MKN SG-20 Metal Block Dry Bath Incubator
| Brand | MKN |
|---|---|
| Model | SG-20 |
| Type | Metal Block Dry Bath Incubator |
| Temperature Range | RT to 100°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.5°C |
| Heating Power | 1000 W |
| Voltage | AC 220 V, 60 Hz |
| Timer Range | 0–999 min |
| Capacity | 20 × 1.5 mL or 20 × 10 mL tubes |
| Block Material | High-Density Anodized Aluminum Alloy |
| Display | Digital LED with Setpoint & Actual Temperature |
| Optional Accessory | Stainless Steel Dust & Light Shield Cover |
Overview
The MKN SG-20 Metal Block Dry Bath Incubator is a precision-engineered thermal management system designed for consistent, contamination-free incubation of biological and chemical samples in laboratory environments. Unlike water baths—where condensation, evaporation, and cross-contamination pose persistent operational challenges—the SG-20 employs solid-state conductive heating via a high-thermal-conductivity aluminum alloy block. This metal bath architecture eliminates liquid media entirely, delivering uniform heat transfer across all sample positions through direct conduction. Its microprocessor-based PID temperature control ensures stable setpoint maintenance across the full operating range (ambient to 100°C), making it suitable for applications requiring strict thermal fidelity—including enzyme kinetics, nucleic acid denaturation, serum coagulation assays, and pre-PCR sample conditioning.
Key Features
- High-density anodized aluminum heating block engineered for low thermal resistance and high heat capacity, enabling rapid warm-up and minimal temperature gradient (<0.3°C across block surface at 37°C)
- PID-controlled digital temperature regulation with real-time display of both setpoint and actual block temperature
- Factory-calibrated accuracy of ±0.5°C over the entire range (RT–100°C); typical stability of ±0.2°C at 37°C and ±0.3°C at 65°C under steady-state conditions
- Programmable digital timer (0–999 minutes) with auto-shutdown function to support unattended operation and protocol reproducibility
- Dual-standard tube configuration: 20-position block compatible with either 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes or 10 mL culture tubes; custom孔 patterns available upon request for non-standard vessel geometries
- Optional stainless steel light-blocking and dust-resistant cover—enables open-tube processing without risk of airborne particulate ingress or ambient light interference, critical for photolabile reagents or long-duration assays
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SG-20 accommodates standard laboratory consumables including polypropylene, polyethylene, and glass tubes with outer diameters of Φ10 mm, Φ12 mm, and Φ15 mm. Its dry-block design inherently complies with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for contamination control in accredited testing laboratories, as it eliminates waterborne microbial growth and mineral deposition risks associated with liquid baths. While not certified to GLP or GMP out-of-the-box, the instrument’s repeatable thermal performance and traceable digital logging (when integrated with optional RS232/USB data export) support audit-ready workflows aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when used within validated SOPs. No regulatory certification is claimed for medical device or IVD use.
Software & Data Management
The SG-20 operates as a standalone unit with embedded firmware; no external software is required for basic operation. For integration into automated lab environments, optional communication modules (RS232 or USB-to-serial adapter) enable connection to LIMS or ELN platforms for remote parameter setting, temperature logging, and event-triggered alerts. All time-stamped temperature readings are retained in non-volatile memory during power cycles. Audit trail functionality—including operator ID tagging and change history—is supported only when paired with compliant third-party data acquisition software meeting ALCOA+ data integrity criteria.
Applications
- Thermal activation/inactivation of restriction enzymes, ligases, and polymerases in molecular biology workflows
- Pre-incubation of serum samples for coagulation time assays (e.g., PT, aPTT) under standardized 37°C conditions
- DNA denaturation prior to electrophoresis or hybridization protocols
- Controlled drying of solvent-sensitive samples where humidity must be excluded
- Cell culture reagent equilibration (e.g., trypsin-EDTA, growth media) without condensation-induced dilution
- Calibration verification of thermocouples and digital thermometers using NIST-traceable reference standards placed directly in adjacent wells
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended continuous operating temperature?
The SG-20 is rated for sustained operation up to 100°C. Prolonged use above 95°C may reduce long-term thermal stability and accelerate seal degradation in certain tube types.
Can the heating block be replaced or customized for non-standard tube formats?
Yes—MKN offers OEM block machining services for specialized configurations (e.g., 0.2 mL PCR strips, 15 mL conical tubes, or multi-well plate adapters). Lead time and minimum order quantities apply.
Is the unit compatible with 50 Hz power grids?
The device is specified for AC 220 V, 60 Hz input. Operation on 50 Hz networks requires verification of local voltage tolerance; consult technical support before deployment.
Does the instrument include calibration documentation?
Each unit ships with a factory verification report listing block temperature deviation at three points (37°C, 65°C, 95°C) against a calibrated reference thermometer traceable to national standards.
How does the optional stainless steel cover affect thermal performance?
The cover reduces convective heat loss by ~12% at 60°C and improves ambient light exclusion by >99%, but does not alter setpoint accuracy or ramp rate.
