Grant GLS Aqua 12/18 Plus Reciprocating Water Bath Shaker

Overview

The Grant GLS Aqua 12/18 Plus Reciprocating Water Bath Shaker is a precision-engineered life science instrument designed for controlled thermal and mechanical stimulation of biological samples in liquid suspension. It operates on the principle of linear reciprocating motion—distinct from orbital or rotary shaking—delivering consistent, low-shear oscillation ideal for cell culture maintenance, enzyme kinetics studies, hybridization protocols, and gentle tissue dissociation. Integrated with a thermostatically regulated water bath, the system enables simultaneous temperature control (from ambient +5 °C to 99 °C) and programmable linear agitation (40–400 cycles per minute), ensuring reproducible environmental conditions critical for GLP- and GMP-aligned workflows. Its stainless steel tank construction—available in 12 L or 18 L configurations—features electropolished high-alloy steel for corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning, meeting ISO 13485-compatible laboratory hygiene standards.

Key Features

• Dual pre-programmed temperature and shaking profiles—enabling rapid method switching without manual reconfiguration
• Integrated drain valve for safe, spill-free bath fluid exchange—reducing downtime during routine maintenance
• Front-panel LED display with three-digit resolution (0.1 °C) and intuitive menu navigation—optimized for glove-compatible operation
• Programmable audible countdown alert—supporting unattended operation while maintaining procedural awareness
• Digital PID temperature control with ±0.1 °C stability and uniformity at 37 °C—validated per ASTM E2234 for thermal performance in biological incubation systems
• User-configurable safety interlocks: overtemperature cutoff and low-level fluid detection—compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety requirements
• 18 mm fixed amplitude linear oscillation—engineered to minimize bubble formation and shear-induced cellular stress in sensitive suspensions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GLS Aqua series accommodates a broad range of sample formats via interchangeable trays and fixtures—including universal flat platforms, microtube racks (H1 series for 1.5 mL to 30 mm tubes), and custom-fit tube holders (e.g., TT12, UTP18). All accessories are autoclavable or compatible with validated disinfection protocols (e.g., 70% ethanol, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite). The system supports compliance with USP for compounding sterile preparations when used with appropriate containment covers (e.g., AGL12 polycarbonate lid or LU14/LU28 stainless steel hoods). Its electrical architecture conforms to CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC, 2014/35/EU LVD) and meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity prerequisites when paired with Grant’s optional LogTag® software for audit-trail-enabled parameter logging.

Software & Data Management

While the GLS Aqua 12/18 Plus operates as a stand-alone benchtop unit with local digital controls, it is fully compatible with Grant’s LogTag® PC-based data acquisition suite. This software provides time-stamped, encrypted recording of temperature setpoints, actual bath readings, shake frequency, runtime duration, and alarm events—generating PDF reports compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). Optional USB interface enables direct export to LIMS or ELN platforms. All firmware updates are distributed through Grant’s secure customer portal and undergo version-controlled validation per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 5.9.

Applications

• Continuous suspension culture of adherent and non-adherent mammalian cell lines under physiological temperatures
• Controlled denaturation/renaturation studies in nucleic acid hybridization (e.g., Southern/Northern blotting)
• Enzymatic reaction monitoring requiring precise thermal and kinetic parameters (e.g., kinase assays, ligase optimization)
• Pre-analytical sample homogenization for clinical diagnostics—particularly blood-derived extracellular vesicles and circulating tumor cells
• Temperature-dependent solubility testing of biopharmaceutical formulations in accelerated stability programs
• Microbial growth curve analysis under defined agitation regimes—supporting CLSI M07-A10 methodology

FAQ

What is the difference between linear reciprocating motion and orbital shaking?
Linear reciprocation delivers back-and-forth movement along a single axis, minimizing vortex formation and shear stress—making it preferable for fragile cells or viscous media. Orbital shaking induces circular motion that promotes mixing but may generate excessive turbulence.
Can the GLS Aqua operate below ambient temperature?
No—the base unit is not refrigerated. Sub-ambient operation requires integration with an external chiller (e.g., Grant TC-100) and use of the optional HI cooling jacket accessory.
Is the water bath depth adjustable?
Yes—immersion depth is continuously variable from 0 to 60 mm, enabling partial submersion of tall vessels or multi-tiered rack configurations.
How often should the bath fluid be replaced?
Deionized water should be refreshed weekly for microbiological control; addition of 0.02% sodium azide or commercial bath preservatives extends interval to biweekly—subject to internal lab SOP review.
Are calibration certificates available?
Grant offers UKAS-accredited (ISO/IEC 17025) temperature and timing calibration services, including as-delivered verification and annual recalibration packages with traceable documentation.