Brookfield TC Series Constant Temperature Water Bath
| Brand | Brookfield |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | TC Series |
| Instrument Type | Constant Temperature Bath |
| Circulation Function | Internal & External Circulation |
| Temperature Control Mode | Heating/Refrigeration Type |
| Bath Volume | 6–10 L |
| Temperature Range | −20 °C to 200 °C |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.01 °C |
Overview
The Brookfield TC Series Constant Temperature Water Bath is a precision-engineered thermal control platform designed for laboratory applications requiring high-stability temperature regulation across a broad operational range (−20 °C to 200 °C). Built on a robust, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel bath architecture, the TC Series employs PID-controlled heating and optional refrigeration modules to maintain thermal equilibrium with exceptional repeatability (±0.01 °C stability) — critical for rheological measurements, sample conditioning, enzymatic assays, dissolution testing, and calibration of temperature-sensitive instrumentation. Unlike generic immersion baths, the TC Series integrates thermally optimized fluid dynamics via an internal circulation pump, enabling uniform heat distribution and compatibility with external jacketed vessels or viscometers. Its modular design supports both standalone operation and integration into automated workflows, making it suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs, pharmaceutical QC environments compliant with USP and , and materials research facilities adhering to ASTM D2196 and ISO 2555 standards.
Key Features
- Three standard configurations: TC-150 (heating-only, 6 L), TC-250 (heating-only, 10 L), and TC-351 refrigeration module (enables −20 °C minimum when paired with TC-150/TC-250 units)
- Dual-mode circulation system supporting internal bath homogenization and external flow to jacketed reactors, viscometers, or spectrophotometer cells
- Integrated tap-water cooling coil for passive stabilization at 25 °C — eliminates need for chiller in ambient-lab environments
- Removable insulated lid with cutouts accommodating standard labware: direct immersion of 600 mL and 1000 mL beakers (lid removed for larger vessels up to 6 L)
- Interchangeable controller options: MX (basic digital interface), SD (enhanced programmability with ramp/soak profiles), and AP (analog output for PLC integration)
- Optional RheocalcT software support (TC-250 with MX/SD controller) for PC-based temperature logging, remote setpoint adjustment, and audit-trail generation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TC Series accommodates a wide variety of sample containers and analytical accessories without compromising thermal fidelity. Standard configurations accept glass beakers (600–1000 mL), U-tube viscometers, capillary tubes, and jacketed cuvettes. For extended temperature operation, Brookfield-certified heat-transfer fluids are available: TC-Fluid 2 (−20 °C to +100 °C, 50/50 ethylene glycol/water blend), TC-Fluid 3 (+50 °C to +150 °C), TC-Fluid 4 (+100 °C to +200 °C), and TC-Fluid 5 (−50 °C to +58 °C, low-volatility formulation). All TC baths comply with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment. When operated with validated protocols and calibrated reference thermometers traceable to NIST, the system meets GLP and GMP documentation requirements for temperature-controlled process validation.
Software & Data Management
RheocalcT software (compatible with TC-250 units equipped with MX or SD controllers) provides full bidirectional communication over RS-232 or USB. It enables real-time temperature monitoring, multi-step thermal profiling, data export to CSV or Excel formats, and time-stamped event logging. Audit trail functionality records user login, parameter changes, and system alerts — fulfilling FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record integrity criteria. Optional analog output (AP controller) allows integration into SCADA or LIMS platforms for centralized environmental monitoring across multiple instruments.
Applications
- Rheology: Precise thermal conditioning of samples prior to viscosity measurement using Brookfield DVNext or CAP2000+ viscometers
- Pharmaceutical QA/QC: Dissolution testing per USP , stability studies under ICH Q1 guidelines, and gelation point determination
- Materials science: Thermal aging of polymers, curing kinetics analysis, and phase transition characterization
- Biochemistry: Enzyme activity assays requiring strict thermal control (e.g., amylase, lipase, protease kinetics)
- Calibration laboratories: Reference temperature source for thermometer calibration against ITS-90 standards
FAQ
Can the TC-150 or TC-250 operate below ambient temperature without the TC-351 refrigeration module?
No. The TC-150 and TC-250 are heating-only systems. Refrigeration capability requires integration with the TC-351 chiller unit.
What is the maximum recommended operating temperature when using water as the bath medium?
Water is suitable up to 95 °C. For temperatures above 100 °C, Brookfield TC-Fluid 3, 4, or PVS-152 must be used to prevent boiling, oxidation, and mineral deposition.
Is the internal circulation pump adjustable for flow rate?
The pump operates at a fixed optimal flow rate engineered for laminar thermal convection within the specified bath volume; no user-adjustable flow control is provided.
Does the TC Series support external temperature probe input for cascade control?
Yes — the AP controller variant accepts external Pt100 or thermocouple inputs for chamber or sample-specific feedback loops.
Are maintenance logs and calibration certificates included with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration report (traceable to NIST), but routine recalibration and maintenance logs must be generated by the end user per ISO/IEC 17025 or internal SOPs.
