AQBT5 Polycarbonate Tray for Laboratory Water Baths
| Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Supplier Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | AQBT5 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The AQBT5 Polycarbonate Tray is a precision-engineered accessory designed specifically for integration with standard laboratory water baths used in temperature-controlled sample incubation, dissolution testing, enzymatic assays, and calibration workflows. Constructed from high-purity, optical-grade polycarbonate, this tray provides exceptional thermal stability across a continuous operating range of 4 °C to 95 °C—compatible with both analog and digital water bath systems. Unlike generic plastic or stainless-steel trays, the AQBT5 is optimized for uniform heat transfer, minimal thermal lag, and long-term dimensional integrity under repeated thermal cycling. Its non-porous, hydrolysis-resistant surface prevents leaching of extractables, ensuring compatibility with aqueous, buffered, and mildly acidic or alkaline solutions commonly encountered in QC laboratories and academic research settings.
Key Features
- Material: USP Class VI-certified polycarbonate—tested for biocompatibility, low metal ion content, and resistance to autoclaving (up to 121 °C, 15 min, steam sterilization)
- Design: Flat-bottomed, rimmed configuration with integrated alignment grooves for secure placement in standard water bath wells (compatible with bath chambers ≥ 180 mm × 180 mm)
- Thermal Performance: Low coefficient of thermal expansion (67 × 10⁻⁶ /°C) ensures minimal warping during prolonged immersion at elevated temperatures
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to ethanol, isopropanol, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and 0.1 M NaOH; not recommended for prolonged exposure to acetone or chlorinated solvents
- Traceability: Each unit carries a laser-etched batch number and CE marking compliant with EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2011/65/EU (RoHS)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AQBT5 tray supports standard laboratory vessels including 15 mL and 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes, glass vials (10–30 mL), microtiter plates (96-well, flat-bottom), and custom sample racks. Its smooth, scratch-resistant surface minimizes particle generation and facilitates rapid cleaning with deionized water or 70% ethanol. The material meets ISO 10993-5 (cytotoxicity) and ASTM D5034 (tensile strength) requirements for labware components. When used within validated water bath systems, the tray contributes to GLP-compliant documentation protocols—particularly in dissolution method transfers per USP and stability-indicating assays aligned with ICH Q1A(R2).
Software & Data Management
As a passive hardware component, the AQBT5 tray does not incorporate embedded electronics or firmware. However, it is fully compatible with water bath controllers featuring data logging (e.g., Grant Instruments, Julabo, and Thermo Scientific models) that support USB or RS-232 output. Lab managers may assign unique identifiers to each tray in LIMS environments (e.g., LabWare LIMS or STARLIMS) to track usage history, cleaning cycles, and calibration intervals—supporting audit readiness under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with electronic signature-enabled systems.
Applications
- Controlled-temperature sample equilibration prior to HPLC injection or spectrophotometric analysis
- Standardized placement of reference standards in thermal validation studies (IQ/OQ/PQ)
- Support platform for multi-vial dissolution apparatus (e.g., USP Apparatus II) requiring consistent bath-level positioning
- Carrier for enzyme kinetics assays where thermal homogeneity across replicate wells is critical
- Reusable alternative to disposable polypropylene trays in high-throughput screening workflows—reducing consumable waste and long-term operational cost
FAQ
Is the AQBT5 tray suitable for use in circulating water baths with pump-driven flow?
Yes—its rigid geometry and low-profile design prevent displacement under typical flow rates (< 2 L/min) and maintains stable positioning even during extended operation.
Can the tray be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath?
Yes, using aqueous detergent solutions at ≤ 40 °C for ≤ 10 minutes; avoid alkaline detergents above pH 10.5 to preserve surface clarity.
Does the tray require periodic recalibration?
No—calibration applies to the water bath system itself; however, visual inspection for scratches, clouding, or edge deformation is recommended before each use per internal SOPs.
Is autoclave sterilization validated for this tray?
Yes—validated per ISO 17665-1 for single-cycle steam sterilization (121 °C, 15 min, gravity displacement); repeated cycles beyond 20 are not recommended.
What is the expected service life under routine laboratory conditions?
With proper handling and cleaning, the AQBT5 exhibits >5 years of functional integrity in environments meeting ISO 14644-1 Class 8 (100,000) cleanroom specifications.
