YIHENG THZ-300 Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker

Overview

The YIHENG THZ-300 Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker is an integrated benchtop bioprocessing instrument engineered for precision temperature-controlled agitation of biological samples. It combines thermostatic air circulation with orbital shaking motion—based on the principle of forced convection heating and electromagnetic drive—to maintain uniform thermal distribution across the platform while delivering consistent, low-shear orbital motion (20 mm diameter). Designed for applications requiring simultaneous control of temperature and mixing dynamics—such as microbial culture, suspension cell propagation, enzyme reaction kinetics, and hybridization protocols—the THZ-300 operates within a validated range from ambient +5°C to 65°C, with programmable timing up to 99 hours and 59 minutes. Its compact monoblock architecture eliminates the need for external incubators or shakers, reducing footprint and cross-contamination risk in shared laboratory environments.

Key Features

• Integrated air-bath thermostatic system with PID-controlled heating and high-efficiency DC motor drive—enabling stable temperature uniformity (±0.3°C) and precise speed regulation (±1 rpm) across the full 40–300 rpm range.
• Single stainless-steel platform (300 × 300 mm standard mounting surface), electropolished and corrosion-resistant, compatible with standard multi-well plates, flasks (up to 2 L), and test tubes.
• Large backlit LCD display with intuitive menu navigation—simultaneously shows real-time setpoints and actual values for temperature, speed, elapsed time, and remaining timer duration.
• Energy-efficient design compliant with international refrigerant standards: uses R134a-free, non-ozone-depleting thermal management; fully aligned with EU F-Gas Regulation and ISO 50001 energy performance guidelines.
• Robust safety architecture including door-interlocked shutdown (halts heating, fan, and oscillation upon lid opening), independent over-temperature cut-off (adjustable limit up to 70°C), and soft-start motor control to prevent sample splashing during acceleration.
• Low-heat-generation brushless DC motor rated for continuous operation >720 hours—eliminates thermal drift and mechanical wear associated with traditional AC induction drives commonly found in entry-tier shakers.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The THZ-300 supports routine use with Erlenmeyer flasks (50–2000 mL), Petri dishes, deep-well microplates, and culture tubes under controlled aerobic conditions. Its chamber geometry and airflow path are optimized to minimize evaporation loss during extended incubations—validated per ASTM D4457 for vapor retention in sealed vessel configurations. The unit meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for laboratory equipment and conforms to GB/T 29885–2013 (Chinese national standard for constant-temperature shakers). Optional RS-485 and USB data export interfaces support audit-ready logging for GLP/GMP-aligned workflows, enabling traceable parameter recording in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant third-party software.

Software & Data Management

While the THZ-300 operates autonomously via its embedded microcontroller, optional connectivity modules allow integration into centralized lab monitoring systems. The USB interface accepts FAT32-formatted flash drives for periodic download of timestamped operational logs—including temperature history, speed profile, and alarm events. RS-485 output supports Modbus RTU protocol for bidirectional communication with SCADA platforms or LIMS, facilitating automated batch documentation and remote status polling. All firmware adheres to IEC 62443-3-3 security baseline for industrial control systems, ensuring integrity of configuration parameters during networked operation.

Applications

• Microbial cultivation of E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and yeast strains under defined aeration and thermal conditions.
• Suspension culture of mammalian cells (e.g., CHO, HEK293) in serum-free media requiring gentle orbital agitation.
• Enzyme kinetics assays where temperature-dependent reaction rates must be evaluated across multiple time points.
• DNA/RNA hybridization protocols demanding uniform thermal transfer and minimal shear stress on nucleic acid complexes.
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing using broth microdilution methods requiring precise incubation and mixing synchronization.
• Biopharmaceutical process development—including media optimization studies and seed train expansion validation.

FAQ

Is the THZ-300 suitable for CO₂-sensitive cell cultures?
No—it is an air-bath shaker without gas regulation capability. For CO₂-dependent cultures, a dedicated CO₂ incubator shaker is required.
What is the maximum flask size supported on the platform?
Standard configuration accommodates up to two 2 L Erlenmeyer flasks or four 1 L flasks using optional clamping accessories.
Does the unit include calibration certificates?
Factory calibration reports for temperature and speed sensors are provided with each unit; NIST-traceable recalibration services are available through authorized YIHENG service centers.
Can the shaker operate unattended overnight?
Yes—its continuous-duty motor, auto-restart function after power interruption, and dual-stage thermal protection enable safe 24/7 operation within specified environmental limits (15–30°C ambient, <80% RH).
Is the stainless-steel chamber compatible with alcohol-based disinfectants?
Yes—electropolished 304 stainless steel resists corrosion from 70% ethanol, isopropanol, and quaternary ammonium solutions when used per manufacturer-recommended contact times.