Grant Optima™ TC120 Series Circulating Water Bath System

Overview

The Grant Optima™ TC120 Series is a precision-engineered circulating water bath system designed for reliable temperature control across demanding laboratory applications. Operating on the principle of forced convection via an integrated high-performance pump, the TC120 delivers stable thermal environments from −20 °C to +100 °C—requiring an external chiller for sub-ambient operation. Its architecture complies with DIN 12876 Class II specifications for laboratory thermostats, ensuring traceable performance in temperature stability (±0.05 °C at 70 °C) and spatial uniformity (±0.1 °C at 70 °C). The system is not a standalone bath but a controller unit intended for integration with Grant’s ST (stainless steel) or P (polypropylene) bath vessels—offering scalable working volumes from 5 L to 38 L. Its compact footprint, bridge-style chassis, and intuitive rotary encoder interface enable ergonomic deployment on benchtops or within enclosed environmental cabinets.

Key Features

• Intelligent Control Optimization™ (ICO): Adaptive PID algorithm dynamically adjusts heating/cooling response based on load, setpoint, and ambient conditions—minimizing overshoot and accelerating equilibration.
• Four-user-accessible temperature presets: One active setpoint plus three recallable values—enabling rapid protocol switching without re-entry.
• Dual-safety architecture: Independently adjustable overtemperature limit with manual reset, coupled with a fail-safe float-switch-based low-fluid detection circuit that halts heating before dry-run damage occurs.
• High-capacity internal circulation pump: Delivers up to 16 L/min at 210 mbar pressure—sufficient to maintain uniform temperature across external jacketed reactors, viscometers, or spectrophotometer cells connected via standard 6/11 mm tubing.
• User two-point calibration: Enables offset correction at two distinct temperatures—critical for maintaining accuracy across extended operating ranges, especially when used with non-standard bath fluids (e.g., silicone oil or ethanol/water mixtures).
• Programmable timer: Configurable from 1 minute to 9999 minutes—supports unattended endpoint termination for enzymatic assays, dissolution testing, or accelerated aging studies.
• Ergonomic interface: Rotary control knob + dual function buttons provide tactile, glance-free operation; large 4-digit LED display remains legible at distances up to 2 meters.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TC120 controller is compatible with all Grant ST-series stainless steel baths (ST5 to ST38) and P-series polypropylene baths (P5 to P18), each engineered for chemical resistance and mechanical durability. Stainless steel variants meet ISO 9001 manufacturing standards and are suitable for aqueous, saline, and mild organic media; polypropylene baths provide enhanced corrosion resistance for acidic or alkaline solutions. All bath vessels feature standardized inlet/outlet ports (G¼” BSP) and optional insulated, hinged lids to reduce evaporation and contamination. The system supports GLP-compliant workflows through its auditable safety interlocks and deterministic thermal response—fully documented per DIN 12876 test protocols. While the TC120 itself does not include FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signatures or audit trails, its analog control architecture ensures deterministic behavior required for regulated QC environments where software validation overhead must be minimized.

Software & Data Management

The TC120 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded firmware-based data logging. It lacks USB or RS232 interfaces—distinguishing it from higher-tier TX-series controllers (e.g., TX150/TXF200). This design prioritizes operational simplicity, electromagnetic immunity, and long-term reliability in electromagnetically noisy lab environments (e.g., adjacent to centrifuges or RF equipment). Temperature data acquisition must be performed externally using calibrated PT100 or thermistor probes interfaced with third-party DAQ systems. For users requiring digital control, Grant recommends pairing the TC120 with Labwise™ software via an external TX-series controller—though such integration falls outside the TC120’s native capability set. All calibration records, maintenance logs, and stability verification reports must be maintained manually per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Applications

• Biological incubation support: Maintaining constant temperature for water-jacketed CO₂ incubators, hybridization ovens, or electrophoresis tanks.
• Material testing: Conditioning polymer samples prior to tensile or impact testing per ASTM D638 or ISO 527.
• Pharmaceutical QC: Dissolution apparatus temperature control (USP ), stability chamber calibration verification, and extractables/leachables sample storage.
• Analytical instrumentation: Providing thermostated coolant to HPLC column ovens, UV-Vis spectrophotometer flow cells, or FTIR ATR accessories.
• Education & training labs: Cost-effective platform for teaching heat transfer principles, PID control theory, and metrology fundamentals—leveraging its transparent operational logic and physical feedback mechanisms.

FAQ

Does the TC120 include a built-in refrigeration unit?
No. The TC120 is a heating/circulating controller only. Sub-zero operation requires connection to an external recirculating chiller (e.g., Grant PCU series) via its dual fluid ports.

Can the TC120 be used with oil-based heat transfer fluids?
Yes—provided the selected bath vessel (ST-series stainless steel) and pump seals are rated for the fluid’s viscosity and chemical compatibility. Maximum recommended oil temperature is 100 °C; prolonged operation above 80 °C requires verification of fluid oxidative stability.

Is the temperature display calibrated to NIST-traceable standards?
The unit ships with factory calibration against reference standards accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. End-users may perform two-point field calibration using a NIST-traceable thermometer at any two points within the operating range.

What is the maximum allowable head height for external circulation loops?
When pumping against static head, maximum effective lift is 2.1 meters (210 mbar). For elevated setups (e.g., top-floor distribution manifolds), consult Grant’s application engineering team for pump derating curves and flow assurance analysis.

Are replacement parts such as pump impellers or temperature sensors available separately?
Yes. Grant supplies OEM-certified spare parts under part numbers TC120-PUMP-KIT and TC120-SENSOR-ASSY, with full service documentation available to authorized distributors.