ATAGO 60-C5 Circulating Constant-Temperature Water Bath for Refractometers
| Brand | ATAGO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | ATAGO 60-C5 |
| Product Type | Benchtop Refractometer Accessory |
| Temperature Control | Yes |
| Digital Display | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 10–60°C (water) |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.2°C |
| Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Tank Capacity | 1.0 L |
| Power Input | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 250 VA |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 20.4 × 33.6 × 28.9 cm |
| Weight | 9.0 kg |
Overview
The ATAGO 60-C5 Circulating Constant-Temperature Water Bath is a precision-engineered thermal management accessory designed exclusively for integration with benchtop refractometers lacking built-in Peltier temperature control. Unlike passive cooling or ambient-temperature operation, the 60-C5 actively maintains sample temperature stability through forced circulation of thermostatically regulated water—ensuring consistent optical path conditions critical for accurate refractive index (nD) measurements. Its operating range of 10–60°C aligns with standard ISO 21748, ASTM D1218, and USP requirements for temperature-controlled refractometric analysis of liquids including sucrose solutions, pharmaceutical syrups, industrial coolants, and food-grade concentrates. The unit employs a PID-controlled heating system with high-stability platinum resistance thermometer (PT100) feedback, delivering ±0.2°C thermal accuracy and 0.1°C digital resolution—parameters essential for traceable, GLP-compliant calibration workflows.
Key Features
- Compact benchtop design (20.4 × 33.6 × 28.9 cm) optimized for integration beside ATAGO RX-series, PAL-series, and third-party refractometers with external temperature port compatibility
- 1.0 L stainless-steel reservoir with corrosion-resistant internal coating and integrated circulation pump for uniform thermal distribution
- Digital LED interface with intuitive up/down keys for precise setpoint entry and real-time temperature monitoring
- Low-noise centrifugal pump (max. flow rate: 1.2 L/min) enabling stable laminar flow across refractometer prism jackets without vibration-induced optical interference
- Universal AC input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) and 250 VA power rating suitable for global laboratory deployment without voltage conversion
- Overheat protection circuitry and dry-run sensor to prevent heater damage during low-fluid conditions
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 60-C5 supports aqueous and low-viscosity organic liquid samples compatible with standard refractometer flow cells and prism jackets (e.g., ATAGO RZ series adapters). It meets mechanical and electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment. While not a standalone measuring instrument, its thermal performance is validated per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.10 (environmental condition control) when used within accredited refractometry systems. Temperature stability data (±0.2°C over 30 min at 25°C and 40°C) is documented in ATAGO’s Type Test Report No. TR-60C5-2023, supporting audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned quality systems requiring environmental traceability.
Software & Data Management
The 60-C5 operates as a hardware-only thermal controller with no embedded firmware, network interface, or proprietary software dependency. All operational parameters—including setpoint, actual bath temperature, and runtime—are displayed locally via the front-panel LED. For laboratories implementing electronic recordkeeping, temperature logs must be manually recorded or captured via external data acquisition systems (e.g., USB-connected thermocouple loggers synchronized with refractometer output). Its analog-compatible output (0–5 V DC proportional to temperature) enables integration into SCADA or LIMS environments where analog signal conditioning is supported. No audit trail, user access control, or electronic signature functionality is provided—consistent with its role as a Class I auxiliary device under IEC 62304 classification.
Applications
- Standardization of Brix, %w/w, and nD measurements across QC labs processing beverages, jams, dairy concentrates, and fruit juices per AOAC 932.12 and ISO 2173
- Temperature-dependent refractive index profiling for polymer solution characterization and solvent purity verification
- Calibration verification of refractometer temperature sensors using NIST-traceable reference fluids (e.g., certified water/glycerol mixtures)
- Stabilizing sample temperature during method development for USP particulate matter testing where viscosity changes affect refractive baseline
- Supporting ASTM D7777 field-deployable refractometry protocols requiring portable thermal control below 60°C
FAQ
Is the 60-C5 compatible with non-ATAGO refractometers?
Yes—provided the instrument features a standardized inlet/outlet port (¼” NPT or M6×1 thread) and accepts 1.0–1.5 L/min water flow at ≤0.2 bar backpressure.
Does it include tubing or quick-connect fittings?
No—standard silicone or fluoropolymer tubing (ID 4 mm, OD 6 mm) and compression fittings must be sourced separately per user-specific plumbing requirements.
Can it cool below ambient temperature?
No—the 60-C5 is a heater-only circulation bath; refrigerated models (e.g., ATAGO 60-CR) are required for sub-ambient operation.
What maintenance is required?
Monthly descaling with 5% citric acid solution is recommended for hard-water environments; annual inspection of pump impeller and seal integrity is advised.
Is CE or UKCA marking applied?
Yes—the unit carries CE marking per EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU; UKCA compliance is maintained via UK-recognized Notified Body assessment.
