DRETOP FZ Series Inversion Shaker

Overview

The DRETOP FZ Series Inversion Shaker is an engineered laboratory instrument designed for standardized solid-phase leaching and solvent extraction in environmental and regulatory testing laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled 360° rotational inversion—mimicking manual shaking protocols while delivering consistent angular displacement, dwell time, and directional alternation. Unlike orbital or reciprocating shakers, this system applies uniform torsional motion to sample containers mounted on a horizontal platform, ensuring complete suspension and interfacial contact between solid matrices and leaching solutions. Its mechanical architecture supports reproducible agitation under defined thermal conditions (4–60 °C), making it suitable for applications governed by U.S. EPA Method 1311, TCLP, and equivalent Chinese environmental standards including HJ/T 299–2007 (Sulfuric-Nitric Acid Leaching Procedure) and HJ/T 300–2007 (Acetic Acid Buffer Extraction). The device is not intended for cell culture or biological suspension but rather for regulated physicochemical extraction workflows where protocol fidelity and auditability are critical.

Key Features

• Programmable bidirectional inversion: configurable alternating forward-reverse cycles (e.g., 2 min clockwise → 5 s pause → 2 min counterclockwise → 5 s pause) or continuous unidirectional rotation
• High-precision digital timer with 1-second resolution and extended range up to 9999 minutes (166.6 hours), supporting multi-step extraction protocols
• Thermally stabilized chamber (FZ-II variants only) with PID-controlled Peltier heating/cooling, maintaining ±0.5 °C uniformity across the platform at setpoints between 4 °C and 60 °C
• Rigid aluminum alloy chassis with vibration-dampening feet and sealed drive train to minimize acoustic emission and mechanical drift during extended operation
• Modular tray configurations accommodating 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 × 1000 mL extraction bottles (standardized wide-mouth HDPE or borosilicate glass), all secured via spring-loaded clamps
• Backlit LCD interface with intuitive menu navigation, real-time parameter display, and non-volatile memory for up to 10 user-defined protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FZ Series accommodates standard EPA-compliant extraction vessels (e.g., 1-L polyethylene jars per SW-846 Chapter 7) and is validated for use with heterogeneous solid waste matrices—including soil, sediment, sludge, fly ash, and industrial residues. All models comply with the mechanical and temporal specifications outlined in HJ/T 299–2007 and HJ/T 300–2007, particularly regarding minimum rotation speed (≥30 rpm), amplitude (26 mm nominal), and inversion angle (≥360° per cycle). While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or accredited per GLP Annex 3, the instrument’s operational repeatability (<±2% rpm deviation over 24 h) and timer accuracy (±0.1% full scale) meet internal QA requirements for method validation under CNAS-CL01:2018-aligned laboratories. No modifications are required for integration into workflows aligned with USP , ASTM D5233, or EN 12457 series.

Software & Data Management

The FZ Series operates via embedded firmware without external PC dependency. Protocol parameters—including speed, temperature (FZ-II), timer duration, direction sequence, and pause intervals—are stored locally in EEPROM with write-protection against accidental overwrite. Audit trail functionality is limited to timestamped start/stop events logged internally (non-exportable); for full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, integration with third-party LIMS via RS-232 or optional USB-to-serial adapter is recommended. Firmware updates are performed manually using a dedicated utility provided by DRETOP Technical Support; version history and calibration logs are accessible through service mode (password-protected).

Applications

• Regulatory leaching tests for hazardous waste classification (TCLP analogs in China)
• Heavy metal mobilization studies in contaminated soils and sediments
• Organic contaminant extraction from municipal solid waste prior to GC-MS analysis
• Method development and verification for acid digestion and buffer-based solubilization protocols
• Quality control in environmental testing labs accredited to CMA or CNAS scopes
• Research-scale optimization of solid-liquid mass transfer kinetics under controlled thermal agitation

FAQ

Does the FZ Series support GLP-compliant electronic records?
No—the unit lacks electronic signature capability, audit trail export, or user role management. It meets basic operational requirements for routine testing but requires supplemental documentation (e.g., handwritten logbooks or LIMS-integrated event capture) for full GLP adherence.
Can I use glass bottles with the FZ shaker trays?
Yes—trays are compatible with standard 1000 mL borosilicate glass jars equipped with screw caps and PTFE-lined septa. Ensure bottles are balanced and clamped securely before initiating inversion.
What is the maximum load capacity per tray configuration?
Each tray supports up to 12 × 1000 mL containers filled to 90% volume (≈10.8 kg total mass). Dynamic imbalance must remain below 5 g·cm to prevent premature bearing wear.
Is refrigeration available below 4 °C?
No—the integrated thermal module is rated for 4–60 °C only. Sub-ambient operation requires external cold room integration or auxiliary chiller coupling (not supplied).
How often does the unit require calibration verification?
DRETOP recommends annual verification of timer accuracy, rotational speed (via optical tachometer), and temperature uniformity (using NIST-traceable PT100 probe array) as part of preventive maintenance.