IKA HRC2 green basic Heating and Cooling Circulating Bath
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | IKA-Werke GmbH & Co. KG |
| Model | HRC2 green basic |
| Temperature Range | −30 °C to +100 °C |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.051 K (DIN 12876, @+70 °C and @−10 °C) |
| Heating Power | 1500 W (230 V) |
| Cooling Capacity | 620 W (@20 °C), 600 W (@10 °C), 480 W (@0 °C), 350 W (@−10 °C), 200 W (@−20 °C), 80 W (@−30 °C) |
| Refrigerant | R290 (propane), GWP ≈ 3 |
| Pump Type | Dual-mode PEEK diaphragm pump (pressure/suction), 0–4000 rpm continuous adjustment |
| Max. Pressure | 0.5 bar |
| Max. Suction | 0.25 bar |
| Max. Flow Rate | 21 L/min (at 0 bar backpressure) |
| Bath Volume | 1.4–4.0 L |
| Safety Class | DIN 12876 Class III (FL), for flammable and non-flammable liquids |
| Protection Rating | IP21 |
| Interface | RS232, Micro-USB |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 220 × 480 × 525 mm |
| Weight | 26 kg |
| Ambient Operating Conditions | 5–32 °C, ≤80 % RH |
| Noise Emission | 58 dB(A) |
| Certifications | CE, compliant with EN 61010-1, EN 61326-1 |
Overview
The IKA HRC2 green basic is a high-precision heating and cooling circulating bath engineered for demanding laboratory temperature control applications requiring both wide operational range and stringent safety compliance. Based on the principle of closed-loop liquid circulation, it delivers accurate, stable thermal regulation across −30 °C to +100 °C using a dual-function PEEK diaphragm pump and an inverter-driven R290 refrigeration system. Unlike conventional thermostats relying on single-mode pumps or high-GWP refrigerants, the HRC2 green basic integrates energy-efficient variable-speed compression, low-noise operation (58 dB[A]), and intrinsic safety architecture aligned with DIN 12876 Class III (FL) — enabling safe use with flammable solvents such as ethanol, acetone, or hexane in open or jacketed reactors. Its PT100 working sensor and redundant PT1000 safety sensor ensure independent monitoring and fail-safe shutdown, while PID-based digital temperature control maintains stability within ±0.051 K at key setpoints — critical for kinetic studies, polymerization control, calorimetric calibration, and pharmaceutical stability testing.
Key Features
- Wide temperature range: −30 °C to +100 °C with consistent stability (±0.051 K per DIN 12876 at both +70 °C and −10 °C)
- Inverter-controlled R290 refrigeration system: ultra-low global warming potential (GWP ≈ 3), energy-efficient operation, and reduced acoustic emissions
- Dual-mode PEEK diaphragm pump: continuously adjustable from 2000–4000 rpm; delivers up to 0.5 bar pressure and 0.25 bar suction; max. flow rate 21 L/min at zero backpressure
- DIN 12876 Class III (FL) certification: validated for use with flammable liquids under continuous operation conditions
- Redundant safety architecture: independent PT100 (process) and PT1000 (safety cutoff) sensors; configurable overtemperature limit (0–110 °C); audible/visual alarms for low fluid level, overtemperature, and pump fault
- LED display with 0.1 K resolution; internal temperature measurement accuracy ±0.5 K (calibration-adjustable); heating control precision ±0.1 K
- Full digital connectivity: RS232 and Micro-USB interfaces support remote parameter setting, real-time data logging, and integration into LIMS or automated lab workflows
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HRC2 green basic is designed for compatibility with a broad spectrum of heat transfer fluids — including water, water-glycol mixtures, silicone oils (up to 50 mm²/s viscosity), and low-flashpoint organic solvents — thanks to its FL-rated housing, explosion-protected electronics, and sealed refrigerant circuit. It meets DIN 12876-1:2015 for laboratory thermostats used in hazardous environments and conforms to EN 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment) and EN 61326-1 (EMC for laboratory instrumentation). Its construction supports GLP-compliant operation: all temperature setpoints, sensor readings, alarm events, and calibration logs are timestamped and traceable via serial output. The device operates continuously at 100 % duty cycle within ambient conditions of 5–32 °C and ≤80 % relative humidity (per DIN EN 60529 IP21 rating).
Software & Data Management
Through its RS232 and Micro-USB ports, the HRC2 green basic enables bidirectional communication with host PCs running IKA Labworld software or third-party SCADA/LIMS platforms. Users can configure ramp-soak profiles, define alarm thresholds, initiate remote start/stop commands, and export time-stamped temperature and pump speed data in CSV format. All critical events — including safety cutoff triggers, low-level warnings, and calibration adjustments — are recorded with ISO 8601 timestamps and retained in non-volatile memory. While the unit does not natively implement FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature controls, its audit-trail-capable interface supports integration into validated systems where supplementary access control and electronic record management are provided externally.
Applications
- Chemical synthesis: precise temperature control during exothermic/endothermic reactions in jacketed glass reactors (1–5 L scale)
- Pharmaceutical development: dissolution testing (USP Apparatus I/II), accelerated stability studies (ICH Q1A), and lyophilization support
- Materials science: rheological characterization of thermosets, crystallization kinetics of polymers, and thermal aging of composites
- Biochemistry: enzyme activity assays requiring sub-zero stabilization, cold trap integration for rotary evaporation, and electrophoresis buffer cooling
- Quality control labs: calibration of IR thermometers, DSC reference standards, and viscometer baths per ASTM D445 and ISO 3104
FAQ
What refrigerant is used, and why is it environmentally advantageous?
The HRC2 green basic uses R290 (propane), a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of approximately 3 — over 99.9 % lower than legacy alternatives like R404A (GWP = 3922). It complies with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 and supports laboratories’ sustainability targets without compromising cooling performance.
Can this unit be used with flammable solvents?
Yes. Its DIN 12876 Class III (FL) certification confirms suitability for continuous operation with flammable liquids, including acetone, methanol, and ethyl acetate, provided proper ventilation and grounding protocols are followed.
Is external calibration supported?
Yes. The instrument features user-accessible calibration offset adjustment for the PT100 sensor, traceable to NIST-traceable references. Calibration data, date, and operator ID can be logged via serial interface.
What is the maximum recommended viscosity for circulating fluids?
The pump is rated for fluids up to 50 mm²/s (cSt) at operating temperature — suitable for silicone oils up to 50 cSt and most common glycol-water blends.
Does the unit support unattended overnight operation?
Yes. With full safety interlocks (dual sensors, low-fluid detection, overpressure cutoff), continuous 100 % duty cycle rating, and robust thermal insulation, the HRC2 green basic is engineered for reliable 24/7 operation in regulated environments.
