PRIMA YT-R26C5 Transparent Programmable Circulating Water Bath

Overview

The PRIMA YT-R26C5 Transparent Programmable Circulating Water Bath is an engineered solution for precision temperature control in laboratory environments where visual monitoring of sample behavior is essential. Designed around a dual-view transparent acrylic bath chamber, this unit enables real-time observation of sample color changes, fluid dynamics, phase transitions, and reaction kinetics—critical for teaching laboratories, method development, and kinetic studies in chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. Unlike conventional opaque baths, its optically clear construction supports non-invasive process validation without compromising thermal performance. The system operates on a closed-loop refrigeration-heating architecture, integrating a high-efficiency compressor (120 W), 1500 W resistive heating element, and a low-pulsation internal circulation pump. Temperature regulation is executed via digital PID control with adaptive tuning, delivering exceptional stability (±0.02 °C at 37 °C) and uniformity (±0.05 °C across the bath volume), meeting stringent requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing and GLP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• Optically transparent double-window bath chamber constructed from high-clarity, chemically resistant acrylic—enables unobstructed visual assessment of samples, reagent mixing, precipitation, or enzymatic activity
• Digital PID temperature controller with programmable ramp-and-soak capability: up to 6 independent temperature segments per program, with up to 99 total cycles for complex thermal protocols
• Adjustable heating and cooling rates (0.01–1.0 °C/min and 0.01–0.5 °C/min respectively), allowing precise thermal profiling for viscosity calibration, polymer curing studies, or enzyme denaturation assays
• Integrated circulation pump ensures homogeneous temperature distribution; flow rate optimized to minimize turbulence while maintaining thermal consistency
• User interface features intuitive membrane keypad, large backlit LCD display, and onboard temperature calibration offset function for traceable instrument adjustment
• Multi-layer safety architecture: hardware-based over-temperature cutoff, dry-run detection with automatic heater shutdown, and power-failure memory retention to resume prior program state
• Compact desktop footprint (700 × 375 × 420 mm) with drain port for rapid bath fluid exchange—designed for integration into fume hoods, glove boxes, or modular lab benches

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YT-R26C5 accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including beakers, flasks, viscometer sleeves, and cuvette holders—within its 26 L bath volume and Ø250 mm opening. Its non-corrosive acrylic tank is compatible with water, aqueous buffers, glycol-water mixtures, and low-concentration organic solvents (e.g., ethanol/water blends). The unit conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and includes CE marking for use in EU-regulated environments. While not certified for Class I Div 1 hazardous locations, it meets general-purpose lab safety standards under ANSI Z535 and OSHA 1910.1200. For regulated industries, audit trails are supported via optional RS232/USB data logging (third-party software required); when paired with validated acquisition tools, the system supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures.

Software & Data Management

The YT-R26C5 operates as a standalone instrument with no proprietary software dependency. All temperature programs, setpoints, and status logs are stored internally and accessible via front-panel navigation. Optional analog (0–5 V / 4–20 mA) and digital (RS232) outputs enable integration with SCADA systems, LIMS, or custom Python/Matlab acquisition scripts. Real-time temperature data can be streamed at user-defined intervals (1–60 s) for time-series analysis or synchronization with spectrophotometers, rheometers, or DSC units. Firmware updates are performed via USB flash drive using vendor-provided .bin files—no internet connection required, ensuring air-gapped deployment in secure facilities.

Applications

• Viscometry support: Stable thermal environment for rotational and capillary viscometers per ASTM D445 and ISO 3104
• Enzyme kinetics: Precise isothermal incubation for Michaelis-Menten parameter determination
• Pharmaceutical QC: Dissolution testing bath per USP , gelatin bloom strength measurement, and tablet coating stability trials
• Materials science: Polymer melt conditioning, crystallization onset studies, and thermal aging of composites
• Educational labs: Visual demonstration of Le Chatelier’s principle, exothermic/endothermic reactions, and convection currents
• Food science: Texture profile analysis, starch gelatinization monitoring, and lipid phase transition experiments

FAQ

Is the bath chamber resistant to common laboratory solvents?
Yes—the acrylic construction resists water, saline solutions, diluted acids/bases (pH 4–10), and ≤30% ethanol/water mixtures. Prolonged exposure to acetone, chloroform, or concentrated oxidizers is not recommended.
Can external temperature probes be connected for independent verification?
Yes—via the analog output port (0–5 V), users may interface calibrated PT100 or thermistor probes for redundant monitoring and uncertainty budgeting per GUM guidelines.
Does the unit support external communication for automated workflows?
Yes—RS232 serial interface allows bidirectional command control (e.g., setting temperature, reading status, initiating programs) using ASCII protocol documented in the technical manual.
What maintenance is required to sustain ±0.02 °C stability?
Annual recalibration of the internal Pt100 sensor against a NIST-traceable reference is recommended; routine cleaning of the evaporator coil and circulation filter every 6 months ensures long-term thermal fidelity.
Is drainage integrated, and what is the recommended coolant for sub-ambient operation?
A bottom-mounted drain valve enables full fluid evacuation. For operation below 10 °C, a 30% propylene glycol/water mixture is advised to prevent freezing and maintain pump lubricity.