LAUDA ET 15 S Transparent Bath Circulating Water Bath with Heating Function (20–100 °C)

Overview

The LAUDA ET 15 S is a high-precision transparent circulating water bath engineered for stable thermal control in analytical, quality control, and R&D laboratory environments. Designed around LAUDA’s ECO platform, it employs a fully electronic PID-controlled heating system combined with a Vario-speed circulation pump to deliver exceptional temperature uniformity and dynamic response across its operational range of 20 °C to 100 °C. The bath utilizes a robust polycarbonate tank—optically clear for real-time visual monitoring of samples and fluid dynamics—while maintaining chemical resistance and mechanical integrity under prolonged thermal stress. Its Class III safety certification confirms suitability for use with both flammable and non-flammable heat transfer media, including water, water-glycol mixtures, and silicone oils, in compliance with IEC 61010-1 requirements for laboratory equipment.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based digital controller with monochrome graphical LCD display showing simultaneous setpoint and actual temperature values
• PID algorithm with auto-tuning capability ensures rapid stabilization and minimal overshoot during temperature ramping
• Vario pump with six adjustable performance levels enables precise flow modulation—critical for applications requiring controlled convective heat transfer or external loop integration
• Dedicated Tmax key for configurable overtemperature protection; threshold adjustable via intuitive menu navigation using cursor keys and soft-touch buttons
• Integrated cooling coil as standard—supports active temperature reduction when paired with an external chiller or recirculating cooler
• USB interface included for direct connection to host PCs; supports firmware updates and basic data logging via LAUDA’s proprietary software suite
• Modular expansion architecture: optional interface modules include analog I/O (0–10 V / 4–20 mA), digital relay outputs, RS-232/485, Profibus DP, Ethernet-USB gateway, and Pt100/LiBus for master-slave system integration
• Onboard programmable timer with one stored protocol, supporting up to 20 ramp-hold segments for unattended thermal profiling
• Ergonomic design allows full flow redistribution between internal recirculation and external circuits without physical contact with the bath tank

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ET 15 S accommodates a wide variety of sample containers—including glass beakers, reaction vessels, viscometer sleeves, and immersion probes—within its 15.0 L polycarbonate bath (internal dimensions: 275 × 130 × 310 mm). Its open-top configuration and optical clarity facilitate alignment, observation, and manual intervention during experiments. The unit meets EN 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and carries CE marking for conformity with EU directives. It supports GLP-compliant workflows through audit-trail-capable software extensions (when equipped with RS-485 or Ethernet modules) and is compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with validated software and access controls. Temperature stability of ±0.01 °C (at 37 °C, load-free) satisfies ISO 17025 calibration traceability needs for accredited testing laboratories.

Software & Data Management

Standard USB connectivity enables local data acquisition and parameter configuration using LAUDA’s PC-based control software, which provides real-time graphing, event logging, and export to CSV format. Optional communication modules extend functionality to networked lab environments: RS-485 supports multi-device daisy-chaining in industrial settings; Ethernet-USB gateways allow remote supervision via web browsers or SCADA systems; and the Pt100/LiBus module permits centralized orchestration within larger thermal management infrastructures. All digital interfaces support timestamped operation logs, user-access level definitions, and alarm history retention—key prerequisites for GMP and ISO 9001 quality management systems.

Applications

• Calibration of temperature-sensitive instrumentation (e.g., thermistors, RTDs, infrared sensors)
• Thermal conditioning of viscometers, densitometers, and refractometers prior to measurement
• Controlled-rate heating/cooling of biological samples, enzyme assays, and polymer dissolution studies
• Stabilization of optical components and laser sources requiring low-drift thermal environments
• Support for ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints), ISO 2555 (solution viscosity), and USP compounding environment validation
• Integration into automated test benches for automotive coolant testing, battery electrolyte characterization, and pharmaceutical stability chambers

FAQ

What is the maximum permissible bath liquid volume?
The usable bath volume is 15.0 L, with a minimum fill level of 13.5 L to ensure proper pump priming and sensor immersion.
Can the ET 15 S operate without external cooling?
Yes—it functions as a standalone heater-only unit; however, the integrated cooling coil requires connection to an external chiller for sub-ambient or rapid cooldown operations.
Is the polycarbonate tank resistant to common organic solvents?
The tank is chemically resistant to water, aqueous buffers, and glycol-based fluids; prolonged exposure to strong ketones, chlorinated hydrocarbons, or aromatic solvents is not recommended.
How is temperature uniformity verified across the bath volume?
LAUDA specifies axial and radial temperature deviation ≤ ±0.02 °C at steady state (measured per DIN 12878 Annex B using calibrated PT100 probes at nine standardized positions).
Does the device support 24/7 continuous operation?
Yes—the ET 15 S is rated for uninterrupted duty cycles under ambient conditions of 5–40 °C and relative humidity ≤ 80% non-condensing, provided ventilation grilles remain unobstructed.