DHZ-C Large-Capacity Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker

Overview

The DHZ-C Large-Capacity Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker is an engineered platform for scalable, temperature-controlled liquid mixing in microbiology, molecular biology, and bioprocess development laboratories. Designed around a robust orbital motion principle—where the platform rotates in a horizontal circular path with a fixed 25 mm diameter—the instrument ensures gentle yet uniform suspension of microbial cultures, cell suspensions, and reagent solutions without shear-induced damage. Unlike reciprocating or vortex shakers, orbital agitation minimizes foaming and splashing while maximizing oxygen transfer efficiency—critical for aerobic bacterial growth and enzyme reaction kinetics. Its integrated Peltier-assisted heating system maintains stable thermal environments from ambient +5°C up to 60°C, enabling precise control over metabolic rates and expression conditions across extended incubation periods. The absence of mechanical timer circuitry reflects its design intent: continuous operation under manual supervision in GLP-aligned workflows where protocol-defined timing is externally managed (e.g., via LIMS or lab SOPs).

Key Features

• Single-tier stainless-steel platform (1300 mm × 650 mm) supporting up to six 5000 mL Erlenmeyer flasks—configurable with custom clamps for alternative vessel geometries including baffled bottles and carboys.
• Digital PID temperature controller with ±0.3°C stability across the full 5–60°C range; sensor feedback loop utilizes high-accuracy Pt100 RTD mounted directly beneath the platform surface.
• Brushless DC motor drive delivering smooth, low-vibration rotation at speeds continuously adjustable from 40 to 280 rpm—displayed on a backlit LED interface with real-time rpm readout and memory retention after power cycle.
• Acoustically damped chassis and precision-balanced drive train achieve <50 dB(A) sound pressure level at 1 meter distance during sustained operation at 280 rpm—compliant with ISO 7779 and EU Directive 2000/14/EC noise emission limits for laboratory equipment.
• Front-access service panel facilitates routine maintenance of fan filters and thermal fuse inspection without disassembly; all electrical components meet IEC 61010-1 safety standards for Class I laboratory instruments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DHZ-C accommodates standard microbiological vessels (e.g., 250–5000 mL glass or polycarbonate flasks), single-use bioreactor bags (with compatible mounting brackets), and multi-well plates when fitted with auxiliary platforms. It supports protocols requiring adherence to USP , ISO 8573-1 (compressed air quality for biomanufacturing), and ASTM D2086 (microbial culture agitation validation). While not certified for use in classified cleanrooms (ISO 5 or better), its sealed motor housing and non-shedding polymer finishes meet ISO 14644-1 Class 8 particulate requirements for general-purpose biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) and BSL-2 laboratories. No internal data logging or audit trail functionality is included—users deploying this unit in regulated environments must implement external recording systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Software & Data Management

The DHZ-C operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded operating system, network interface, or proprietary software suite. All operational parameters—including setpoint temperature, actual platform temperature, and current rpm—are displayed locally via the front-panel LED interface. For integration into automated lab environments, optional analog voltage outputs (0–5 VDC) are available upon request for external data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, DeltaV, or SCADA platforms). Calibration records (temperature and speed) must be maintained manually per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements; factory calibration certificates are provided with each unit, traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China).

Applications

• High-yield cultivation of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and yeast strains under controlled aeration and thermal regimes.
• Preparation of homogeneous cell lysates prior to centrifugation or chromatographic purification steps.
• Buffer equilibration and reagent solubilization for downstream HPLC and ELISA workflows.
• Seed train expansion in early-stage bioprocess development where scalability from shake flask to benchtop bioreactor is validated.
• Environmental microbiology studies involving soil slurry enrichment or waterborne pathogen propagation under defined temperature gradients.

FAQ

Does the DHZ-C support programmable ramping or multi-step temperature profiles?
No. It provides only static temperature setpoints within the 5–60°C range. Profile-based thermal control requires external programmable chillers or integration with third-party incubator controllers.
Is the shaker compatible with CO₂-enriched atmospheres?
Not natively. The chamber is not gas-tight; users requiring CO₂ control must operate the unit inside a dedicated CO₂ incubator or use sealed vessels with gas-permeable membranes.
What is the recommended calibration frequency for routine QC use?
Per ISO/IEC 17025 guidance, temperature sensors should be verified quarterly using NIST-traceable dry-block calibrators; speed verification is advised before each high-value culture run using a handheld tachometer.
Can the platform accommodate magnetic stir bars or hotplate functions?
No. The DHZ-C is strictly an orbital agitation device without integrated heating elements beneath the platform or electromagnetic drive capability.
Are spare parts and service manuals available internationally?
Yes. OEM-specified consumables—including drive belts, RTD probes, and control PCBs—are stocked by authorized distributors in North America, EU, and APAC regions; English-language technical documentation is provided upon request.