LAUDA Hydro H 16 General-Purpose Circulating Water Bath, 25–100 °C with ±0.1 °C Stability

Overview

The LAUDA Hydro H 16 is a precision-engineered general-purpose circulating water bath designed for reliable thermal conditioning of samples in life science, clinical diagnostics, and analytical laboratories. Operating within a controlled temperature range of 25 °C to 100 °C, it employs direct-bottom heating—positioned beneath the stainless-steel perforated support plate—to establish rapid thermal equilibrium and uniform temperature distribution across the entire bath volume. This architecture minimizes thermal gradients and eliminates localized hot spots, ensuring reproducible incubation conditions essential for enzyme assays, cell culture pre-warming, reagent equilibration, and sample thawing protocols. The system achieves ±0.1 °C temperature stability under steady-state conditions, verified per ISO 17025-compliant calibration procedures. Its robust construction—including a fully welded AISI 316 stainless-steel bath chamber, electrogalvanized and powder-coated steel housing, and integrated dual-layer insulated lid—ensures long-term corrosion resistance and operational integrity in high-humidity environments typical of wet labs.

Key Features

• High-contrast 3.5-inch TFT display with intuitive menu navigation and 0.1 °C temperature resolution for precise setpoint control
• Dual-layer curved stainless-steel bath cover with condensate return geometry—prevents droplet formation on samples and reduces heat loss by up to 35% compared to standard flat lids
• Integrated safety system with audible/visual alarms for low-water level, overtemperature (>102 °C), and deviation >±0.5 °C from setpoint; automatic heater shutdown upon fault detection
• Three independent timer functions: delay start, hold time after reaching setpoint, and total run duration—configurable in minutes or hours for unattended overnight operation
• Drain valve positioned at bath base for rapid, spill-free emptying; includes perforated stainless-steel tray and lid as standard accessories
• Direct-bottom heating element with adaptive power modulation (max. 1.5 kW) ensures fast ramp rates and stable maintenance across the full operating range, including near-boiling conditions (95–100 °C)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The H 16 accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including universal test tubes (13–18 mm), microcentrifuge tubes, cuvettes, and small flasks—via its 400 × 245 mm opening and 115 mm usable depth. Its non-circulating (static) configuration maintains laminar thermal conditions ideal for temperature-sensitive biological samples requiring minimal mechanical disturbance. All wetted components—including bath chamber, lid, tray, and heater sheath—are fabricated from medical-grade stainless steel (AISI 316), compliant with EN 10088-1 for corrosion resistance and compatible with common aqueous cleaning agents and autoclave-safe decontamination cycles. The unit meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. While not inherently GLP/GMP-certified, its deterministic alarm logging, fixed setpoint resolution, and hardware-enforced safety interlocks support audit-ready documentation in regulated environments adhering to ISO/IEC 17025 or CLIA standards.

Software & Data Management

The LAUDA Hydro H 16 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded data logging or PC connectivity. All operational parameters—including current temperature, setpoint, timer status, and active alarm conditions—are displayed in real time on the front-panel TFT interface. For laboratories requiring traceability, optional external USB data loggers (e.g., LAUDA LogControl S) may be connected via RS232 (available as accessory kit L003001) to record temperature profiles at user-defined intervals (1–60 s). Exported CSV files are compatible with Excel, LabChart, or LIMS platforms. Firmware updates are performed locally via USB flash drive; version history and calibration certificates are maintained in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 5.9.2 for measurement equipment management.

Applications

• Pre-equilibration of PCR reagents, restriction enzymes, and antibody solutions prior to cold-chain handling
• Controlled thawing of cryopreserved cell lines and tissue specimens to minimize thermal shock
• Temperature-dependent solubility testing of pharmaceutical excipients and formulation buffers
• Incubation of microbiological media (e.g., agar plates, broth cultures) at sub-incubator temperatures
• Calibration reference baths for thermometer validation per ASTM E77 and ISO 17025 Annex C
• Supporting ASTM D1500 color scale measurements where sample viscosity must be stabilized at defined temperatures

FAQ

Is the LAUDA Hydro H 16 suitable for use with organic solvents?
No. The bath is engineered exclusively for aqueous media. Contact with alcohols, acetone, chlorinated hydrocarbons, or other organic solvents will compromise gasket integrity and accelerate corrosion of stainless-steel components.

Can the unit operate continuously at 100 °C?
Yes—within ambient room temperatures ≤25 °C and relative humidity <60%. Prolonged operation above 95 °C requires regular water level monitoring and periodic descaling using LAUDA-approved citric acid solution (Ref. L002998) to prevent mineral buildup on the heater surface.

Does the H 16 include circulation or shaking functionality?
No. The H 16 is a static water bath. Circulation and orbital agitation are available in separate Hydro models (e.g., Hydro C 16 and Hydro SH 16), which feature integrated pumps or motorized platforms.

What is the recommended calibration frequency?
Annual calibration is advised for routine QC use. In GxP-regulated settings, calibration interval should be determined by risk assessment per ICH Q7 and documented in the laboratory’s equipment qualification protocol.

Is the power cord compatible with North American outlets?
The standard configuration includes a GB2099.1 (UK-style) plug. For North America, order part number L003002—a 230 V, 15 A NEMA 6-15P cord with UL listing and integrated line filter.