ZD-85(A) Dual-Function Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Shaker

Overview

The ZD-85(A) Dual-Function Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Shaker integrates precise thermal regulation with controlled reciprocating motion in a single compact benchtop platform. Engineered for reproducible incubation and agitation of biological and biochemical samples, it operates on the principle of convective air heating—circulating temperature-stabilized ambient air across the chamber via a calibrated fan-assisted system—combined with a mechanically balanced eccentric drive mechanism for uniform reciprocating oscillation. Unlike water-bath shakers, this air-bath design eliminates liquid contamination risks, simplifies cleaning, and supports rapid temperature equilibration and dry sample handling. It is optimized for applications requiring simultaneous thermal control (up to 50 °C) and gentle-to-moderate mechanical stimulation—particularly where sterility, corrosion resistance, and operational flexibility are critical. The unit complies with general laboratory safety standards for Class II electrical equipment (IEC 61010-1) and meets structural requirements for continuous-duty operation in ISO 17025-accredited testing environments.

Key Features

• Digital PID temperature controller with real-time LED display ensures stable setpoint maintenance within ±1 °C uniformity across the working chamber.
• Reciprocating oscillation mode provides consistent linear motion ideal for suspension cultures, solubility studies, and immunoassay plate washing protocols.
• Stepless speed adjustment (typically 0–220 rpm, factory-calibrated range) enables fine-tuned optimization for sensitive cell lines or viscous media without abrupt acceleration.
• Stainless steel 304 interior chamber resists corrosion from repeated exposure to saline buffers, alcohols, and mild acidic/basic reagents—supporting long-term GLP-compliant usage.
• Dedicated ventilation ports ensure passive O₂ replenishment during extended aerobic cultivations, mitigating hypoxia in dense microbial or mammalian suspensions.
• Mechanical timer (0–120 min) offers fail-safe operation independent of software or power management systems—critical for unattended overnight runs under regulated QA/QC workflows.
• Universal spring-loaded flask rack accommodates standard Erlenmeyer flasks (50–1000 mL), test tubes, and multi-well plates without tooling—facilitating parallel condition screening per ASTM E2500-13 guidelines.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZD-85(A) supports a broad spectrum of life science sample formats: liquid cultures (bacterial, yeast, insect, and adherent cell lines in suspension), solid-phase extraction cartridges, enzyme kinetics assays in cuvettes, and environmental water samples undergoing BOD or nutrient solubilization. Its open-air chamber design avoids condensation-related interference common in sealed incubators—making it suitable for gravimetric stability testing per USP . While not certified for IEC 60601 medical device use, the instrument meets essential safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements outlined in EN 61326-1 for laboratory analytical equipment. Documentation packages include factory calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China), supporting audit readiness under ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned data integrity frameworks when paired with validated external logging tools.

Software & Data Management

The ZD-85(A) operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid system with no embedded firmware or network interface. All operational parameters—including temperature setpoint, oscillation duration, and speed—are configured manually via front-panel controls. For regulatory traceability, users are advised to integrate external USB or RS-232 data loggers compliant with GAMP 5 Annex 11 principles. Time-stamped temperature and speed records can be exported to CSV for inclusion in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) or LIMS platforms. The mechanical timer’s physical reset function provides inherent ALCOA+ (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) compliance for basic batch documentation without software validation overhead.

Applications

• Aerobic microbial propagation for antibiotic susceptibility testing (CLSI M07-A10)
• Protein expression in E. coli BL21(DE3) cultures under controlled thermal induction
• Extraction efficiency optimization for phytochemicals using solvent-shaking protocols
• Standardization of ELISA plate coating steps requiring uniform antigen dispersion
• Environmental monitoring of coliform growth in membrane filtration assays (ISO 9308-1)
• Pre-analytical sample homogenization prior to HPLC or GC-MS injection

FAQ

What is the maximum load capacity per flask rack position?
Each spring clamp supports up to 1.5 kg static load; total chamber capacity is 12 × 250 mL flasks or equivalent volume distribution.
Can the unit operate continuously for 72 hours?
Yes—rated for uninterrupted duty cycles at ≤45 °C and 180 rpm, provided ambient room temperature remains below 30 °C and ventilation clearance exceeds 10 cm on all sides.
Is the temperature sensor externally accessible for third-party verification?
A PT100-grade sensor is mounted internally near the chamber wall; calibration access requires authorized service technician intervention per manufacturer service manual SM-ZD85A-Rev.3.
Does the oscillation amplitude meet ISO 20282 specifications for shaker performance?
Amplitude is fixed at 25 mm peak-to-peak, consistent with ISO 20282-1:2017 Class B tolerance for general-purpose reciprocating shakers used in non-clinical R&D settings.
Are replacement racks available for specialized vessel geometries?
OEM-compatible universal racks (part #ZR-UNI-304) and microcentrifuge tube holders (part #ZR-MT-24) are stocked globally through authorized distributors.