OHAUS SHHD1619AL Heavy-Duty Orbital Shaker

Overview

The OHAUS SHHD1619AL Heavy-Duty Orbital Shaker is an engineered platform for high-capacity, mission-critical incubation and mixing applications in life science laboratories, bioprocessing facilities, and quality control environments. Designed around the principles of consistent orbital motion—where samples undergo uniform circular displacement without vertical acceleration—the SHHD1619AL delivers reproducible agitation essential for cell culture expansion, microbial growth studies, solubility testing, and reagent homogenization. Its robust cast-aluminum base, reinforced steel frame, and precision-balanced drive mechanism ensure long-term mechanical stability under continuous operation at maximum load. Unlike benchtop shakers with limited payload capacity, the SHHD1619AL supports up to 68 kg (150 lb) of gross sample weight—including flasks, bottles, microplates, and custom carriers—enabling parallel processing across large-volume bioreactor vessels or multi-tiered stack configurations.

Key Features

• High-load orbital drive system rated for continuous operation at full 68 kg capacity, with dynamic load compensation to maintain speed accuracy ±1 rpm across the full 25–500 rpm range
• Digital PID-controlled motor with real-time feedback loop, ensuring minimal speed drift (<0.5% variation over 24 h at constant setpoint)
• 19 mm fixed orbit diameter optimized for efficient oxygen transfer in suspension cultures and uniform shear distribution in viscous media
• Programmable digital timer (1–120 min) with auto-shutdown and audible alert; optional continuous mode enabled via front-panel override
• IP21-rated enclosure with corrosion-resistant powder-coated steel housing and sealed electronics for compatibility with humidified incubator rooms and cleanroom-adjacent workflows
• Interchangeable platform options—including universal clamping plates, flask holders (100–5000 mL), and microplate adapters—supporting ASTM D3747-compliant mixing protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHHD1619AL accommodates a broad spectrum of vessel types and volumes, from single 5-L Erlenmeyer flasks to arrays of 96-well plates mounted on rigid aluminum carriers. Its low-vibration architecture minimizes cross-contamination risk between adjacent samples and maintains integrity of delicate suspension cultures during extended runs. The shaker complies with IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emissions) standards, and its mechanical design aligns with ISO 13485 requirements for equipment used in medical device manufacturing support labs. When integrated into GxP-regulated environments, the instrument’s non-volatile timer memory and manual logbook-compatible operation support GLP documentation practices; optional RS-232 output enables connection to LIMS for basic event logging (start/stop/timer expiry).

Software & Data Management

The SHHD1619AL operates as a standalone, firmware-driven instrument without embedded operating systems or cloud connectivity—ensuring deterministic response times and eliminating cybersecurity surface area. All operational parameters (speed, time, status) are displayed on a high-contrast, 4-digit LED interface with backlighting for low-illumination biosafety cabinets. While no proprietary software is required, the unit supports ASCII-based serial communication for integration with laboratory automation middleware. Timestamped run records can be manually transcribed into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated procedural controls. Firmware updates—distributed annually via OHAUS Technical Support—are applied via USB-to-serial adapter and require local administrative authorization.

Applications

• High-density mammalian cell culture in wave bioreactors and stirred-tank systems requiring scalable agitation validation
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) where standardized shaking ensures uniform drug–bacteria contact per CLSI M07 guidelines
• Protein solubilization and refolding assays demanding precise, low-shear orbital motion to prevent aggregation
• Environmental microbiology workflows involving soil slurry homogenization and water sample mixing per EPA Method 1681
• QC release testing of sterile injectables, where consistent shake intensity validates container closure integrity per USP

FAQ

Is the SHHD1619AL compatible with refrigerated or heated incubator chambers?
Yes—the unit is rated for ambient operation between 5 °C and 40 °C and maintains specified performance within standard CO₂ incubators (non-condensing environment); external temperature control must be managed by the chamber system.
Can the shaker accommodate custom mounting fixtures for non-standard vessels?
Yes—OHAUS provides engineering drawings and bolt-pattern specifications for third-party platform fabrication; load distribution must remain within center-of-gravity limits defined in the Installation Manual.
Does the timer retain settings after power interruption?
No—the SHHD1619AL uses volatile memory for timer configuration; users must re-enter parameters following power loss, consistent with IEC 61000-4-11 immunity requirements for transient voltage events.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained 24/7 operation?
OHAUS recommends biannual inspection of drive belt tension and bearing play; lubrication-free operation eliminates routine oiling, and all wear components are field-replaceable using standard hex tools.
Is calibration certification available for regulatory submissions?
Yes—NIST-traceable speed and timer calibration reports are issued by OHAUS Service Centers upon request, including uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A.3.