Julabo Itherm-B1 Economical Heating Circulator

Overview

The Julabo Itherm-B1 Economical Heating Circulator is a compact, benchtop temperature control system engineered for precision heating and stable thermal management of external processes or sample baths. Designed using Julabo’s decades-long expertise in thermal instrumentation, the Itherm-B1 operates on resistive heating principles with integrated PID feedback control to maintain setpoint accuracy across its full operating range (RT + 5 °C to 100 °C). Unlike refrigerated circulators, the Itherm-B1 is a heating-only unit optimized for applications requiring rapid thermal ramping, long-term isothermal stability, and reliable external loop circulation—such as jacketed reactor heating, viscometer bath conditioning, or calibration standard stabilization. Its stainless-steel heating coil, corrosion-resistant bath chamber, and thermally balanced housing ensure consistent performance under continuous duty cycles in academic, QC, and industrial laboratory environments.

Key Features

• High-precision PID temperature controller delivering ±0.05 °C stability across the entire working range
• 1.5 kW high-efficiency heating element enabling rapid thermal response and minimized overshoot
• Dual-mode circulation system supporting both internal bath homogenization and external process cooling/heating loops
• Adjustable flow ratio between internal and external circuits via front-panel controls
• Integrated low-level detection via float switch: triggers audible/visual alarm and automatic power cutoff to prevent dry-run damage
• Overtemperature safety cut-off active across the full temperature range (RT + 5 °C to 100 °C)
• Ergonomic front-panel interface with three tactile keys for intuitive parameter navigation and setpoint adjustment
• Front-mounted drain valve for fast, spill-free bath fluid replacement
• Optimized internal layout with generous airflow clearance, ensuring long-term reliability and reduced thermal drift during extended operation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Itherm-B1 accommodates aqueous, silicone oil, and glycol-based heat transfer fluids within its 4.5 L stainless-steel bath. Its open-bath design supports immersion of probes, sensors, reaction vessels (up to Ø15 cm × 15 cm depth), and externally connected jackets. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EN 61326-1:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility. While not certified for use with flammable solvents above their flash point, it is suitable for GLP-compliant temperature validation protocols when operated within specified fluid and temperature limits. Documentation includes factory calibration certificate traceable to national standards (DKD/DAkkS-accredited).

Software & Data Management

The Itherm-B1 operates as a standalone instrument without PC connectivity; all configuration and monitoring occur locally via the front-panel display and keypad. It does not support digital data logging, remote control, or FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, integration with external data acquisition systems is possible via optional analog output (0–10 V or 4–20 mA) for real-time temperature signal transmission. All operational parameters—including setpoint, actual bath temperature, pump status, and alarm conditions—are continuously displayed on the high-contrast LCD screen with backlight.

Applications

• Stabilizing temperature-sensitive analytical instruments (e.g., viscometers, densitometers, refractometers)
• Providing uniform heating for enzymatic assays, polymer dissolution, or solvent evaporation studies
• Serving as a thermal source for jacketed glass reactors in synthetic chemistry workflows
• Calibrating temperature probes and thermistors per ASTM E74 or ISO/IEC 17025 requirements
• Maintaining constant temperature conditions during material testing (e.g., tensile strength, thermal expansion)
• Supporting QC procedures in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic manufacturing where non-refrigerated thermal control is sufficient

FAQ

Is the Itherm-B1 suitable for use with silicone oil?
Yes—the stainless-steel bath and heating coil are chemically compatible with common silicone oils up to 100 °C. Ensure oil viscosity remains within pump specifications (≤500 cSt at operating temperature).
Does the unit support external temperature sensing?
No—the Itherm-B1 regulates temperature solely via its internal Pt100 sensor located in the bath sump. External probe input is not available.
Can the pump flow rate be adjusted continuously?
Flow is fixed at 10 L/min maximum; however, the internal/external flow distribution ratio can be manually tuned using the front-panel valve.
What maintenance is required for long-term operation?
Regular cleaning of the bath chamber and inspection of the float switch mechanism are recommended every 6 months. Replace bath fluid annually or per manufacturer guidelines for the chosen heat transfer medium.
Is the Itherm-B1 compliant with GMP documentation requirements?
While the unit itself lacks built-in electronic audit trail functionality, its stable performance, traceable calibration certificate, and mechanical safety features support GMP-aligned validation protocols when used with appropriate SOPs and manual logbooks.