Hanuo SC-5A Constant Temperature Water Bath Circulator
| Brand | Hanuo |
|---|---|
| Model | SC-5A |
| Type | Immersion Circulating Bath |
| Capacity | 5 L |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 100 °C |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.05 °C |
| Circulation | Internal & External Pump |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 240×150×150 mm |
| Bath Opening | 180×140 mm |
| Depth | 150 mm |
| Display | Dual LED (Setpoint & Actual) |
| Control System | PID Algorithm |
| Cooling Option | Optional Tap-Water Auxiliary Cooling |
Overview
The Hanuo SC-5A Constant Temperature Water Bath Circulator is an engineered thermal management system designed for precision temperature control in laboratory-scale applications requiring high thermal uniformity and long-term stability. Operating on the principle of forced convection via a built-in circulation pump, the SC-5A maintains consistent thermal equilibrium across its 5 L working bath volume through continuous internal recirculation of heated fluid—water or compatible heat-transfer oils. Its heating-only architecture (no integrated refrigeration) makes it particularly suited for applications where rapid ramp-up and sustained operation at elevated temperatures up to 100 °C are required, such as enzyme kinetics assays, cell culture incubation support, calibration of thermometric standards, and pre-conditioning of samples prior to spectroscopic or chromatographic analysis. The unit’s compact benchtop footprint (240 × 150 × 150 mm) and recessed drain valve facilitate integration into space-constrained analytical workstations while enabling safe, tool-free bath fluid exchange.
Key Features
- PID-based digital temperature controller with dual LED display showing both setpoint and real-time bath temperature—enabling immediate verification of thermal deviation
- ±0.05 °C temperature stability over time, validated under steady-state conditions per ISO/IEC 17025-compliant calibration protocols
- Switchable internal/external circulation mode: internal loop ensures homogeneous temperature distribution; external port supports closed-loop heating of auxiliary equipment (e.g., jacketed reactors, viscometer jackets, or column ovens)
- Stainless steel bath chamber with corrosion-resistant finish and integrated overflow protection to prevent spillage during external pumping
- Optional tap-water cooling interface allows passive heat extraction during exothermic processes—extending operational flexibility without requiring cryogenic accessories
- Touch-sensitive membrane keypad with intuitive navigation and password-protected parameter locking for GLP-compliant environments
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SC-5A accommodates standard laboratory glassware including beakers (up to 1000 mL), test tubes, cuvettes, and immersion probes. Its open-bath configuration (180 × 140 mm aperture) permits unobstructed access for manual sampling or sensor insertion. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for electrical equipment used in laboratory settings. While not certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations, its design meets general-purpose use criteria under ASTM E2797–22 (Standard Guide for Laboratory Thermal Equipment Qualification). For regulated workflows—including those governed by FDA 21 CFR Part 11—the optional data logging module (sold separately) provides timestamped temperature records with audit trail capability.
Software & Data Management
The SC-5A operates as a standalone instrument with no mandatory software dependency. However, when paired with Hanuo’s optional RS-485 communication interface and PC-based HanuoTemp Suite v3.2, users gain remote monitoring, programmable ramp/soak profiles, and exportable CSV-formatted logs compliant with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. All firmware updates are delivered via secure USB firmware loader; no cloud connectivity or third-party vendor dependencies are introduced. Configuration changes are retained after power cycling, and the system supports user-defined calibration offsets traceable to NIST-traceable reference thermometers.
Applications
- Calibration of liquid-in-glass thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against primary standards in metrology labs
- Thermal equilibration of reagents and solvents prior to HPLC mobile phase preparation or titration standardization
- Controlled-temperature activation of polymerase enzymes in molecular biology workflows
- Supporting viscosity measurements using rotational rheometers requiring stable thermal jackets
- Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines (when operated within defined temperature tolerances)
- Pre-heating of metal samples for tensile testing per ASTM E8/E8M specifications
FAQ
Does the SC-5A support refrigeration or cooling below ambient temperature?
No—the SC-5A is a heating-only circulator. Sub-ambient operation requires an external chiller connected via the external circulation port.
Can I use silicone oil or ethylene glycol solutions in this bath?
Yes, provided fluid viscosity remains below 50 cSt at operating temperature and chemical compatibility with stainless steel and silicone seals is confirmed.
Is the temperature probe calibrated upon shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate indicating deviation from reference at three points (25 °C, 50 °C, and 75 °C), traceable to a NIST-traceable standard.
What maintenance is required to sustain ±0.05 °C stability?
Biannual verification using a calibrated secondary standard thermometer and annual inspection of pump impeller wear and seal integrity are recommended per Hanuo Maintenance Protocol MP-SC5A Rev. 4.
Can multiple SC-5A units be synchronized for parallel temperature control?
Not natively—but external PLC integration via analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA setpoint input (available on upgraded controller variant SC-5A-PLC) enables master-slave coordination.
