Julabo DC-0515 Low-Temperature Constant-Temperature Circulating Bath

Overview

The Julabo DC-0515 Low-Temperature Constant-Temperature Circulating Bath is a precision-engineered thermal management system designed for laboratory-scale temperature control in static or low-flow applications. Operating on the principle of resistive far-infrared heating combined with microprocessor-regulated proportional-integral-derivative (PID) feedback control, the unit maintains stable thermal conditions across its 20-liter stainless steel bath volume. Its operational range spans from –5 °C to +100 °C—enabling both sub-ambient cooling (via integrated refrigeration circuitry) and high-temperature heating—making it suitable for applications requiring precise thermal conditioning without external chiller integration. The bath’s compact footprint (295 × 370 × 150 mm internal dimensions) and robust AISI 304 stainless steel construction ensure compatibility with corrosive reagents, aqueous solutions, and organic solvents under routine laboratory use. Thermal equilibrium is achieved rapidly due to optimized heat transfer geometry and low thermal mass design, while temperature uniformity of ±0.5 °C across the working volume meets ISO/IEC 17025-relevant performance expectations for calibration-supporting equipment.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with real-time LED digital display for direct readout of setpoint and actual bath temperature
• AISI 304 stainless steel inner tank and lid—resistant to oxidation, acid exposure, and mechanical wear during extended operation
• Fully integrated refrigeration and far-infrared heating system enabling seamless transition between sub-zero and boiling-point temperature zones
• Internal recirculation pump ensures consistent thermal distribution without external plumbing requirements
• Dual-integration analog-to-digital conversion circuitry paired with high-stability operational amplifiers delivers measurement repeatability ≤ ±0.1 °C over 24-hour continuous operation
• Thermal protection circuitry with over-temperature cutoff and dry-run prevention safeguards against hardware failure during unattended operation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DC-0515 is routinely deployed in environments governed by GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) and GMP-aligned workflows, particularly where thermal consistency impacts analytical reproducibility—such as dissolution testing per USP , stability studies per ICH Q1, or enzymatic activity assays requiring strict thermal control. Its stainless steel bath chamber complies with ASTM E2877-22 standards for liquid-bath temperature uniformity verification. While the unit itself does not carry CE marking or UL certification (as supplied through authorized regional distributors), its electrical architecture conforms to IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory equipment when installed per manufacturer-specified ventilation and grounding protocols. No hazardous refrigerants are used; the cooling system employs R134a in a sealed, maintenance-free loop.

Software & Data Management

The DC-0515 operates as a standalone instrument with no native USB, Ethernet, or RS-232 connectivity. Temperature logging requires external data acquisition via analog output (0–5 V or 4–20 mA, optional add-on module). For laboratories implementing 21 CFR Part 11-compliant systems, third-party validated DAQ hardware (e.g., National Instruments CompactDAQ with certified drivers) may be interfaced to capture time-stamped temperature traces, generate audit trails, and enforce electronic signature controls. All onboard settings—including ramp rate, hold duration, and alarm thresholds—are retained in non-volatile memory during power interruption.

Applications

• Controlled-temperature solvent evaporation and sample concentration prior to HPLC or GC analysis
• Calibration of thermocouples, RTDs, and infrared thermometers using NIST-traceable reference fluids
• Thermal preconditioning of viscometers, densitometers, and refractometers to minimize measurement drift
• Low-temperature enzymatic digestion and nucleic acid hybridization protocols requiring sustained –5 °C to +10 °C stability
• Pre-heating and thermal equilibration of reaction vessels in synthetic organic chemistry workflows
• Supporting ASTM D97 (pour point), D2500 (cloud point), and D4052 (density) test methods requiring bath-controlled immersion

FAQ

Does the DC-0515 support external temperature probes for sample-specific feedback control?
No—the unit regulates only bath temperature. External probe input is not supported in standard configuration.
Can the internal recirculation pump be disabled to operate in static bath mode?
Yes—pump operation is manually toggleable via front-panel switch, allowing passive thermal soaking without fluid motion.
What is the typical cooldown time from 25 °C to –5 °C under no-load conditions?
Approximately 45 minutes, depending on ambient temperature and ventilation clearance.
Is the stainless steel bath compatible with acetone, chloroform, or 30% hydrogen peroxide solutions?
AISI 304 resists short-term exposure to these solvents; prolonged immersion in halogenated organics or strong oxidizers is not recommended without validation.
Does Julabo provide IQ/OQ documentation templates for this model?
Yes—validated installation and operational qualification protocols are available upon request through authorized Julabo service partners.