includes CE marking per EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), as well as conformity with DIN EN 60529 (IP21). While not intrinsically rated for explosive atmospheres, its construction supports use in ISO 17025-accredited testing labs where traceable temperature calibration and audit-ready safety documentation are mandatory.

Software & Data Management

The device supports bidirectional communication via RS232 and USB-B ports, enabling integration with third-party control platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom SCADA systems). Firmware allows configuration of PID parameters, alarm thresholds, and safety limits via ASCII command protocol. Though no proprietary PC software is bundled, IKA provides documented API references and terminal emulation guidelines for automated script-based operation. All temperature setpoints, actual values, and alarm events are timestamped and exportable—supporting 21 CFR Part 11-aligned workflows when paired with validated electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS that enforce user authentication, audit trails, and electronic signatures.

Applications

• Calibration of temperature-sensitive instrumentation (thermocouples, RTDs, infrared sensors) across extended ranges
• Thermal conditioning of samples prior to rheological, viscometric, or spectroscopic analysis
• Stabilization of reaction mixtures in small-scale synthesis, especially where solvent boiling points exceed 100 °C
• Temperature-controlled dissolution testing per USP using external circulation to jacketed vessels
• Pre-heating and maintenance of polymer melts, waxes, or bitumen specimens for ASTM D36, D3142, or ISO 3013 testing
• Supporting accelerated stability studies (ICH Q1A) by maintaining constant elevated temperatures in sealed vial arrays

FAQ

Is the ICC 150 lite pro 9 suitable for oil bath applications?
Yes—its 150 °C upper limit, corrosion-resistant wetted parts, and stable thermal output make it appropriate for silicone oil, mineral oil, and other high-boiling-point bath media.
Does it support external temperature feedback control?
No—the system relies on its built-in PT1000 immersion sensor; external probe input is not supported.
Can it be operated continuously for 24/7 applications?
Yes—rated for 100% duty cycle under specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH) and proper ventilation.
What is the minimum required bath depth for safe operation?
The immersion probe must be fully submerged in ≥150 mm of fluid to ensure accurate sensing and prevent dry-run damage.
Is firmware update capability available?
Firmware updates are performed via USB-B using IKA-provided utilities and require authorized service access; end users cannot modify core control algorithms.