Brookfield SHZ Series Water Bath Orbital/Reciprocating Shaker
| Brand | Brookfield |
|---|---|
| Model | SHZ-A / SHZ-B / SHZ-C |
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Instrument Category | Water Bath Incubator Shaker |
| Timer Range | 0–999 h |
| Oscillation Frequency | 0–300 rpm |
| Amplitude | 30 mm (reciprocating), 20 mm (orbital) |
| Temperature Control Range | RT + 5 °C to 99.9 °C |
| Platform Quantity | 1 |
| Power Consumption | 1600 W |
| Platform Dimensions | 380 × 300 mm |
| External Dimensions | 705 × 515 × 470 mm |
| Load Capacity | Up to six 500 mL flasks or three to four 1000 mL flasks |
| Control System | Microprocessor-based PID temperature & speed controller (SHZ-C variant includes programmable timer and digital speed adjustment) |
Overview
The Brookfield SHZ Series Water Bath Orbital/Reciprocating Shaker is an integrated incubation shaker engineered for precise thermal regulation and controlled mechanical agitation in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of convective heat transfer via water bath immersion—ensuring uniform temperature distribution across samples—and combines this with either orbital or reciprocating motion to optimize oxygen transfer, suspension homogeneity, and mass transfer kinetics in liquid-phase biological cultures. Unlike air-jacketed shakers, the water bath design delivers superior thermal stability (±0.3 °C typical), minimal evaporation loss, and reduced sample temperature gradients—critical for sensitive applications such as microbial growth kinetics, enzyme activity assays, and hybridization protocols where thermal drift directly impacts reproducibility.
Key Features
- Microprocessor-controlled PID temperature regulation with real-time digital display and ±0.3 °C stability across the full operating range (RT + 5 °C to 99.9 °C)
- Dual-mode oscillation architecture: SHZ-A and SHZ-B support orbital (20 mm amplitude) or reciprocating (30 mm amplitude) motion; SHZ-C adds programmable speed ramping and multi-step timing profiles
- Stainless-steel water bath chamber and platform—corrosion-resistant, non-porous, and compliant with ISO 13485 cleanroom-compatible surface requirements
- Universal spring-loaded clamp system designed for secure retention of Erlenmeyer flasks (50–1000 mL), test tubes, and culture bottles without slippage under high-frequency operation
- Over-temperature and dry-run protection circuits prevent heater damage and ensure personnel safety per IEC 61010-1 Class II standards
- Low-noise brushless DC motor with electromagnetic speed feedback ensures long-term torque consistency and <2 dB(A) acoustic emission increase over ambient at 300 rpm
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SHZ shaker accommodates standard microbiological and biochemical vessels—including borosilicate glass flasks, PETG culture bottles, and polypropylene centrifuge tubes—without requiring custom adapters. Its 380 × 300 mm platform supports up to six 500 mL flasks or four 1000 mL vessels simultaneously while maintaining mechanical balance at maximum frequency. The unit complies with key regulatory frameworks for laboratory instrumentation: electrical safety per IEC 61010-1, electromagnetic compatibility per EN 61326-1, and environmental resilience per IP20 ingress protection. For GLP/GMP environments, the SHZ-C variant supports audit-ready operation logs when paired with optional RS-232/USB data export modules—enabling traceability aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records.
Software & Data Management
While the base SHZ-A/B models feature standalone front-panel controls, the SHZ-C integrates a firmware-upgradable microcontroller supporting time-stamped parameter logging (temperature setpoint, actual bath temp, speed, elapsed time) at user-defined intervals (1–60 min). Exported CSV files are compatible with LIMS platforms and statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, GraphPad Prism). Optional PC software provides remote monitoring, alarm notification via email/SNMP traps, and validation report generation—including IQ/OQ templates compliant with ASTM E2500 and USP analytical instrument qualification guidelines.
Applications
This shaker is routinely deployed in applications demanding simultaneous thermal precision and mechanical agitation: aerobic bacterial culture (E. coli, Bacillus spp.), yeast fermentation optimization, antigen-antibody binding kinetics in immunoassay development, DNA denaturation/renaturation studies, cell lysis protocol standardization, and dissolution testing of biopharmaceutical formulations. Its stable water bath environment also supports long-duration experiments—such as 72-hour biofilm formation assays or multi-day enzymatic cascade reactions—where thermal consistency directly correlates with assay sensitivity and inter-laboratory reproducibility.
FAQ
What is the difference between orbital and reciprocating motion in the SHZ series?
Orbital motion generates gentle circular agitation ideal for suspension cultures and low-shear applications; reciprocating motion delivers higher shear stress and improved gas exchange—preferred for dense microbial cultures and viscous media.
Can the SHZ shaker operate continuously for 999 hours?
Yes—the timer supports uninterrupted operation up to 999 hours (≈41.6 days); continuous mode bypasses auto-shutdown and maintains active control loops with thermal and motor monitoring.
Is calibration documentation available for regulatory submissions?
Factory calibration certificates (NIST-traceable temperature and speed verification) are provided with each SHZ-C unit; on-site IQ/OQ protocol packages can be commissioned separately.
Does the water bath require deionized water?
Use of deionized or distilled water is strongly recommended to prevent mineral scaling and extend heater lifespan; conductivity should remain below 5 µS/cm.
How is temperature uniformity validated across the platform?
Per ISO 22442-2 Annex C, uniformity is verified using nine calibrated PT100 probes placed at defined grid positions; typical deviation across the working volume is ≤ ±0.4 °C at 37 °C and ≤ ±0.6 °C at 95 °C.
