Beifen Sanpu ZD-85A Digital Display Water Bath Constant-Temperature Shaker

Overview

The Beifen Sanpu ZD-85A Digital Display Water Bath Constant-Temperature Shaker integrates precise temperature regulation with controlled reciprocating motion in a single compact platform. Engineered for reproducible incubation and agitation of biological samples under defined thermal conditions, it operates on the principle of water-jacketed thermal conduction—ensuring uniform heat transfer across the sample chamber via a thermostatically regulated water bath. Unlike air-jacketed shakers, this design minimizes thermal gradients and improves stability during extended culture periods. The unit is optimized for applications requiring simultaneous thermal control and mechanical stimulation—such as microbial growth kinetics, enzyme reaction profiling, suspension cell culture, and solubility testing of pharmaceutical formulations. Its operating range spans ambient temperature up to 50 °C, with an accuracy of ±0.5 °C (at setpoint) and uniformity maintained within ±1 °C across the active tray surface.

Key Features

• Digital PID temperature controller with LED display for real-time monitoring and fine-tuning of setpoints
• Stepless speed adjustment (80–220 rpm) via analog potentiometer, enabling smooth acceleration/deceleration and minimizing shear-induced cell damage
• Reciprocating oscillation mode with fixed 20 mm stroke amplitude—ideal for suspension-based cultures where gentle mixing preserves cell viability
• Single-tier stainless steel (AISI 304) working tray with removable spring-loaded clamps, accommodating varied vessel formats including test tubes, flasks, and multi-well plates
• Dedicated oxygenation ports integrated into the chamber lid to support aerobic cultivation without compromising thermal integrity
• Mechanical timer with adjustable duration from 5 to 120 minutes, providing fail-safe operation for unattended runs
• Over-temperature and motor overload protection circuits compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZD-85A supports standard laboratory consumables ranging from 10 mL test tubes to 1 L Erlenmeyer flasks, with secure retention via spring-loaded universal holders. Its water bath configuration ensures minimal evaporation loss during prolonged operation—a critical factor in long-term microbial or mammalian suspension cultures. The unit meets essential electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and is constructed to facilitate cleaning and decontamination in accordance with ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom-compatible workflows. While not certified for GMP manufacturing use out-of-the-box, its design supports IQ/OQ documentation and can be integrated into GLP-compliant laboratories when operated under documented SOPs—including calibration traceability to NIST-traceable thermometers and tachometers.

Software & Data Management

The ZD-85A is a standalone analog-controlled instrument without embedded microprocessor-based data logging or network connectivity. All operational parameters—including temperature setpoint, oscillation speed, and timer duration—are manually configured and visually confirmed via front-panel digital displays. For laboratories requiring audit trails, external validation-grade data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300 or Testo 176 T4) may be deployed to record temperature and rotational speed at user-defined intervals. The device supports integration into broader lab infrastructure through manual entry into LIMS or ELN systems, and its consistent performance profile enables repeatable protocol execution across shifts and operators—critical for method transfer and inter-laboratory comparability.

Applications

• Microbial culture expansion (E. coli, yeast, Bacillus spp.) under controlled aeration and thermal conditions
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing using broth dilution methods per CLSI M07-A10 guidelines
• Protein solubilization and ligand-binding assays requiring temperature-stabilized agitation
• Cell lysis optimization studies involving enzymatic or detergent-based protocols
• Standardization of calibration standards for spectrophotometric or HPLC analysis
• Environmental microbiology sample enrichment per EPA Method 1603 and ISO 9308-1

FAQ

Is the ZD-85A suitable for CO₂-sensitive cell cultures?

No—this unit lacks CO₂ regulation and sealed humidification; it is intended for aerobic, non-CO₂-dependent organisms.
Can the oscillation direction be switched between reciprocating and orbital?

No—the mechanism is fixed for reciprocating motion only; orbital motion requires a different mechanical drive architecture.
What is the maximum load capacity of the tray?

The stainless steel tray supports up to 5 kg distributed load; exceeding this may affect speed stability and temperature uniformity.
Does the unit include calibration certificates?

Factory calibration is performed pre-shipment; however, formal calibration certificates (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025) must be obtained separately through third-party metrology providers.
Is the water bath drain port accessible for maintenance?

Yes—a bottom-mounted drain valve allows complete fluid evacuation for cleaning, descaling, or antifreeze solution replacement.