ATAGO 60-C5 Circulating Constant-Temperature Water Bath
| Brand | ATAGO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | 60-C5 |
| Temperature Range | 10–60°C (water) |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.2°C |
| Bath Capacity | 1.0 L |
| Power Consumption | 250 VA |
| Input Voltage | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 20.4 × 33.6 × 28.9 cm |
| Weight | 9.0 kg |
Overview
The ATAGO 60-C5 Circulating Constant-Temperature Water Bath is a precision-engineered thermal control accessory designed specifically for integration with benchtop refractometers lacking integrated Peltier temperature regulation. It operates on the principle of forced-circulation liquid thermal management, delivering stable, uniform temperature environments to refractive index measurement cells via external recirculation tubing. Unlike passive heating blocks or air-based systems, the 60-C5 maintains thermal equilibrium through continuous flow of conditioned water—enabling high reproducibility in refractive index measurements that are inherently temperature-sensitive (per ISO 21748 and ASTM D1218). Its operating range of 10–60°C aligns with standard method requirements for pharmaceutical excipients, food syrups, polymer solutions, and industrial coolant formulations where refractive index correlates directly with concentration or molecular weight.
Key Features
- High-stability temperature control with ±0.2°C accuracy and 0.1°C digital resolution, verified per internal calibration protocol traceable to JIS Z 8703 standards
- Compact benchtop footprint (20.4 × 33.6 × 28.9 cm) optimized for shared laboratory workspaces alongside ATAGO RX-series or PAL-series refractometers
- 1.0-liter stainless-steel reservoir with corrosion-resistant pump and low-noise impeller design for continuous operation over extended duty cycles
- Universal AC input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz), eliminating need for voltage converters in global laboratory deployments
- Dedicated quick-connect fittings compatible with standard 6 mm OD silicone or fluoropolymer circulation tubing (e.g., Tygon® B-44-3)
- Integrated digital display with intuitive keypad interface—no software installation or PC dependency required
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 60-C5 supports all ATAGO refractometers requiring external temperature conditioning, including but not limited to RX-5000α, RX-10000α, and PAL-HIKARI series instruments. It complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for electrical equipment used in laboratory environments. While the unit itself is not a measuring instrument under MID or NIST Handbook 44, its thermal performance meets the environmental control criteria specified in USP “Refractometry” and EP 2.2.2 “Refractive Index”, where temperature deviation must remain within ±0.5°C during measurement. The system is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant quality control labs conducting raw material verification, batch release testing, and stability studies governed by FDA 21 CFR Part 11—though no electronic audit trail is embedded, manual logbook entries of setpoint and actual bath temperature are fully supported.
Software & Data Management
The 60-C5 operates as a standalone hardware module with no embedded firmware, network interface, or proprietary software. All parameter configuration—including target temperature and hold time—is performed locally via front-panel controls. Temperature data is not logged, stored, or exportable; users relying on automated data capture integrate the bath into larger workflows using third-party DAQ systems (e.g., LabVIEW or MATLAB) via optional analog output modules (sold separately). For regulated environments, laboratories implement procedural controls—such as documented SOPs for daily temperature verification using an NIST-traceable reference thermometer—to satisfy ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
Applications
- Concentration determination of sucrose, glucose, fructose, and invert sugar solutions in beverage and confectionery QC
- Monitoring glycol/water ratios in HVAC antifreeze and automotive coolant formulations
- Verifying refractive index of optical adhesives and encapsulants prior to UV curing
- Stability assessment of protein formulations across accelerated temperature ramps (10–40°C)
- Calibration validation of refractometer response curves using certified sucrose reference standards (e.g., NIST SRM 84d)
- Supporting ISO 21748 Annex A procedures for uncertainty estimation in refractive index measurements
FAQ
Can the 60-C5 be used with non-ATAGO refractometers?
Yes—provided the instrument has standardized inlet/outlet ports (6 mm barbed or M6 thread) and accepts external circulation at flow rates between 0.3–1.2 L/min.
Is deionized water mandatory for operation?
Deionized or distilled water is strongly recommended to prevent scale buildup and ensure long-term pump reliability; tap water may be used only with periodic descaling using citric acid solution.
Does the unit include tubing or connectors?
No—the 60-C5 ships without circulation tubing or adapters; users must specify compatible hose length and fitting type based on their refractometer model.
What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The device is rated for continuous use in ambient environments up to 35°C with ≥10 cm clearance on all sides for convective cooling.
How often should temperature accuracy be verified?
Per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.7, verification against a calibrated reference thermometer is recommended before each analytical session or at least every 24 hours in high-throughput labs.
