IKA EH4 Basic Immersion Circulator
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | EH4 |
| Temperature Range | Up to 100 °C |
| Minimum Bath Depth | 150 mm |
| Safety Compliance | IEC/EN 61010-1, CE Marked |
| Application Suitability | Aqueous and non-flammable media only |
| Clamp Type | Universal adjustable bath clamp |
| Power Supply | 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Heating Power | 1000 W |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.1 °C (at 37 °C, water bath) |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1 °C |
| Control Mode | PID digital temperature control |
Overview
The IKA EH4 Basic Immersion Circulator is a precision-engineered thermostatic device designed for accurate and stable temperature control in open liquid baths. Operating on the principle of forced convection via an integrated high-efficiency heating element and optimized fluid circulation path, the EH4 maintains consistent thermal conditions across laboratory-scale aqueous or compatible non-flammable solutions. Its immersion design enables direct thermal coupling with the bath medium—eliminating air gaps and minimizing thermal lag—making it especially suitable for applications requiring rapid equilibration and long-term stability, such as enzymatic assays, cell culture incubation support, viscometry sample conditioning, and calibration of temperature-sensitive sensors. The unit is engineered for reliability under continuous operation and complies with IEC/EN 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment.
Key Features
- Robust stainless-steel immersion shaft and heater housing for corrosion resistance and mechanical durability in aqueous environments
- PID-based digital temperature controller with intuitive push-button interface and real-time display of setpoint and actual bath temperature
- Adjustable universal clamp system accommodates standard round-bottom flasks, beakers, and cylindrical vessels (diameters from 60–120 mm)
- Thermal cut-off protection and overtemperature alarm prevent uncontrolled excursions beyond user-defined limits
- 1000 W heating capacity ensures rapid warm-up times even in larger-volume baths (up to 20 L recommended maximum)
- No internal recirculation pump—designed exclusively for passive convection enhancement in static or gently stirred baths
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The EH4 is validated for use with water, buffer solutions, glycerol–water mixtures, and other non-volatile, non-flammable liquids. It is explicitly not rated for use with organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, hexane), oils, or any substance with flash point below 93 °C. All electrical components meet CE marking requirements and conform to IEC/EN 61010-1:2010 for safety in laboratory environments. While the EH4 does not incorporate features required for GLP/GMP-regulated workflows (e.g., electronic audit trail, 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software), its stable thermal performance supports method validation per ISO/IEC 17025 and ASTM E2877-21 (Standard Guide for Thermal Stability Testing of Liquid Baths).
Software & Data Management
The EH4 Basic model operates independently of external software and does not feature USB, RS232, or Ethernet connectivity. Temperature logging, remote monitoring, or protocol automation are not supported in this configuration. For laboratories requiring data traceability, IKA recommends pairing the EH4 with third-party calibrated PT100 probes and standalone dataloggers compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices. No firmware updates or configuration files are distributed for this model; all operational parameters are set manually via front-panel controls.
Applications
- Pre-conditioning samples prior to rheological, spectroscopic, or calorimetric analysis
- Maintaining constant temperature during titrations, dissolution testing, and reaction kinetics studies
- Supporting water-jacketed reactor systems where auxiliary thermal control is required
- Calibrating thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against NIST-traceable references
- Providing stable thermal environments for microbiological growth studies (e.g., incubation of agar plates in water baths)
- Enabling reproducible viscosity measurements per ASTM D445 and ISO 3104 using standardized Ubbelohde or Cannon–Fenske capillary viscometers
FAQ
Can the EH4 be used with flammable solvents?
No. The EH4 is strictly intended for non-flammable, aqueous, or polar solvent systems with flash points ≥ 93 °C. Use with volatile organics poses fire and explosion hazards and voids warranty and safety certification.
What is the minimum required bath depth for stable operation?
A minimum immersion depth of 150 mm is mandatory to ensure full coverage of the heating element and sensor, preventing dry-run damage and thermal instability.
Is the EH4 compatible with external temperature probes?
The EH4 does not support external probe input; temperature sensing is performed internally via a fixed PT100 sensor located within the immersion shaft.
Does the EH4 include a built-in circulation pump?
No. This is a passive immersion circulator—fluid motion relies on natural convection or external stirring. It is not designed for closed-loop recirculation systems.
Can the EH4 be mounted vertically in a tall vessel?
Yes—the universal clamp allows secure vertical mounting in containers with straight sidewalls, provided the minimum depth and diameter constraints are met.
