IKA HBC 5 basic Circulating Water and Oil Bath Thermostat

Overview

The IKA HBC 5 basic is a high-precision, laboratory-grade circulating bath thermostat engineered for stable, reproducible temperature control in water, silicone oil, or other compatible heat-transfer media. Designed according to DIN 12876 Class III (FL) safety standards, it supports operation with flammable liquids — a critical requirement for synthetic chemistry, polymer processing, and reaction calorimetry applications. Its core thermoregulation architecture relies on a robust PT100 resistance temperature detector (RTD) for process sensing and a redundant PT1000 sensor for independent safety monitoring, ensuring compliance with GLP/GMP environmental control protocols. The unit delivers precise heating-only control across a wide operational range of 10 °C to 200 °C, with exceptional thermal stability of ±0.02 K under steady-state conditions — a performance benchmark validated per DIN 12876 test methodology. Unlike open-bath systems, the HBC 5 basic integrates a sealed stainless-steel bath vessel (4.5–6.5 L capacity), large-area heating coil, and optimized thermal insulation to minimize energy loss and accelerate ramp times without compromising uniformity.

Key Features

• Stainless-steel bath tank with front-mounted drain valve and optional hose connection for safe, hands-free fluid evacuation — eliminating operator contact with hot or hazardous media
• Dual-sensor architecture: primary PT100 for process control and independent PT1000 for safety cutoff, both calibrated traceably to national standards
• Integrated pressure/suction pump with continuously adjustable speed (0–100%), capable of delivering up to 31 L/min flow at zero backpressure and maintaining 0.61 bar maximum pressure
• Large, high-contrast LED display showing real-time bath temperature, setpoint, safety limit, and pump speed — all simultaneously visible without menu navigation
• Embedded cooling coil allows connection to external chillers for sub-ambient operation down to –20 °C when used with compatible coolant circulation
• Comprehensive alarm system: visual (LED flash) and audible alerts for temperature deviation, sensor failure, dry-run detection, overpressure, and safety limit breach
• Full electrical safety compliance: IP21 ingress protection, dual overvoltage protection, secondary thermal cutoff, and DIN 12876 Class III (FL) certification for use with flammable solvents

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HBC 5 basic is validated for continuous-duty operation with water, glycol/water mixtures, silicone oils, and other non-corrosive, low-volatility heat-transfer fluids meeting DIN 12876 FL classification requirements. Its Class III rating permits safe use with flammable liquids such as ethanol, acetone, or toluene when operated within defined vapor pressure and flash point limits. All wetted parts are constructed from electropolished stainless steel (AISI 316) and fluoropolymer-sealed components to resist chemical degradation. The device conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP21), IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), and EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive). It supports audit-ready documentation workflows required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with labworldsoft® software for electronic record retention.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with native RS232 and USB interfaces, the HBC 5 basic enables bidirectional communication with host PCs running IKA’s labworldsoft® software suite. This platform supports real-time remote control, automated parameter logging (temperature, pump speed, alarm status), and export of time-stamped CSV datasets compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 data integrity guidelines. Firmware updates are distributed via IKA’s secure support portal and applied directly through the USB interface — no proprietary dongles or service contracts required. The software provides configurable alarm thresholds, user-defined calibration offsets, and electronic signature support for multi-user environments operating under GLP or GMP frameworks.

Applications

• Temperature-controlled reaction vessels in organic synthesis and catalysis studies
• Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements
• Viscometer and rheometer bath support where thermal homogeneity and drift minimization are critical
• Material testing under controlled thermal stress (e.g., ASTM D341 viscosity-temperature relationships)
• Stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines
• Environmental simulation for electronics component aging tests requiring precise thermal soak profiles

FAQ

Can the HBC 5 basic be used with flammable solvents?
Yes — it is certified to DIN 12876 Class III (FL) and designed for safe operation with flammable heat-transfer media when used within specified flash point and vapor pressure limits.
Does it support external temperature probes?
Yes — it features a dedicated PT100 input port for connecting external immersion or surface sensors, with automatic compensation and display integration.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes — built-in calibration routines support user-adjustable offset correction, and factory calibration certificates are NIST-traceable upon request.
What is the minimum recommended bath depth for optimal thermal uniformity?
A minimum liquid depth of 150 mm is required to ensure full submersion of the heating coil and sensor assembly, as specified in DIN 12876 test conditions.
Can the unit operate unattended overnight?
Yes — its 100% duty cycle rating, dual thermal protection, and fail-safe dry-run detection enable validated 24/7 operation in regulated laboratory environments.