LAUDA Hydro H 20 SW Shaking Water Bath

Overview

The LAUDA Hydro H 20 SW Shaking Water Bath is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for applications requiring simultaneous temperature control and controlled linear oscillation. Built in Germany to ISO 9001-certified manufacturing standards, it integrates a high-stability thermostatic bath system with a robust, corrosion-resistant linear shaking mechanism. Its operating principle relies on Peltier-free resistive heating combined with PID-controlled feedback regulation and an integrated cooling coil interface—enabling extended low-temperature operation down to 10 °C when paired with an external recirculating chiller (e.g., LAUDA Microcool series). The unit employs a true linear reciprocating motion (not orbital), delivering consistent amplitude (22 mm) and speed reproducibility across the full 10–250 rpm range. This architecture ensures uniform thermal distribution and mechanical agitation critical for cell culture suspension, enzymatic assays, solubility studies, extraction protocols, and accelerated stability testing under GLP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• Precision temperature control with ±0.1 °C stability over 25–99.9 °C; extendable to 10 °C via optional external chiller connection through integrated cooling coil
• Linear reciprocating oscillation mechanism with digitally adjustable speed (10–250 rpm), soft-start ramping, and electronic overload protection
• Stainless steel construction throughout: bath chamber, lid frame, shaking basket, heating elements, and drain valve—all AISI 304 grade for chemical and moisture resistance
• Ergonomic dual-control panel: left-side LED display with intuitive membrane keypad for temperature setpoint and monitoring; right-side dedicated speed dial with real-time rpm readout
• Double-walled insulated stainless steel lid with integrated condensate channel to prevent droplet formation and sample contamination
• Removable stainless steel shaking basket (standard) with quick-release mechanism for routine cleaning and sterilization compatibility
• Integrated safety systems: electronic overtemperature cutoff, dry-run protection, and automatic shutdown upon abnormal current draw or thermal runaway
• Drain valve located at rear panel for complete bath emptying; front-accessible water level indicator for visual verification

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The H 20 SW accommodates a broad range of vessel formats via interchangeable accessories—including conical flask clamps (25–1000 mL), tube racks (13–31 mm diameter), and custom oscillation plates. Its 450 × 300 × 185 mm internal bath volume supports up to 24.4 L working capacity with 190 mm immersion depth, enabling full submersion of tall culture vessels. All wetted components comply with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS) and are compatible with standard laboratory cleaning agents and autoclaving (lid and basket only). The system meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for electrical equipment used in laboratory environments. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its analog control architecture supports integration into validated workflows when paired with external electronic loggers meeting ALCOA+ data integrity principles.

Software & Data Management

The H 20 SW operates as a standalone analog-controlled instrument without embedded firmware or network connectivity. Temperature and speed parameters are set and monitored locally via the front-panel LED interface. For traceable recordkeeping in regulated environments, users may deploy external validation-grade data loggers (e.g., Testo 177-T4 or Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300) connected to PT100 probe inputs and tachometer outputs—enabling time-stamped, audit-trail-capable acquisition aligned with FDA guidance on electronic records (21 CFR Part 11 Annex A). Optional accessories such as the A000024 water-level controller provide analog voltage output for remote monitoring integration.

Applications

• Microbial and mammalian cell suspension culture requiring gentle, uniform agitation and precise thermal maintenance
• Enzyme kinetics and protein solubilization studies where temperature-dependent reaction rates must be decoupled from shear-induced denaturation
• Solid-liquid extraction (e.g., plant metabolite recovery, pharmaceutical active ingredient leaching) under controlled thermal and mechanical conditions
• Accelerated stability testing per ICH Q1A(R3) guidelines using elevated temperatures with continuous mixing to simulate long-term storage behavior
• Preparation of homogeneous calibration standards and reference material suspensions for spectroscopic or chromatographic analysis
• Hydrolysis and degradation studies in environmental chemistry, including ASTM D5864-21 biodegradability screening protocols

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature when using an external chiller?
The H 20 SW achieves a verified lower limit of 10 °C when connected to a LAUDA Microcool series chiller via its integrated cooling coil.
Is the shaking motion orbital or linear?
It delivers true linear reciprocating motion—not orbital—ensuring predictable shear profiles and eliminating vortex formation in tall vessels.
Can the unit be used for sterile applications?
Yes; all stainless steel components (bath, lid, basket) withstand repeated autoclaving at 121 °C for 20 minutes, though the control electronics and display must remain outside the sterilizer.
Does the system support protocol programming or multi-step sequences?
No; it is a single-setpoint analog instrument. Complex ramp-hold sequences require external programmable controllers or data acquisition systems.
What safety certifications does the H 20 SW hold?
It complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical safety and carries CE marking under the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and EMC Directive (2014/30/EU).