PRS-14 Precision Orbital Shaking Platform with Integrated Metal Bath

Overview

The PRS-14 Precision Orbital Shaking Platform with Integrated Metal Bath is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring simultaneous temperature-controlled incubation and uniform orbital agitation of samples in tubes, microplates, and small flasks. Unlike conventional water baths or standalone shakers, the PRS-14 integrates a solid aluminum heating block (metal bath) with a precision-balanced orbital drive mechanism—enabling rapid thermal equilibration and low-vibration mixing across biological, biochemical, and analytical workflows. Its operation is grounded in controlled eccentric rotation (25 mm orbit), delivering consistent shear profiles ideal for cell culture suspension, enzyme kinetics assays, immunoassay plate washing, and solvent-based extractions where convection-driven heat transfer must be paired with mechanical homogenization.

Key Features

• Integrated aluminum metal bath block with high thermal conductivity and uniform surface temperature distribution (±1 °C accuracy across full 0–100 °C range)
• Rapid heating performance: reaches 100 °C from ambient in ≤60 seconds, minimizing protocol downtime
• Orbital shaking platform with digitally adjustable speed (100–1,200 rpm) and ±2 rpm repeatability for method-critical reproducibility
• Compact footprint (260 × 240 mm platform) optimized for benchtop use while supporting standard 96-well plates, 15/50 mL conical tubes, and multi-vial racks
• Microprocessor-based PID temperature control with real-time digital display and auto-tuning capability
• Over-temperature cut-off, dry-run protection, and current-limiting circuitry compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards
• CE and RoHS certified; designed for continuous unattended operation under GLP-aligned laboratory conditions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PRS-14 accommodates common labware without adapter requirements: flat-bottom 96-well microplates, PCR plates, 0.2–50 mL centrifuge tubes, and vial racks (up to 3 kg total load). Its metal bath surface supports direct placement of aluminum or stainless-steel sample blocks, enabling thermal coupling for low-volume reactions (e.g., DNA denaturation, antigen-antibody binding). The device meets ISO/IEC 17025-relevant environmental stability criteria when operated within ambient temperatures of 15–30 °C and relative humidity ≤80% non-condensing. It is suitable for use in environments governed by FDA 21 CFR Part 11 where electronic records are generated via optional RS-232/USB data logging (firmware v2.3+).

Software & Data Management

While the PRS-14 operates as a stand-alone instrument with intuitive front-panel controls, optional connectivity modules enable integration into centralized lab management systems. Through its RS-232 or USB-C interface (accessory required), users may log time-stamped temperature and speed profiles using validated third-party software compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail requirements. Firmware updates preserve calibration history and support configurable alarm thresholds (e.g., deviation >±1.5 °C for >30 s triggers audible/visual alert). All parameter settings—including ramp rate, hold duration, and speed ramping profiles—are stored in non-volatile memory and survive power cycling.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance during transient transfection or serum-free adaptation protocols
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plate incubation with concurrent gentle agitation to reduce edge effects
• Protein solubilization and ligand-binding equilibration in buffer systems sensitive to localized overheating
• Pre-analytical sample preparation for HPLC or LC-MS workflows requiring temperature-stabilized derivatization
• Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations under ICH Q1A-relevant thermal stress conditions
• Environmental microbiology: bacterial enrichment in liquid media at defined physiological temperatures (e.g., 37 °C ±1 °C)

FAQ

Is the PRS-14 compatible with PCR plates and deep-well blocks?
Yes—the platform’s flat, machined aluminum surface ensures stable contact with ANSI/SLAS-compliant microplate footprints and custom-machined aluminum blocks up to 25 mm height.
Can temperature and speed be programmed independently?
Yes—dual independent PID loops govern thermal and motion control; users may set static temperature with variable speed, or maintain constant rpm while ramping temperature.
Does the unit include validation documentation for GMP environments?
Factory-supplied IQ/OQ documentation is available upon request; installation qualification templates align with ASTM E2500 and EU Annex 15 guidelines.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
No routine calibration is needed; annual verification using NIST-traceable RTD probes and tachometer is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.5.
Is condensation management addressed in humid environments?
The heated block surface operates above dew point under standard lab conditions; optional top-cover accessory (model CAP-PRS) minimizes ambient moisture ingress during extended low-temperature runs.