Polystat 12122-04 Refrigerated & Heated Circulating Bath

Overview

The Polystat 12122-04 is a precision-engineered refrigerated and heated circulating bath designed for stable, reproducible temperature control in laboratory applications requiring both cooling and heating capability within a single compact unit. Built on a robust thermal management architecture, it employs a dual-mode thermoelectric and compressor-based system—utilizing R-134a refrigerant and a high-efficiency 1200 W resistive heater—to achieve seamless transitions across its full operating range of −20 °C to +100 °C. Temperature stability is maintained at ±0.1 °C under ambient conditions, verified via a calibrated Pt100 platinum resistance thermometer integrated directly into the stainless-steel bath chamber. The unit’s seamless 304 stainless-steel reservoir minimizes contamination risk and facilitates rapid cleaning—critical for applications in pharmaceutical QC, polymer characterization, and analytical instrument calibration where thermal drift or residue carryover must be rigorously controlled.

Key Features

• Seamless 304 stainless-steel bath reservoir with corrosion-resistant exterior coating for long-term durability and ease of decontamination
• PID temperature controller with backlit LCD interface and intuitive touch-key operation for precise setpoint entry and real-time monitoring
• Integrated high-head circulation pump delivering consistent flow rates up to 15 L/min, ensuring uniform thermal distribution throughout external jacketed reactors or analytical accessories
• R-134a refrigeration system optimized for low-noise, energy-efficient operation and compliance with current EPA SNAP regulations
• Triple-layer safety protocol: programmable upper/lower temperature limits, automatic dry-run shutdown triggered by low fluid level detection, and over-temperature cut-off independent of controller logic
• Configurable memory for three user-defined temperature setpoints, enabling rapid recall during routine testing protocols without manual re-entry

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 12122-04 accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including jacketed flasks (up to 5 L), viscometers, calorimeters, and UV-Vis cuvette holders—via its 15 L bath volume and 17.3 × 15 × 18.3 cm internal cavity. Its construction meets IEC 61010-1:2010 requirements for electrical safety in laboratory equipment. While not certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations, the unit complies with UL/CSA 61010-1 and carries CE marking for EMC and Low Voltage Directive conformity. It supports GLP/GMP workflows through deterministic temperature logging (when paired with optional RS232 or analog output modules) and satisfies baseline traceability requirements per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for temperature-controlled ancillary systems.

Software & Data Management

The 12122-04 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded firmware-based data logging; however, its analog voltage output (0–10 V corresponding to −20–+100 °C) and optional RS232 serial interface enable integration into validated SCADA or LIMS environments. When connected to compliant third-party acquisition software (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom Python scripts), users can record time-stamped temperature profiles, trigger alarms on deviation thresholds, and export CSV-formatted datasets for audit-ready reporting. Though the base model lacks USB connectivity or cloud upload capability—features reserved for higher-tier variants such as the 12122-44—the 12122-04 remains fully compatible with 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signature frameworks when deployed with validated external data capture hardware.

Applications

• Thermal conditioning of HPLC columns and detector cells to minimize retention time drift and improve peak resolution
• Stabilization of laser sources and photomultiplier tubes in spectroscopic systems requiring sub-0.2 °C thermal constancy
• Controlled-rate cooling/heating cycles for polymer melt rheology and crystallinity studies using rotational rheometers or DSC autosamplers
• Calibration of thermocouples, RTDs, and digital thermometers against NIST-traceable references under steady-state conditions
• Temperature maintenance in enzymatic reaction blocks, electrophoresis tanks, and cell culture incubator peripherals

FAQ

Does the 12122-04 support external temperature probes for remote sensing?

No—the unit relies exclusively on its built-in Pt100 sensor immersed in the bath fluid. External probe inputs are not supported in this configuration.
Can it operate continuously at −20 °C in a 30 °C ambient lab environment?

Yes, provided adequate ventilation is maintained around the rear condenser coils and ambient humidity remains below 70% RH to prevent frost accumulation on the evaporator.
Is the stainless-steel bath compatible with water-glycol mixtures and silicone oils?

Yes—compatible with aqueous glycol solutions (up to 50% v/v) and non-halogenated silicone oils rated for ≤100 °C service. Avoid chlorinated solvents or mineral acids.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal performance?

Annual inspection of refrigerant charge integrity and pump impeller wear is advised. Bath fluid should be replaced every 6 months if used continuously above 80 °C or with aggressive media.
Is there an optional calibration certificate available with NIST traceability?

Yes—factory-installed temperature calibration verification (±0.05 °C accuracy at three points: 0 °C, 25 °C, and 75 °C) is available as an add-on service with full documentation per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.