DLAB HB150-S Metal Bath

Overview

The DLAB HB150-S Metal Bath is a precision-engineered dry block heater designed for consistent, uniform thermal control in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, environmental testing, and industrial quality control laboratories. Unlike water baths, this solid-state metal bath utilizes an aluminum heating block with high thermal conductivity and low thermal inertia to deliver rapid, stable, and contamination-free temperature environments. Its operating principle relies on resistive heating elements embedded within a machined aluminum alloy block, coupled with PID-controlled feedback regulation and dual-sensor monitoring (internal thermistor + optional external PT1000 probe). The device maintains setpoint stability across the full range of 25–150°C with documented accuracy of ±0.3°C (25–90°C) and ±0.6°C (90–150°C), and demonstrates exceptional spatial uniformity—±0.2°C at 37°C—critical for reproducible enzymatic reactions, DNA denaturation, sample thawing, and reagent pre-warming.

Key Features

• Precision PID temperature control with dual LED display showing real-time block temperature and countdown timer simultaneously
• Wide operational range from ambient +5°C up to 150°C, optimized for applications requiring elevated thermal treatment without evaporation or cross-contamination
• Integrated over-temperature protection circuitry that automatically cuts power if internal sensor detects unsafe thermal excursion
• Optional external PT1000 probe support enables direct sample-in-tube temperature validation—essential for method verification under GLP/GMP frameworks
• Acoustic alert system signals both temperature stabilization and timer completion, improving workflow continuity in unattended operation
• Removable insulated cover minimizes convective heat loss and enhances energy efficiency and temperature homogeneity across the block surface
• Universal voltage input (110/220 VAC, 50/60 Hz) ensures compatibility across global laboratory infrastructures without adapters or transformers

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HB150-S accommodates standardized tube formats via interchangeable aluminum blocks—including 0.2 mL × 30, 0.5 mL × 20, 1.5/2.0 mL × 20, 5/15 mL × 12, and 50 mL × 4 configurations—ensuring mechanical stability and thermal coupling for diverse consumables. All blocks are CNC-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum and anodized for corrosion resistance and thermal consistency. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. While not certified for medical device use per ISO 13485, its design supports audit-ready documentation practices required by FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated SOPs and electronic log systems. Temperature accuracy and uniformity data are traceable to NIST-calibrated references per ASTM E220 and ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The HB150-S operates as a standalone benchtop unit with no proprietary software dependency. However, its timer and temperature settings are fully programmable via front-panel controls, supporting repeatable protocol execution without PC interface. For laboratories implementing digital lab notebooks (ELN) or LIMS integration, the external PT1000 output can be connected to third-party data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom Python scripts via USB-to-serial adapters) to log time-stamped temperature profiles. Audit trails—including operator ID, start/stop timestamps, setpoints, and deviation alerts—can be generated manually or via external logging hardware compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Molecular biology: Enzyme incubation (restriction digests, ligations, phosphorylations), PCR master mix equilibration, plasmid DNA resuspension
• Clinical labs: Serum sample thawing, antigen retrieval in immunohistochemistry, reagent warming prior to ELISA assays
• Environmental testing: Extraction solvent preheating for EPA Method 3510C, sediment digestion protocols
• Pharmaceutical QC: Dissolution media conditioning, excipient drying validation, stability study sample equilibration
• Industrial R&D: Polymer melt indexing support, catalyst activation studies, viscosity reference sample conditioning

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended continuous operating temperature?
The HB150-S is rated for sustained operation at 150°C; however, prolonged use above 120°C may accelerate thermal aging of seals and electronics. We recommend limiting >120°C runs to ≤2 hours unless validated for extended duty.
Can the HB150-S be used for sterilization or depyrogenation?
No. This unit is not designed for sterility assurance or endotoxin removal. It lacks the temperature uniformity mapping, chamber validation, and regulatory documentation required for autoclave or hot-air oven equivalence per ISO 17665 or USP .
Is calibration certificate included with purchase?
A factory calibration report (traceable to national standards) is provided with each unit. Full ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services are available upon request through authorized DLAB service centers.
How often should routine performance verification be performed?
Per CLSI EP29-A and ISO/IEC 17025, users should verify temperature accuracy and uniformity at least daily before critical assays—or per shift in high-throughput environments—using a calibrated NIST-traceable thermometer and multi-point probe array.
Does the HB150-S support remote monitoring or network connectivity?
No native Ethernet or Wi-Fi interface is integrated. Remote monitoring requires external hardware (e.g., USB-connected data loggers or IoT-enabled thermocouple interfaces) interfaced via standard serial protocols.