Zhicheng ZWFR-2112 Dual-Layer Programmable Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaker with Color Touchscreen

Overview

The Zhicheng ZWFR-2112 is a dual-layer, programmable temperature-controlled orbital shaker engineered for high-throughput, precision incubation and agitation in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled orbital motion—driven by a brushless AC induction motor coupled to a track-driven eccentric mechanism—to deliver uniform, low-shear mixing across large-volume culture vessels. Integrated forced-air convection and an R134a refrigeration system enable stable thermal regulation from 4 °C to 60 °C, supporting applications ranging from psychrophilic bacterial cultivation to mammalian cell expansion at physiological temperatures. Its microprocessor-based PID control architecture incorporates environmental scanning logic that dynamically compensates for ambient fluctuations, ensuring long-term stability (≤ ±0.1 °C at 37 °C) and spatial uniformity (≤ ±1.0 °C). Designed for compliance-critical environments, the unit meets fundamental mechanical and electrical safety requirements aligned with IEC 61010-1 and supports audit-ready operation through parameter encryption, event logging, and power-failure recovery protocols.

Key Features

• Dual independent stainless-steel shelves (940 × 580 mm each), electro-polished and corrosion-resistant, with removable spring-loaded flask clamps and universal platform adaptability
• 7-inch full-color TFT touchscreen interface with animated graphical feedback, bilingual Chinese–English firmware (configurable), and intuitive drag-and-drop programming workflow
• Advanced 6-segment × 12-step programmable logic: supports ramp-hold, stepwise temperature gradients, cyclic repetition (up to 99 cycles), and time-stamped velocity/temperature profiles
• Comprehensive safety architecture: triple-redundant overtemperature protection (fixed-setpoint, adjustable, and compressor-thermal), door-interlock shutdown, ground-fault circuit interruption (GFCI), and real-time water-level monitoring with auto-cutout
• Brushless AC induction motor delivering constant torque across 30–240 rpm, with soft-start acceleration profiling to minimize sample splashing and vessel stress
• Frost-free air-cooled refrigeration using R134a, featuring adaptive load compensation and silent operation under standard laboratory ambient conditions (5–25 °C)
• Built-in thermal microprinter and RS-232 serial port for traceable data export; supports GLP-compliant timestamped printouts of setpoints, actual values, alarms, and runtime logs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZWFR-2112 accommodates diverse vessel configurations—including Erlenmeyer flasks (100–1000 mL), test tubes, deep-well plates, and custom bioreactor bags—via its modular clamp system and variable orbit amplitude (0–50 mm). Its 543 L chamber volume and dual-shelf layout support parallel processing of up to 44 × 1000 mL cultures without cross-contamination risk. The unit conforms to essential safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards including IEC 61010-1 (Laboratory Equipment), IEC 61326-1 (EMC for Measurement Devices), and ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing practices. While not certified for GMP cleanroom use out-of-the-box, its stainless-steel interior, smooth weld-free surfaces, and absence of particulate-generating components facilitate validation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 when deployed with documented SOPs and electronic audit trails.

Software & Data Management

Operation is managed entirely via the embedded HMI firmware, which stores up to 20 user-defined programs with encrypted parameter sets. All operational events—including temperature deviations, speed anomalies, door openings, power interruptions, and alarm triggers—are timestamped and retained in non-volatile memory for ≥30 days. The RS-232 interface enables bidirectional communication with LIMS or ELN platforms using ASCII protocol; exported logs include ISO 8601 timestamps, setpoint history, and sensor readouts at 10-second intervals. The built-in thermal printer produces hard-copy records compliant with GLP documentation requirements, including operator ID (if configured), program name, start/stop times, and deviation flags. Optional PC software (available upon request) provides remote monitoring, historical trend analysis, and PDF report generation with digital signature support.

Applications

This shaker serves critical roles in microbial physiology (e.g., Escherichia coli expression optimization, yeast fermentation kinetics), molecular biology (plasmid amplification, phage propagation), cell culture (adherent and suspension lines requiring gentle agitation), enzymatic assay development, and environmental microbiology (BOD testing, bioremediation studies). Its precise thermal and kinetic control makes it suitable for ASTM D5210 (aerobic biodegradability), USP sterility test support, and ISO 8573-1 compressed air microbiological sampling preparation. In pharmaceutical QC labs, it supports media fill simulations and stability-indicating dissolution agitation per ICH Q5C guidelines.

FAQ

Does the ZWFR-2112 support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures?
No—the onboard system provides audit-trail-capable logging and parameter encryption, but full Part 11 compliance requires integration with validated third-party ELN/LIMS software.
Can the unit operate continuously at 4 °C with full load?
Yes, provided ambient temperature remains ≤25 °C and ventilation clearances (≥10 cm rear/side) are maintained; compressor duty cycle increases under sustained low-temperature load.
Is the touchscreen interface compatible with glove use in BSL-2 environments?
The capacitive screen supports stylus input and has configurable touch sensitivity; standard nitrile gloves may require calibration adjustment for reliable actuation.
What is the mean time between failures (MTBF) for the refrigeration system?
Based on accelerated life testing and field data, the R134a compressor assembly demonstrates MTBF >25,000 hours under typical usage (8 h/day, 25 °C ambient).
Are spare parts such as shelf clamps and thermal printer rolls available internationally?
Yes—Zhicheng maintains a global spare parts catalog; OEM clamps (P/N ZWFR-CLAMP-SS) and thermal paper (ZTP-57x30M) ship within 5 business days from regional distribution hubs in Rotterdam, Chicago, and Singapore.