ATAGO 60-C5 Circulating Constant-Temperature Water Bath

Overview

The ATAGO 60-C5 Circulating Constant-Temperature Water Bath is a precision thermal control instrument engineered to deliver stable, uniform temperature environments for optical measurement systems—particularly refractometers lacking integrated Peltier-based temperature regulation. It operates on the principle of forced liquid circulation via an internal pump, maintaining thermally homogeneous conditions within the bath reservoir and enabling accurate, repeatable sample conditioning prior to or during optical analysis. Designed specifically for integration with benchtop refractometers—including ATAGO’s MASTER series and other industry-standard units—the 60-C5 ensures that refractive index measurements adhere to temperature-dependent calibration protocols defined in ISO 21748, ASTM D1218, and USP . Its compact footprint and low thermal inertia allow rapid equilibration across its full operational range (10–60°C), supporting both routine QC workflows and method development in pharmaceutical, food, chemical, and academic laboratories.

Key Features

• High-stability temperature control with ±0.2°C accuracy and 0.1°C digital resolution, verified under steady-state conditions per IEC 61000-4-30 compliance requirements.
• Integrated circulation pump delivering consistent flow rate (≥1.2 L/min) to minimize thermal gradients between bath and external optical cell interfaces.
• Digital LED display with intuitive push-button interface for precise setpoint entry and real-time temperature monitoring—no software installation required.
• Compact, robust housing constructed from corrosion-resistant ABS and stainless steel components; designed for long-term reliability in regulated lab environments.
• Universal power input (AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) with built-in over-temperature and dry-run protection circuits compliant with UL 61010-1 and EN 61010-1 safety standards.
• Low-noise operation (<45 dB(A)) suitable for shared analytical workspaces and vibration-sensitive optical setups.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 60-C5 is optimized for use with standard 10–25 mm diameter refractometer sample cells and flow-through adapters equipped with 6 mm OD silicone or fluoropolymer tubing (compatible with common ATAGO, Reichert, and Bellingham + Stanley interconnects). Its 1.0 L reservoir accommodates immersion-style thermostatic jackets and supports continuous recirculation without evaporation-induced drift over extended runs (>8 h at 40°C). The unit meets essential regulatory expectations for temperature-controlled ancillary equipment used in GLP and GMP settings: it provides traceable thermal performance documentation upon request, supports audit-ready operation logs when paired with external data loggers, and conforms to the environmental testing provisions outlined in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 6.4.1 for laboratory equipment qualification.

Software & Data Management

While the 60-C5 operates as a standalone hardware device with no embedded firmware or network connectivity, its analog temperature output (0–5 V DC proportional to bath temperature) enables seamless integration with third-party DAQ systems (e.g., National Instruments USB-6009, Keysight 34972A) for automated logging and SPC charting. When deployed in validated environments subject to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, users may implement electronic record retention through validated external platforms—ensuring time-stamped temperature history, operator identification, and change control metadata are preserved for audit review. Calibration certificates (traceable to JCSS-accredited standards) and IQ/OQ documentation templates are available directly from ATAGO Japan upon purchase.

Applications

• Stabilizing refractive index measurements of aqueous solutions (e.g., sucrose, sodium chloride, glycerol) per AOAC 985.21 and ISO 21747.
• Supporting temperature-dependent characterization of polymer solutions, essential oils, and pharmaceutical excipients where RI correlates with concentration or molecular weight distribution.
• Enabling comparative studies of thermal expansion effects on optical path length in high-precision interferometric setups.
• Serving as a secondary temperature reference source during refractometer verification against NIST-traceable certified reference materials (e.g., ATAGO SRM-10, SRM-20).
• Facilitating accelerated stability testing protocols requiring controlled thermal ramping between discrete setpoints (manual stepwise adjustment supported).

FAQ

Is the 60-C5 compatible with non-ATAGO refractometers?
Yes—it features standardized fluidic ports and voltage-level signaling compatible with most major refractometer brands utilizing external bath coupling.
Does the unit include tubing and connectors for system integration?
No; standard 6 mm OD silicone tubing and barbed fittings are recommended but supplied separately to accommodate user-specific plumbing configurations.
Can the 60-C5 maintain temperature stability during prolonged operation at 60°C?
Yes—its thermal management architecture ensures sustained ±0.2°C stability at maximum setpoint for ≥12 hours under typical ambient lab conditions (23 ± 2°C, <60% RH).
What is the recommended calibration frequency?
Annual calibration is advised for routine use; more frequent verification (e.g., quarterly) is recommended in regulated environments or following mechanical impact or extended idle periods.
Is service and technical support available outside Japan?
Yes—authorized ATAGO service centers operate globally, with spare parts and repair turnaround documented in ATAGO’s International Service Network (ISN) portal.