DRETOP ZYC-302LR Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker

Overview

The DRETOP ZYC-302LR Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker is an integrated laboratory instrument engineered for precision-controlled incubation and orbital agitation of biological and biochemical samples. It operates on the principle of forced-air convection heating (and optional refrigeration in R-series models) combined with smooth, low-shear orbital motion—ideal for applications requiring uniform thermal distribution and gentle yet consistent mixing. Unlike water-bath shakers, the air-bath design eliminates liquid contamination risks, simplifies maintenance, and supports rapid temperature equilibration across the chamber volume. Its dual-shelf configuration enables parallel processing of heterogeneous sample sets under identical environmental conditions, making it suitable for scalable workflows in microbial culture, enzyme kinetics, cell suspension maintenance, and recombinant protein expression studies.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based P.I.D. temperature and speed control system with ±1 rpm speed stability and ±0.1 °C temperature accuracy; real-time display of setpoint, actual value, and elapsed time on a backlit LCD panel;
• Orbital drive mechanism featuring a three-dimensional eccentric cam system with soft-start acceleration to minimize splash-induced cross-contamination and mechanical stress on fragile cultures;
• Dual independently accessible stainless-steel shelves (each 710 × 455 mm), each fully adjustable and compatible with standard Erlenmeyer flasks, test tubes, microtiter plates, and custom fixtures;
• Robust construction: electrophoretically coated steel exterior, 304 stainless-steel inner chamber and platform, reinforced tempered glass viewing window with integrated LED illumination;
• Brushless DC motor with wide-speed range (0–300 rpm), constant torque output, zero carbon wear, and maintenance-free operation over extended duty cycles;
• Comprehensive safety architecture including over-temperature cut-off, over-speed shutdown, audible/visual alarm triggers, auto-restart after power recovery, and parameter encryption to prevent unauthorized setting changes;
• Optional accessories: UV germicidal lamp (254 nm) for periodic decontamination of internal surfaces; oxygen-enrichment ports with manual isolation valves; USB interface for time-stamped data logging (temperature, speed, duration) compliant with GLP audit requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZYC-302LR accommodates a broad spectrum of vessel types—including 250 mL to 5 L flasks, multi-well plates, centrifuge tubes, and custom bioreactor vessels—via interchangeable clamping systems (universal spring clips, fixed bottle holders, tube racks, and irregular-container adapters). Its 26 mm orbital diameter ensures efficient mixing without vortexing or foaming in low-viscosity aqueous media typical of bacterial growth media (e.g., LB, TB), yeast suspensions, and mammalian cell cultures. The unit meets general laboratory safety standards per IEC 61010-1 and complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives (EN 61326-1). While not certified for medical device use under FDA 21 CFR Part 820, its data logging capability (via USB export) supports traceability in GMP-aligned QC environments when validated per internal SOPs.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software installation is required. All operational parameters and real-time sensor outputs are stored onboard and retrievable via USB flash drive in CSV format. Timestamped records include temperature setpoint/actual, rotational speed, cumulative runtime, and alarm event logs. Exported datasets are directly importable into Excel, MATLAB, or LIMS platforms for statistical analysis, trend reporting, and deviation investigation. The system supports audit-trail-ready documentation when used in conjunction with lab-wide electronic record management protocols aligned with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Microbial cultivation: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas spp., and other aerobes requiring controlled O₂ transfer and thermal stability;
• Enzyme assay preparation and reaction monitoring under defined kinetic conditions;
• Suspension-based eukaryotic cell culture (e.g., CHO, HEK293) during expansion and transfection phases;
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing and biofilm formation assays;
• Extraction and solubilization of intracellular proteins and metabolites;
• Environmental microbiology: wastewater treatment simulation, soil slurry enrichment, and biodegradation kinetics;
• Quality control testing of fermentation media and buffer solutions across pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing facilities.

FAQ

What is the maximum load capacity per shelf?
Each shelf supports up to 15 kg distributed evenly; total chamber loading must remain within 30 kg to maintain thermal uniformity and mechanical integrity.
Does the unit support programming multiple temperature/speed profiles?
No—the ZYC-302LR operates with single-setpoint control. For multi-step protocols, external programmable timers or PLC integration is recommended.
Is the refrigeration system compressor-based?
Yes—R-series models incorporate a sealed hermetic compressor with automatic defrost cycling and PID-regulated evaporator temperature control.
Can the shaker be operated in a cold room or ambient environment below 10 °C?
Operation at ambient temperatures below 15 °C may impair heating efficiency and extend warm-up time; optimal performance is guaranteed between 15–30 °C ambient.
Are calibration certificates available for temperature and speed sensors?
Factory calibration is performed prior to shipment; NIST-traceable calibration certificates (optional, extra cost) can be provided upon request for ISO/IEC 17025-compliant labs.