IKA HBC 5 Controlled Heating Circulator

Overview

The IKA HBC 5 Controlled Heating Circulator is a precision-engineered thermal management system designed for demanding laboratory applications requiring stable, controllable heating of external equipment or internal bath media. Operating on the principle of forced convection via an integrated high-efficiency pump, the HBC 5 delivers consistent thermal energy transfer across a wide operational range—from ambient up to 260 °C—using heat-transfer fluids such as silicone oil, glycol/water mixtures, or specialized high-temperature oils. Its stainless-steel bath construction ensures long-term corrosion resistance and thermal integrity, while the robust housing meets DIN 12876 Class III (FL) safety requirements for flammable liquids. Unlike basic heating baths, the HBC 5 integrates active temperature regulation with real-time feedback from a factory-calibrated PT100 sensor, enabling closed-loop control with ±0.1 °C stability under steady-state conditions. The unit is not a refrigerated circulator; it is strictly a heating-only system with optional passive cooling via its built-in cooling coil when external coolant is supplied.

Key Features

• Stainless-steel 7 L bath chamber engineered for chemical compatibility and thermal uniformity
• Color TFT display providing simultaneous readout of bath temperature, pump speed, fluid level, and user-defined safety limit
• WiCo wireless controller enabling safe operation from up to 10 meters—critical for use inside fume hoods or behind shielding
• Adjustable-speed pressure/suction pump supporting flow rates suitable for external jacketed reactors, condensers, or inline heat exchangers
• Integrated cooling coil compatible with external chilled water or glycol circuits for hybrid heating/cooling workflows
• Dual-mode temperature control: seamless switching between internal bath control and external probe-based control (e.g., reactor jacket or sample vessel)
• Drain valve with hose connection port for safe, tool-free emptying—eliminating operator exposure to hot or hazardous media
• Comprehensive safety architecture including adjustable overtemperature cut-off, audible/visual alarms, and electromagnetic valve interface for emergency fluid shutoff
• Electronic timer (0–99 h 59 min) with auto-shutdown functionality for unattended operation in GLP-compliant environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HBC 5 accommodates a broad spectrum of heat-transfer media, including water, aqueous glycol solutions, mineral oils, and silicone oils rated for continuous service up to 250 °C. Its FL-classified design (DIN 12876-1:2018) certifies suitability for use with flammable liquids under defined ventilation and containment conditions. UL listing confirms compliance with North American electrical safety standards (UL 61010-1). While the device itself does not perform analytical measurements, its thermal output supports applications governed by ASTM E29, ISO/IEC 17025, and USP for temperature-controlled dissolution or stability testing. The included PT100 sensor conforms to IEC 60751 Class A tolerances, ensuring traceable calibration pathways.

Software & Data Management

Via USB or RS232 interface, the HBC 5 integrates natively with IKA’s labworldsoft® software platform—a validated application for method-driven instrument control, data logging, and electronic recordkeeping. labworldsoft® supports audit-trail generation, user-level access control, and export of time-stamped temperature/pump profiles in CSV or PDF formats—facilitating compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements where electronic signatures and data integrity are mandated. Firmware updates are performed directly through the software interface, ensuring long-term compatibility with evolving laboratory informatics systems. No proprietary drivers or cloud dependencies are required; all communication is serial-based and firewall-transparent.

Applications

• Temperature control of jacketed glass reactors (1–5 L scale) in synthetic chemistry
• Heating and stabilization of distillation apparatus, reflux condensers, or Soxhlet extractors
• Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against NIST-traceable references
• Accelerated stability testing per ICH Q1 guidelines using programmable ramp-hold profiles
• Support of enzymatic or polymerization reactions requiring precise thermal initiation and maintenance
• Pre-heating of GC inlet liners, HPLC columns, or sample introduction modules

FAQ

Is the HBC 5 suitable for use with flammable solvents?

Yes—when operated within its DIN 12876 Class III (FL) certified configuration, including proper ventilation, grounding, and use of approved heat-transfer media.
Can the cooling coil be used without an external chiller?

No—the integrated coil requires connection to an external coolant source (e.g., recirculating chiller or tap-water line) to provide active cooling capacity.
Does the device support external temperature feedback for cascade control?

Yes—via the external PT100 input, the HBC 5 can regulate based on a remote sensor placed in a reactor jacket or process stream.
What is the maximum recommended viscosity for circulated media?

For optimal pump performance and thermal response, media kinematic viscosity should not exceed 100 mm²/s at operating temperature.
Is labworldsoft® validation documentation available for GxP environments?

Yes—IKA provides IQ/OQ protocols and a configurable validation support package upon request for regulated laboratories.