OHAUS SHRK04DG 2D Rocking Shaker

Overview

The OHAUS SHRK04DG 2D Rocking Shaker is an engineered platform for gentle, reproducible sample agitation under precisely controlled thermal conditions. Designed around a dual-axis rocking motion—distinct from orbital or linear shaking—the device generates consistent, low-shear fluid movement ideal for applications where cell integrity, membrane stability, or uniform reagent contact must be preserved. Its core mechanism employs a balanced cam-driven rocker arm system coupled with a high-torque DC motor and closed-loop speed regulation, ensuring minimal drift across the full 1–75 rpm range. The integrated Peltier-based thermoelectric cooling and heating system enables stable temperature control from −20°C to +65°C (±0.5°C typical accuracy at 25°C), making it suitable for cold-sensitive hybridization protocols as well as elevated-temperature incubation steps. Unlike conventional shakers, the SHRK04DG’s low-profile footprint (height < 12 cm) allows seamless integration into biosafety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, and refrigerated walk-in chambers—enabling in situ agitation without sample transfer.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled rocking angle adjustment (0–20°) via front-panel touch interface, enabling real-time optimization of mixing efficiency without halting operation.
• Dual-display LED panel showing simultaneous readouts of setpoint and actual values for speed (rpm), angle (°), and remaining/elapsed time (min).
• Programmable timer with auto-shutdown and non-volatile memory: retains last-used parameters—including speed, angle, and duration—even after power interruption.
• Cast aluminum base with vibration-damping elastomeric feet ensures mechanical stability during extended runs and minimizes cross-talk to adjacent instrumentation.
• Integrated safety architecture includes overload detection (audible/visual alert), ramped acceleration to prevent splashing, end-of-timer acoustic alarm, and fluid-guidance channeling to protect internal electronics from condensate or spill ingress.
• Operational compatibility with ambient environments ranging from −10°C to +60°C and up to 80% non-condensing relative humidity—validated for use inside CO₂ incubators and cold rooms.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHRK04DG accommodates standard laboratory vessels including Petri dishes (up to 150 mm), multi-well plates (6–96-well), blotting trays (up to 20 × 25 cm), and conical tubes (50 mL). Its flat, non-perforated platform supports optional silicone matting or custom clamping fixtures for secure positioning. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments, its design supports GLP-aligned workflows: all parameter changes are logged in volatile memory, and the absence of mechanical timers eliminates undocumented manual overrides—facilitating audit readiness for regulated life science labs.

Software & Data Management

The SHRK04DG operates as a standalone instrument with no proprietary software dependency. All operational parameters are configured and monitored directly via the embedded touch interface. For laboratories requiring electronic record retention, the unit’s deterministic behavior—combined with repeatable setpoint recall—enables integration into validated LIMS or ELN systems through external environmental monitoring sensors (e.g., calibrated PT100 probes placed adjacent to samples). Though lacking native USB or Ethernet connectivity, its stable thermal and mechanical performance ensures compatibility with FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data acquisition platforms when paired with third-party analog/digital signal loggers.

Applications

• Gel staining and destaining (e.g., Coomassie, silver nitrate) requiring uniform reagent penetration without gel distortion.
• Nucleic acid and protein hybridization (Southern/Northern/Western blots), where precise temperature and gentle motion maximize probe binding specificity.
• Hematology assays involving blood smear processing, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) simulation, and antibody-antigen incubation.
• Tissue permeabilization and antigen retrieval steps in immunohistochemistry workflows.
• Cell suspension maintenance during transient transfection or serum-free culture periods where shear stress must remain below 0.5 dyn/cm².

FAQ

Can the SHRK04DG operate inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—its sealed electronics, condensation-resistant housing, and −10°C to +60°C operational envelope permit continuous use within standard 5% CO₂ incubators.
Is the rocking angle adjustable while the unit is running?
Yes—angle can be modified in real time from 0° to 20° using the front-panel controls without interrupting oscillation.
Does the unit support external temperature probe feedback for tighter control?
No—the built-in thermistor provides chamber temperature regulation; external probe input is not supported.
What is the maximum load capacity on the platform?
The platform supports up to 5 kg distributed evenly; exceeding this may trigger the overload protection circuit.
How is calibration verified for regulatory compliance?
OHAUS provides factory calibration documentation traceable to NIST standards; users perform periodic verification using independent thermocouples and tachometers per internal SOPs.