THZ-C-1 Desktop Refrigerated Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker

Overview

The THZ-C-1 Desktop Refrigerated Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker is an engineered platform for precise, reproducible incubation and mixing of biological samples under controlled thermal and mechanical conditions. Designed for laboratories requiring simultaneous temperature regulation and orbital agitation—such as microbiology, molecular biology, and cell culture workflows—the instrument employs a Peltier-based refrigeration system coupled with PID-controlled heating and a brushless DC motor drive. Unlike water-bath shakers, the air-bath architecture ensures rapid thermal response, uniform chamber temperature distribution (±0.3°C at 37°C), and minimal maintenance. Its compact footprint (W×D×H: 450 × 500 × 420 mm) supports benchtop integration in ISO Class 5–7 cleanrooms or standard biosafety cabinets, making it suitable for GLP-compliant sample preparation prior to downstream analysis (e.g., ELISA plate pre-incubation, bacterial growth kinetics, or protein solubilization).

Key Features

• Refrigerated temperature control from –10°C to +60°C, enabling low-temperature enzymatic assays and cold-sensitive cell line maintenance.
• Orbital motion with 26 mm diameter orbit—optimized for uniform suspension of suspension cultures, microtiter plates, and Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 500 mL).
• Adjustable speed range (40–300 rpm) with digital feedback control ensuring ±1 rpm stability across load variations (0–8 kg max platform load).
• Microprocessor-based timer (0–999 minutes) with auto-shutdown and memory retention for repeat protocol execution.
• Single-platform design with non-slip silicone mat and universal clamping system compatible with standard flask holders, microplate adapters, and tube racks (15/50 mL conical, 1.5/2.0 mL tubes, 96-well plates).
• Robust steel chassis with insulated double-wall construction, low-noise operation (<55 dB(A) at 200 rpm), and over-temperature/over-speed safety cutoffs compliant with IEC 61010-1.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The THZ-C-1 accommodates common labware used in life science applications: sterile polycarbonate or glass culture flasks (50–500 mL), PCR tube strips, deep-well plates, and custom fixtures secured via adjustable spring-loaded clamps. It meets essential electrical and mechanical safety standards including CE marking (EN 61010-1:2010, EN 61326-1:2013) and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. While not certified for use in explosion-proof environments or regulated GMP manufacturing suites, its operational repeatability supports method validation per ASTM E2500-13 (Standard Guide for Specification, Design, and Verification of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Systems) when integrated into documented SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The THZ-C-1 operates via an intuitive front-panel interface with LED display and tactile membrane keys—no external software required for routine operation. For labs requiring audit-ready records, optional RS-232/USB output enables connection to LabArchives or Benchling via third-party serial-to-CSV loggers. Timestamped parameter logs (setpoint, actual temp, rpm, elapsed time) can be exported for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned review where electronic signatures are implemented at the institutional level. Firmware updates are performed manually using vendor-provided HEX files; no cloud connectivity or remote access is supported, preserving data sovereignty.

Applications

• Bacterial and yeast culture expansion under defined thermal-aerobic conditions (e.g., E. coli LB broth at 37°C/220 rpm).
• Low-temperature hybridization buffer equilibration (e.g., 4°C overnight for Northern blotting).
• Solubilization of inclusion bodies in chilled denaturation buffers (6–10°C, 120 rpm).
• Antibody-antigen binding kinetics in microplates during ELISA development.
• Pre-incubation of restriction digests and ligase reactions prior to electrophoresis.
• Supporting bioprocess development workflows where scalable agitation parameters must be transferred from benchtop to pilot-scale bioreactors.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature, and how is cooling achieved?
The unit achieves –10°C using solid-state Peltier elements with forced-air heat dissipation; ambient temperature must remain ≤25°C for full low-end performance.
Is the platform compatible with microplate shakers or deep-well plates?
Yes—standard 96-well and 384-well plates mount securely using optional universal microplate clamps (sold separately); deep-well plates require custom fixture alignment verification.
Does the shaker support continuous operation beyond 999 minutes?
No—timer resets after 999 min; for extended runs, manual restart or external programmable relay control is recommended.
Can this instrument be validated for ISO/IEC 17025 calibration?
While not supplied with NIST-traceable certificates, temperature and speed uniformity can be verified using accredited third-party probes (e.g., Fluke 1524 with 5615 RTD) per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Biannual inspection of fan filters, periodic cleaning of Peltier cold-side fins with compressed air, and annual torque verification of platform mounting bolts are advised per manufacturer’s service schedule.