ZiQi SHZ-A / SHZ-B / SHZ-C Water Bath Orbital & Reciprocal Shaker

Overview

The ZiQi SHZ-A, SHZ-B, and SHZ-C series are precision-engineered water bath shakers designed for controlled thermal and mechanical stimulation of biological and biochemical samples. These instruments integrate a thermostatically regulated water bath with a mechanically driven oscillating platform—operating on either orbital (circular) or reciprocal (linear back-and-forth) motion, depending on model configuration. The SHZ-A delivers pure orbital agitation ideal for gentle suspension cultures and enzyme kinetics studies; the SHZ-B offers dual-mode operation for method flexibility in comparative assays; and the SHZ-C provides high-efficiency reciprocal shaking suited for viscous media, cell lysate homogenization, or accelerated extraction protocols. All models employ PID-controlled heating with digital LED display for real-time monitoring of both temperature and rotational speed, ensuring reproducible thermal and kinetic conditions across experiments. The stainless steel 304 construction—used for the bath tank, tray, and spring-loaded universal clamps—ensures long-term corrosion resistance in aqueous and mildly aggressive chemical environments typical of molecular biology, microbiology, and environmental testing laboratories.

Key Features

• PID-based temperature control with ±0.5 °C accuracy and ≤1.0 °C spatial uniformity across the 490 × 390 × 170 mm water chamber
• Digital LED display for simultaneous readout of setpoint and actual values for temperature (°C) and speed (rpm)
• Adjustable oscillation frequency from 0 to 300 rpm with consistent 20 mm amplitude across all models
• Three operational configurations: SHZ-A (orbital only), SHZ-B (switchable orbital/reciprocal), SHZ-C (reciprocal only)
• Stainless steel 304 universal spring clamp system accommodating standard Erlenmeyer flasks (250 mL × 12, 500 mL × 8, 1000 mL × 4), test tubes, and custom vessels
• 1600 W heating capacity enabling rapid thermal equilibration up to 100 °C, with over-temperature protection and auto-shutdown safeguards
• Programmable timer with 0–120 minute range (including continuous operation mode) supporting unattended incubation cycles
• Ergonomic design with insulated lid, non-slip rubber feet, and reinforced structural frame for low-vibration operation at maximum load

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHZ series accommodates a broad range of sample containers—including glass and polypropylene flasks, centrifuge tubes, and multi-well plates—without requiring adapter kits. Its open-bath architecture allows direct immersion of vessels into temperature-stabilized water, minimizing thermal lag and enhancing heat transfer efficiency compared to air-jacketed shakers. The unit complies with general laboratory safety standards IEC 61010-1 (Electrical Safety for Laboratory Equipment) and meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU). While not certified for GLP/GMP-regulated production environments out-of-the-box, its digital logging capability (via optional RS-232 interface) supports audit-ready data capture when integrated with validated LIMS or ELN systems. Temperature calibration traceability can be established using NIST-traceable reference thermometers per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The SHZ-A/B/C operate as standalone instruments with embedded microcontroller logic—no proprietary software installation is required. However, optional RS-232 serial output enables integration with third-party data acquisition platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom Python scripts) for time-stamped logging of temperature, speed, and elapsed time. When connected to compliant laboratory information management systems (LIMS), the device supports basic 21 CFR Part 11–aligned functions—including user-defined operator ID entry, timestamped event records, and tamper-evident parameter change logs—provided the host system implements appropriate electronic signature and audit trail mechanisms. Firmware updates (if released) are delivered via UART bootloader protocol and require technician-level access.

Applications

• Microbial growth studies under defined thermal and agitation conditions (e.g., Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, yeast fermentations)
• Enzyme activity assays requiring precise temperature maintenance during kinetic measurements
• Solubility and dissolution testing of pharmaceutical compounds in aqueous buffers
• Cell lysis optimization via mechanical shear in detergent-free protocols
• Environmental sample processing—including BOD incubation, nutrient extraction from soil/water matrices, and heavy metal leaching studies
• Antibody-antigen binding kinetics in immunoassay development
• Standardization of culture media preparation prior to sterilization and dispensing

FAQ

What is the difference between orbital and reciprocal motion in these shakers?
Orbital motion generates gentle, circular agitation ideal for maintaining cell viability and homogeneous suspension of low-viscosity cultures. Reciprocal motion applies linear back-and-forth displacement, delivering higher shear forces suitable for mixing viscous solutions, breaking aggregates, or accelerating solid–liquid extraction.
Can the SHZ series be used for sterile applications?
While the stainless steel chamber supports autoclave-compatible cleaning, the unit is not classified as Class II biosafety equipment. Sterile operation requires supplemental laminar flow hood placement and aseptic handling protocols—not built-in HEPA filtration or UV decontamination.
Is external calibration supported?
Yes—users may perform field verification using calibrated PT100 probes placed at multiple locations within the water bath. Deviations exceeding ±0.5 °C trigger recalibration of the internal sensor offset via service-mode access.
Does the timer retain settings after power interruption?
No—the timer resets upon power loss. For mission-critical uninterrupted runs, integration with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is recommended.
Are replacement clamps or trays available separately?
Yes—ZiQi supplies OEM-certified stainless steel spring clamps (P/N: ZQ-CLAMP-SS), universal tray inserts (P/N: ZQ-TRAY-INSERT), and silicone-insulated bath lids (P/N: ZQ-LID-SIL) through authorized distribution partners.