MKN THZ-82B Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker
| Brand | MKN |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Model | THZ-82B |
| Instrument Type | Air-bath constant-temperature orbital shaker |
| Timer Range | 0–999 min |
| Oscillation Frequency | 30–320 rpm |
| Oscillation Amplitude | 20 mm |
| Temperature Range | RT to 50 °C |
| Platform Quantity | 1 |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Platform Dimensions | 470 × 370 mm |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1 °C (at steady state) |
| Display | Dual LED digital display (temperature & speed) |
| Oscillation Mode | Orbital (circular motion) |
Overview
The MKN THZ-82B Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker is an engineered platform for precise, reproducible cultivation and suspension of biological samples under controlled thermal and mechanical conditions. Unlike water-bath shakers, this air-bath design employs forced-air convection across a thermally insulated chamber to achieve uniform temperature distribution—eliminating risks associated with water contamination, evaporation, or condensation in sensitive microbiological or cell-based assays. Its orbital shaking mechanism generates consistent circular motion (20 mm diameter), optimized for aerobic microbial growth, suspension cell culture, enzyme kinetics, solubility studies, and biochemical extraction protocols. The system operates within a practical ambient-to-50 °C range, making it suitable for mesophilic organism propagation, reagent equilibration, and routine QC sample preparation in GLP-compliant laboratories.
Key Features
- Integrated analog-digital hybrid temperature control system using precision operational amplifiers, delivering stable thermal regulation with ±1 °C accuracy at setpoint (steady-state condition)
- Dual independent LED digital displays for real-time monitoring of both temperature and rotational speed—enabling simultaneous verification without mode switching
- Brushless DC motor drive ensures low-noise operation, extended service life, and high-speed stability across the full 30–320 rpm range
- Internally mounted illumination system (LED panel) provides shadow-free visibility inside the chamber for direct sample observation during operation
- Single-tier stainless-steel platform (470 × 370 mm) with non-slip silicone mat interface—compatible with standard Erlenmeyer flasks (50–2000 mL), test tubes, microtiter plates, and custom vessels
- Programmable timer supports dual-range timing: 0–999 minutes (for short-term incubation) or extended 0–999 hours (for overnight or multi-day experiments)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The THZ-82B accommodates a broad spectrum of biological and chemical sample formats—including liquid cultures (bacteria, yeast, mammalian suspension cells), enzymatic reaction mixtures, antigen-antibody binding assays, and environmental water samples for BOD analysis. Its air-bath architecture avoids cross-contamination risks inherent to water baths, supporting ISO 17025-aligned sample integrity requirements. While not certified to IEC 61000-6-3 or UL 61010-1 out-of-the-box, the unit meets general electrical safety standards for laboratory equipment used in non-hazardous environments. It supports documentation practices compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with external electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems that log timestamped parameter entries (set temperature, speed, duration).
Software & Data Management
This model operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded microprocessor-based software or USB/RS-232 connectivity. All operational parameters are configured manually via front-panel rotary dials and push-button inputs. However, its dual digital readouts facilitate manual data logging into laboratory notebooks or LIMS-compatible spreadsheets. For labs requiring audit trails, users may integrate external data acquisition tools—such as USB-connected thermocouple loggers or RPM sensors—to capture time-stamped environmental and mechanical performance metrics aligned with GLP/GMP documentation workflows.
Applications
- Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) testing per APHA Standard Methods 5210B and ISO 5815-1
- Maintenance and expansion of bacterial, fungal, and algal cultures under aerobic conditions
- Suspension-based transfection and bioprocessing pre-screening in academic and contract research settings
- Extraction optimization for natural products, pharmaceutical intermediates, and food-grade compounds
- Standardization of ELISA plate washing steps and antigen coating kinetics
- Temperature-dependent solubility profiling of APIs and excipients during formulation development
FAQ
Is the THZ-82B suitable for CO₂-sensitive cell cultures?
No—this unit lacks CO₂ supplementation or pH control capabilities. It is intended for ambient-air applications only.
Can the platform accommodate stacked multi-tier racks?
The design supports only a single horizontal platform; vertical stacking is not mechanically supported or recommended due to vibration transmission and thermal gradient effects.
What is the maximum flask fill volume recommended at 300 rpm?
For optimal mixing and minimal splashing, maintain ≤70% working volume in standard conical flasks (e.g., 1400 mL in a 2000 mL flask).
Does the unit include calibration certificates for temperature or speed?
Factory calibration is performed per internal quality control procedures, but NIST-traceable certification is available upon request as an optional add-on service.
Is the interior chamber accessible for cleaning with ethanol or isopropanol?
Yes—the chamber lining is electropolished stainless steel; wipe-down with 70% ethanol or IPA is permitted, provided power is disconnected and surfaces are fully dry before restart.
