Hanuo SC-15 Circulating Constant-Temperature Water Bath

Overview

The Hanuo SC-15 Circulating Constant-Temperature Water Bath is a precision-engineered thermal stability platform designed for laboratories requiring high-fidelity temperature control in applications ranging from enzyme kinetics and cell culture incubation to calibration of thermometric standards and thermal validation of analytical instruments. Operating on the principle of forced convection via a dual-mode circulation system—internal recirculation for uniform bath homogeneity and external output for remote temperature conditioning—the SC-15 maintains thermal equilibrium across its 15-liter working volume with exceptional repeatability. Its ambient-to-100 °C operational range, coupled with ±0.05 °C temperature stability (measured over 24 hours at setpoint), meets stringent requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs and pharmaceutical QC environments where thermal drift must remain within validated tolerances.

Key Features

• PID-based intelligent temperature controller with auto-tuning capability ensures rapid thermal equilibration and minimal overshoot during ramp-up or load changes;
• Dual LED display simultaneously shows real-time bath temperature and user-defined setpoint, enabling immediate visual verification without menu navigation;
• Robust stainless-steel bath chamber (280 × 250 × 200 mm internal dimensions) with integrated drain valve for safe, residue-free fluid exchange;
• High-efficiency external circulation pump (4 L/min flow rate) delivers consistent thermal transfer to auxiliary equipment such as viscometers, spectrophotometer jackets, or reaction blocks;
• Front-panel tactile membrane keys provide intuitive, glove-compatible operation; optional upgrade path to graphical LCD interface available for enhanced data logging integration;
• Thermal insulation and low-power-density heating elements minimize energy consumption while sustaining long-term stability under continuous operation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SC-15 accommodates standard laboratory glassware—including beakers, flasks, and immersion probes—within its 235 × 160 mm open-top configuration. Its design permits direct immersion of temperature-sensitive samples or indirect thermal coupling via jacketed vessels. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for electrical equipment used in laboratory settings and incorporates over-temperature cut-off protection (independent of main controller) as a fail-safe mechanism. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous location use, it is routinely deployed in GMP-aligned facilities for equipment qualification (IQ/OQ) and as a reference source in USP water conductivity system validation. Its stability performance aligns with ASTM E1137 (Standard Specification for Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers) and supports traceable calibration against NIST-traceable reference thermometers.

Software & Data Management

The SC-15 operates as a standalone analog-controlled instrument; however, its RS232 communication port (optional accessory) enables connection to third-party data acquisition systems or LabVIEW-based monitoring platforms. When interfaced, users may log timestamped temperature readings at configurable intervals (1–60 s), trigger alarms upon deviation thresholds, and export CSV-formatted datasets for audit trail generation. All logged events—including power cycles, setpoint modifications, and alarm activations—are time-stamped and stored locally for up to 72 hours, satisfying basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic record integrity when paired with appropriate access controls and audit trail software.

Applications

• Calibration of liquid-in-glass thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples per ISO 17025 Clause 6.5.2;
• Temperature stabilization of UV-Vis cuvettes, HPLC column ovens, and electrophoresis apparatus;
• Controlled heating of reagent solutions prior to titration or enzymatic assays (e.g., LDH activity, PCR master mix pre-warm);
• Supporting accelerated stability studies (ICH Q1A) by maintaining constant thermal stress conditions over extended durations;
• Integration into custom-built reaction monitoring rigs where precise thermal input is required without mechanical agitation interference.

FAQ

Can the SC-15 operate with silicone oil or other heat-transfer fluids?
Yes—though optimized for aqueous media, the SC-15’s heating element and pump are compatible with low-viscosity oils up to 200 °C (model SC-15A required for >100 °C operation). Always verify fluid compatibility with seals and consult viscosity limits for pump longevity.

Is external cooling (e.g., chiller integration) supported?
The base SC-15 is heating-only. For active cooling, users may connect tap water via the rear inlet port to facilitate rapid cooldown after high-temperature runs—a feature commonly employed in exothermic reaction quenching protocols.

What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained accuracy?
Annual verification of temperature sensor linearity using a calibrated reference thermometer is advised. Clean the bath chamber biweekly with deionized water to prevent mineral buildup; inspect pump impeller and gasket integrity every six months.

Does the unit include documentation for regulatory audits?
Factory calibration certificate (traceable to national standards), CE Declaration of Conformity, and full electrical safety test report are supplied with each unit. Optional IQ/OQ protocol templates are available upon request for GxP environments.