IKA IC control Immersion Circulator

Overview

The IKA IC control immersion circulator is an engineered precision temperature control system designed for laboratory applications requiring stable, reproducible heating of liquids in open or closed vessels—ranging from standard glass beakers and jacketed reactors to custom process vessels. Based on resistive heating and forced convection via a high-efficiency pressure/suction pump, the IC control delivers uniform thermal energy transfer through direct immersion of its stainless-steel heating element and integrated sensor array. Its operational range spans from 10 °C up to 250 °C, making it suitable for both aqueous bath applications and high-temperature oil-based systems—such as silicone or mineral oil media used in polymer synthesis, catalyst activation, or accelerated stability testing. The device complies with DIN 12876 Class III (FL), certifying its safe operation with flammable liquids under defined ventilation and containment conditions. UL listing further confirms its conformity with North American electrical safety standards (UL 61010-1). With a temperature stability of ±0.01 K and display resolution of 0.01 °C, the IC control supports experiments where thermal drift must remain below critical thresholds—for instance, in kinetic studies, enzymatic assays, or calibration traceability workflows.

Key Features

• Integrated TFT touchscreen interface with real-time visualization of temperature, pump speed, liquid level, and dual safety temperature limits
• WiCo wireless controller (up to 10 m range) enabling remote operation—critical for use inside fume hoods or hazardous environments
• Simultaneous internal and external circulation modes, configurable via one-touch toggle for flexible integration into recirculating loops or standalone baths
• Dual PT100 working sensor + PT1000 safety sensor architecture with independent alarm thresholds (adjustable 0–260 °C)
• Programmable electronic timer (0–99 h 59 min) with automatic shutdown and optical/acoustic over-temperature alerts
• M16×1 external temperature control port for integration with jacketed reactors or custom thermal manifolds
• USB and RS232 interfaces supporting bidirectional communication with lab automation software (e.g., labworldsoft®)
• Robust stainless-steel extendable support frame (260–360 mm clamping range) compatible with vessels from 50 mL to >5 L capacity
• IP21-rated enclosure ensuring protection against vertically falling drips and operator-accessible live parts

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IC control is validated for use with water, ethanol, glycerol, silicone oils, and other non-corrosive heat-transfer fluids meeting DIN 12876 FL classification requirements. Its Class III (FL) designation indicates suitability for continuous operation with flammable liquids when installed per DIN 12876 Section 4.2—i.e., within ventilated enclosures or with interlocked ignition source controls. All firmware and hardware design elements adhere to EN 61010-1 (safety of electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use) and EN 61326-1 (EMC requirements for laboratory instrumentation). For regulated environments, the device supports audit-ready data logging via labworldsoft®, including timestamped temperature profiles, pump status logs, and safety event records—facilitating compliance with GLP, ISO/IEC 17025, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with appropriate user access controls and electronic signature protocols.

Software & Data Management

Through its native USB and RS232 interfaces, the IC control integrates seamlessly with IKA’s labworldsoft® platform—a validated laboratory software suite supporting multi-device orchestration, real-time parameter monitoring, and automated report generation. Users can define ramp-hold sequences, trigger data exports in CSV or PDF format, and perform firmware updates directly from the host PC. All logged parameters—including actual vs. setpoint temperature deviation, pump flow rate modulation, and safety circuit activation events—are time-stamped with millisecond precision. The software enables full traceability: each exported dataset carries embedded metadata (operator ID, instrument serial number, session start/end timestamps), satisfying documentation requirements for quality assurance audits. No proprietary drivers are required; communication follows standard VCP (Virtual COM Port) protocols compatible with Python-based LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom SCADA implementations.

Applications

• Kinetic reaction profiling in organic synthesis, where precise thermal ramping (e.g., 0.1 K/min) and plateau stability (<±0.02 K) are essential for Arrhenius analysis
• Thermal conditioning of viscometers, densitometers, and refractometers prior to calibration or measurement cycles
• Controlled heating of jacketed bioreactors during upstream process development (cell culture, fermentation)
• Accelerated aging studies per ASTM D5722 or ISO 11348, requiring sustained 250 °C exposure of polymeric test specimens
• Calibration of secondary temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples, RTDs) against NIST-traceable reference standards
• Material testing labs performing ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints) or ISO 2555 (solution viscosity of polymers) using thermostatted capillary viscometers

FAQ

What safety certifications does the IC control hold?
It carries UL 61010-1 certification and conforms to DIN 12876 Class III (FL) for flammable liquid handling, EN 61010-1 for electrical safety, and EN 61326-1 for electromagnetic compatibility.
Can the IC control operate unattended overnight?
Yes—the electronic timer supports up to 99 hours 59 minutes of autonomous operation, and dual redundant temperature sensors with configurable safety cutoffs ensure fail-safe shutdown if deviations exceed user-defined thresholds.
Is external temperature feedback supported?
Yes—via the M16×1 port, users may connect an external PT100 sensor to enable cascade control, where the IC control regulates bath temperature based on a remote process point rather than its internal probe.
Does the device support GLP-compliant data archiving?
When used with labworldsoft® and configured with role-based user accounts, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails, it meets core GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity requirements.
What is the minimum recommended bath depth for stable operation?
A minimum immersion depth of 150 mm is required to ensure full coverage of the heating element and prevent dry-run damage or thermal overshoot.