OHAUS e-E51LD0420 ZH Orbital Shaker

Overview

The OHAUS e-E51LD0420 ZH Orbital Shaker is an engineered platform for consistent, low-shear orbital mixing in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled circular motion—generating a 20 mm orbit diameter—to promote uniform suspension, homogenization, and gas exchange in liquid samples without vortexing or excessive shear stress. Designed for reliability in routine and extended-duration applications—including bacterial/yeast culture, ELISA plate incubation, Western/Northern blot processing, dye removal (de-staining), and solubility screening—the shaker integrates a brushless DC motor and triple-eccentric-axis mechanical architecture to minimize vibration transmission, ensure long-term speed stability, and eliminate maintenance-intensive carbon brushes. Its microprocessor-controlled acceleration ramp prevents sample splashing during startup, while the IP21-rated enclosure provides basic protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm—suitable for standard laboratory benchtop use under non-hazardous ambient conditions.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor with triple-eccentric-axis balanced drive system ensures quiet, stable operation over extended periods (≥72 h continuous run capability)
• Backlit LCD display (digital control variant) simultaneously shows real-time speed and remaining timer duration—enabling precise parameter monitoring without menu navigation
• Gradual speed ramp-up algorithm minimizes liquid displacement at startup, critical for fragile cell suspensions and low-volume assays
• Aerospace-grade aluminum tray (300 mm × 222 mm) offers corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and ease of decontamination via ethanol wipe-down or mild detergent
• RS232 serial interface supports bidirectional communication: device parameter configuration and timestamped operational log export (e.g., speed/time profiles, runtime events)
• Integrated audible and visual alarm triggers upon timer completion or detection of abnormal load imbalance, motor stall, or power fluctuation
• Compact footprint (420 mm × 262 mm × 119 mm) optimizes space in biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or multi-instrument workstations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The e-E51LD0420 ZH accommodates a broad range of vessel formats through its standardized tray design and optional accessories—including universal platforms, universal flask clamps (for 50 mL–1 L Erlenmeyer flasks), and tube racks (15 mL/50 mL conical, microcentrifuge). Its 4.0 kg load capacity supports up to three 1 L flasks or equivalent volume distributions across smaller vessels. The shaker meets TÜV-certified electrical safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1. While not validated for GMP-regulated environments by default, its RS232 interface enables integration into audit-trail-capable data acquisition systems aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant software. Routine use aligns with ISO 15195 (laboratory quality management) and ASTM E2500 (verification of laboratory equipment).

Software & Data Management

The RS232 port enables direct connection to Windows-based PCs for remote control and data capture using terminal emulation software (e.g., PuTTY, Tera Term) or custom LabVIEW/Python scripts. Supported commands include real-time speed query, timer start/stop/pause, alarm status readout, and firmware version reporting. Logged data includes timestamped operational states (e.g., “Speed set to 180 rpm at 14:22:05”), facilitating retrospective analysis of protocol adherence. No proprietary software is required; however, third-party LIMS or ELN platforms may ingest exported logs via CSV parsing. Audit trail generation requires external middleware—no on-device electronic signature or user authentication is implemented.

Applications

• Molecular biology: DNA/RNA extraction buffer mixing, restriction digest incubation, probe hybridization steps
• Cell culture: Suspension of adherent cells post-trypsinization, media equilibration prior to seeding
• Immunology: ELISA plate washing and incubation, antigen-antibody binding kinetics studies
• Protein biochemistry: Dialysis buffer exchange, affinity chromatography column equilibration, refolding assays
• Environmental & food testing: Extraction of analytes from solid matrices (e.g., soil, grain), microbial enrichment broths
• Quality control labs: Dissolution testing support (per USP ), reagent homogenization prior to spectrophotometric analysis

FAQ

Is the shaker suitable for CO₂ incubator use?
No—the operating temperature range (−10°C to 40°C) and IP21 rating do not support humidified, elevated-CO₂ environments. Use only in ambient lab air or dry incubators.
Can it be operated continuously for >24 hours?
Yes—its brushless DC motor and thermally optimized drive system are rated for uninterrupted operation up to 168 hours under nominal load (≤3.0 kg, 200 rpm).

Does it support password-protected parameter locking?
No—parameter access is unrestricted. For regulated workflows, physical access control or external supervisory software is recommended.

What is the calibration interval recommendation?
OHAUS recommends annual verification of speed accuracy and timer fidelity using NIST-traceable tachometer and stopwatch. No field-adjustable calibration is provided.

Are replacement trays available for specialized vessel configurations?
Yes—OHAUS offers optional universal platforms (part # e-UP-01) and clamp kits (e.g., e-CLAMP-1L) compatible with the e-E51 series tray mounting geometry.