Ningbo Scientz SC-20 Digital Programmable Circulating Bath

Overview

The Ningbo Scientz SC-20 Digital Programmable Circulating Bath is an engineered thermal management system designed for precise, stable, and repeatable temperature control in laboratory and industrial R&D environments. Based on resistive heating and forced liquid circulation principles, the SC-20 maintains uniform thermal conditions within its stainless-steel bath chamber (500 × 300 × 150 mm), delivering high-fidelity temperature stability of ±0.05 °C to ±0.2 °C across its full operating range of +5 °C to +200 °C. Its dual-mode circulation architecture—switchable between internal recirculation and external closed-loop delivery—enables flexible integration with external equipment such as viscometers, spectrophotometers, calorimeters, or reaction vessels. The unit employs environmentally compliant refrigerants (where applicable in hybrid configurations) and utilizes imported critical components—including precision PID-controlled heating elements, corrosion-resistant circulation pumps, and high-stability platinum resistance temperature sensors (PT100)—to ensure long-term reliability and minimal drift under continuous operation.

Key Features

• 7-inch tilted capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-based navigation, supporting real-time display of setpoint, actual bath temperature, elapsed/remaining time, pump status, and error codes
• Programmable countdown timer with automatic shutdown upon completion—critical for unattended overnight experiments or standardized calibration protocols
• Non-volatile memory retains all user-defined parameters (setpoint, timer, circulation mode, pump speed) during power interruption; configurable auto-restart or standby-on-power-up behavior per GLP-compliant workflow requirements
• Adjustable external circulation pressure and flow rate via integrated variable-speed pump—optimized for varying backpressure conditions across diverse auxiliary systems
• Heating-only architecture eliminates condensation risk in high-humidity environments and avoids thermal shock associated with rapid cooling cycles—ideal for applications requiring sustained elevated temperatures
• Stainless-steel 304 bath tank with reinforced insulation and low-thermal-loss lid design minimizes energy consumption and improves spatial temperature uniformity (≤±0.1 °C across working volume)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SC-20 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample containers—including glass beakers (up to 2 L), metal reaction blocks, jacketed reactors, and immersion probes—without compromising thermal homogeneity. Its external circulation port supports standard 1/4″ or 3/8″ tubing connections compatible with most OEM instrumentation interfaces. From a regulatory standpoint, the device meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). While not intrinsically rated for hazardous locations, its construction complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment. For GxP environments, audit-trail-capable data logging (via optional RS485/Modbus RTU or USB-C interface) supports alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated third-party software platforms.

Software & Data Management

The SC-20 operates autonomously via its embedded microcontroller but offers optional digital connectivity for centralized monitoring and traceability. Through its RS485 serial port (Modbus RTU protocol), it integrates seamlessly into LabVantage, STARLIMS, or custom SCADA architectures for remote parameter adjustment, real-time temperature streaming, and event-driven alarm notifications. USB-C firmware updates ensure future-proof adaptability. Raw temperature logs (timestamped at 1-second intervals) can be exported in CSV format for post-hoc analysis in MATLAB, Python (Pandas), or Excel—facilitating ISO/IEC 17025-compliant uncertainty budgeting and method validation reporting.

Applications

• Viscosity measurement standardization—providing ASTM D445/D7042-compliant thermal conditioning for rotational and capillary viscometers
• Biochemical assay incubation—maintaining consistent thermal environments for enzyme kinetics, protein denaturation studies, and cell viability assays
• Pharmaceutical QC testing—supporting USP and temperature-controlled dissolution and stability protocols
• Materials science characterization—enabling controlled curing of thermosets, thermal aging of polymers, and phase transition analysis of liquid crystals
• Calibration of temperature-sensitive sensors—including RTDs, thermistors, and infrared pyrometers—against NIST-traceable reference standards
• Cosmetic product rheology testing—meeting ISO 18811 and CTFA guidelines for emulsion and gel thermal response profiling

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended fluid volume for optimal temperature uniformity?
The SC-20 achieves specified stability and uniformity when filled to 80–95% of its nominal capacity (~18–22 L), using deionized water, silicone oil, or glycol-water mixtures compatible with stainless-steel wetted parts.
Can the SC-20 be used with flammable solvents?
No. The unit is not explosion-proof and lacks solvent-resistant seals or spark-free components. It is certified only for use with non-flammable heat-transfer fluids.
Is external circulation flow rate calibrated or adjustable without tools?
Yes—flow rate is continuously adjustable via on-screen slider or physical knob (depending on firmware version), with visual feedback of relative pressure output; no disassembly or calibration tools required.
Does the SC-20 support ramp-and-soak temperature programming?
Not natively. The base firmware supports single-setpoint stabilization and timed hold; multi-segment profiles require external PLC or PC-based control via Modbus.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term accuracy?
Annual verification of PT100 sensor calibration against a certified reference thermometer (e.g., Fluke 1523) and biannual inspection of pump impeller wear and seal integrity are advised per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.