IKA ICC basic eco 8 Immersion Circulator System

Overview

The IKA ICC basic eco 8 Immersion Circulator System is a DIN 12876 Class III-certified compact immersion circulator engineered for precision temperature control in external baths, jacketed reactors, and flow-through applications. Based on Peltier-assisted thermoelectric cooling combined with high-efficiency resistive heating, the system delivers stable thermal regulation across an extended operating range from –20 °C to +150 °C—enabling both cryogenic and high-temperature experimental protocols without requiring external chillers or auxiliary heaters. Its core architecture integrates a dual-sensor safety architecture: a primary PT100 sensor for active temperature control and a redundant PT1000 safety sensor with independently adjustable upper/lower limits (0–160 °C), compliant with DIN 12876-1 requirements for Class III devices used in laboratories handling hazardous or temperature-sensitive materials. The unit’s 2000 W heating output and optimized pump hydraulics support rapid thermal equilibration and uniform heat distribution—even in large-volume or high-thermal-mass systems.

Key Features

• DIN 12876 Class III certification for use in safety-critical laboratory environments involving flammable, toxic, or biologically sensitive samples
• Integrated pressure/suction circulation pump with fully adjustable flow (0–18 L/min) and dual-pressure capability (0.3 bar max pressure / 0.2 bar max suction)
• High-resolution LED display with simultaneous readout of process temperature, safety limit status, and pump operation mode
• ±0.02 K temperature stability (at setpoint, per DIN 12876 test conditions) and ±0.1 K control accuracy supported by PID algorithm with adaptive tuning
• Comprehensive alarm system: visual (LED) and audible alerts for overtemperature, undertemperature, sensor failure, and safety circuit activation
• RS232 and USB interfaces for instrument control, data logging, and integration into LIMS or automated workflows under GLP/GMP-compliant audit trails
• IP21 ingress protection (DIN EN 60529) ensures operational reliability in standard laboratory environments with moderate dust and non-vertical water exposure
• 100% continuous duty cycle rating validated per IEC 61000-3-2; no derating required during prolonged operation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICC basic eco 8 is designed for external bath circulation—not direct sample immersion—and is compatible with glass, stainless steel, and PTFE-lined vessels meeting minimum depth requirements (≥150 mm). It supports aqueous, silicone oil, ethylene glycol/water, and low-viscosity organic media (e.g., toluene, xylene) within its specified temperature and chemical resistance envelope. All electrical and thermal safety mechanisms comply with DIN 12876-1:2015, EN 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), and IEC 61326-1 (EMC for Laboratory Equipment). Optional factory calibration certificates traceable to DAkkS-accredited standards are available upon request to satisfy ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.

Software & Data Management

Instrument configuration, real-time monitoring, and event-triggered data export are supported via IKA’s free Labworldsoft software (v5.0+), which provides full remote control, multi-channel logging (temperature, flow, alarm states), and configurable export formats (CSV, XML) compatible with statistical process control (SPC) platforms. USB and RS232 interfaces support time-stamped audit logs with user authentication (via optional password-protected access levels), fulfilling FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when deployed in regulated QC/QA environments. Firmware updates preserve all user-defined parameters and calibration offsets, ensuring continuity during maintenance cycles.

Applications

• Temperature-controlled enzymatic assays and protein stability studies requiring sub-0.1 K thermal consistency
• Calibration of reference thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against NIST-traceable standards
• Viscometry and rheology testing where bath temperature directly influences fluid viscosity measurements
• Accelerated stability testing per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines using controlled thermal stress profiles
• Reaction calorimetry support for exothermic/endothermic process monitoring in jacketed reactors
• Environmental simulation chambers requiring precise external coolant loop management

FAQ

Can the ICC basic eco 8 operate continuously at –20 °C in ambient conditions above 25 °C?
Yes—its thermoelectric cooling stage is rated for continuous operation at –20 °C ambient up to 30 °C; performance degrades gradually above that due to condensation risk and reduced COP, but remains within specification up to 40 °C ambient if humidity is controlled.
Is external bath fluid level monitoring supported?
No—the unit does not include ultrasonic or capacitive level sensing; users must ensure minimum bath depth (150 mm) is maintained manually or via external interlock circuits connected through digital I/O (available on RS232 protocol extensions).
Does the device meet USP & ASTM temperature uniformity requirements for dissolution testing?
While not specifically validated for USP , its ±0.02 K stability and flow-adjustable circulation make it suitable for custom dissolution bath configurations when paired with ISO 17025-accredited verification protocols.
Can the safety temperature limit be locked to prevent unauthorized changes?
Yes—Labworldsoft enables administrator-level password protection for all safety parameter edits, and hardware write-protection can be enabled via DIP switch configuration for GxP-regulated installations.