Yiheng THZ Series Incubator Shaker

Overview

The Yiheng THZ Series Incubator Shaker is an integrated air-jacketed orbital shaker designed for simultaneous temperature-controlled incubation and uniform sample agitation. Engineered for precision and reliability in life science laboratories, it operates on the principle of orbital motion—generating consistent, low-shear mixing ideal for microbial growth, cell culture expansion, enzyme assays, and solubility studies. Unlike water-bath shakers, its air-jacketed thermal architecture delivers rapid temperature equilibration, enhanced stability across the full operating range (RT+5°C to 65°C), and reduced condensation risk inside the chamber. The unit integrates microprocessor-based PID temperature control with independent digital speed regulation, ensuring high reproducibility under both static and dynamic thermal conditions. Its compact footprint and unified chassis eliminate spatial redundancy between separate incubators and shakers—making it especially suited for core facilities, QC labs, and academic research spaces where benchtop real estate is constrained.

Key Features

• Single stainless-steel orbital platform (20 mm orbit diameter) with corrosion-resistant finish, compatible with standard multi-well plates, flasks (up to 5 L), and test tubes.
• Microprocessor-controlled PID temperature regulation with ±0.3°C accuracy at 37°C; programmable ramp-and-hold profiles supported via front-panel interface.
• Digital speed control (40–300 rpm) with soft-start circuitry to minimize liquid splashing and ensure stable acceleration—critical for suspension cultures and low-volume assays.
• Large backlit LCD display showing real-time values for temperature, speed, elapsed time, and remaining timer duration; intuitive menu navigation without external software dependency.
• Energy-efficient, non-CFC refrigeration system with imported compressor and optimized airflow design—compliant with EU F-Gas Regulation (EC No. 517/2014) and RoHS directives.
• Integrated safety architecture: independent overtemperature cut-off (adjustable limit), door-interlock shutdown (halts heating, fan, and shaking upon opening), and automatic restart after power recovery.
• Low-heat-output DC motor with wide-speed torque curve—enabling uninterrupted operation for >72 hours without thermal drift or mechanical fatigue.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The THZ Series accommodates common biological containers including Erlenmeyer flasks (50–5000 mL), Petri dishes, microtiter plates (96-/384-well), and centrifuge tubes. Its stainless-steel interior and reinforced glass observation window support routine sterilization protocols (70% ethanol wipe-down, UV irradiation). The instrument meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for laboratory equipment and conforms to ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability guidelines when operated within specified environmental conditions (ambient 15–30°C, humidity <80% RH non-condensing). While not certified for GMP production environments, its data integrity features—including optional RS-485 serial output and USB data logging (to FAT32-formatted USB drives)—support GLP-compliant recordkeeping per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 principles when paired with validated third-party software.

Software & Data Management

The THZ Series supports two-tier data handling: local display logging (non-volatile memory retains last 10 run parameters) and external monitoring via optional communication interfaces. The RS-485 port enables integration into centralized lab management systems using Modbus RTU protocol for remote readout of temperature setpoint, actual chamber temperature, rotational speed, and timer status. The USB interface accepts standard USB 2.0 flash drives (≤32 GB) to export timestamped CSV files containing 1-second-interval measurements—ideal for audit trails and method validation. All logged data includes instrument ID, operator code (manually entered), and session start/end markers. Firmware updates are performed offline via USB, with version verification and rollback capability.

Applications

• Escherichia coli and yeast fermentation optimization under controlled aeration and thermal profiles.
• Mammalian cell line passaging and bioreactor seed train preparation (e.g., CHO, HEK293).
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) using broth microdilution with orbital agitation.
• Protein expression in autoinduction media requiring precise temperature ramping during log-phase growth.
• Environmental microbiology: enrichment cultures of psychrotolerant or thermotolerant isolates across 4–65°C gradients.
• Chemical synthesis screening where reaction kinetics depend on both thermal activation and homogeneous mixing.

FAQ

Is the THZ Series suitable for cold incubation at 4°C?
Yes—select models feature extended low-temperature capability down to 4°C, achieved via enhanced compressor duty cycle and insulated air jacket design. Verify model-specific datasheet before ordering.
Can the shaker operate unattended overnight?
Yes—the built-in timer supports up to 5999 minutes (≈99.98 hours), and the auto-restart function restores pre-interruption settings after power loss.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
No periodic lubrication is needed due to the brushless DC motor. Routine cleaning of the chamber interior and platform with isopropyl alcohol is recommended between experiments.
Does the unit support external temperature probes for sample-level monitoring?
No—temperature sensing is chamber-based only. For sample-core measurement, users must integrate external PT100 or thermocouple probes via third-party data loggers.
Are replacement platforms available for custom mounting fixtures?
Yes—Yiheng offers standardized 304 stainless-steel platforms with M4 threaded holes (25 mm pitch) for user-installed clamps, brackets, or multi-tier adapters.