Brookfield DHZ-DA Full-Temperature Capacity Incubator Shaker

Overview

The Brookfield DHZ-DA Full-Temperature Capacity Incubator Shaker is an air-jacketed orbital shaker engineered for precise temperature-controlled cultivation and mixing of biological samples across a broad operational range. Utilizing a robust Peltier-assisted heating/cooling system combined with forced-air circulation, the unit maintains stable thermal conditions from 0 °C to 60 °C—enabling low-temperature microbial growth studies, mesophilic fermentation, and ambient-to-moderate thermophilic incubation without external refrigeration or chiller integration. Its orbital motion mechanism follows ISO 8573-1 compliant drive architecture, delivering consistent 26 mm amplitude at frequencies adjustable between 40 and 280 rpm—optimized for oxygen transfer efficiency in aerobic cell cultures, suspension-based protein expression systems, and microbial enrichment protocols. Designed for GLP-compliant laboratories, the DHZ-DA integrates dual-sensor feedback control (PT100 platinum resistance thermometers) and real-time deviation compensation to achieve ±0.1 °C setpoint accuracy and ±0.5 °C chamber-wide uniformity (per ASTM E2777-21 guidelines for incubator validation).

Key Features

• Single large-format platform (880 × 540 mm) supporting high-throughput configurations: up to eight 3000 mL Erlenmeyer flasks, twenty-four 1000 mL vessels, forty 500 mL containers, or sixty 250 mL flasks—compatible with standard ISO 8573-compliant clamping systems.
• Microprocessor-controlled timer with 0–999 minute programmability and auto-shutdown functionality; supports sequential multi-step protocols via optional firmware upgrade (v2.3+).
• LED digital display with intuitive menu navigation, real-time rpm and temperature readouts, and error-code diagnostics (e.g., E01 = overtemperature, E04 = motor stall).
• Integrated 20 W LED interior illumination with independent on/off switch—facilitating visual inspection under sterile hood-compatible lighting conditions.
• Heavy-duty steel frame with reinforced aluminum alloy chamber walls and double-layer insulation—ensuring mechanical stability during high-rpm operation and minimizing thermal drift during extended runs (>72 h).
• Compliance-ready design: CE-marked per EN 61010-1:2019 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment), RoHS 2015/863/EU certified, and compatible with IQ/OQ documentation packages for FDA-regulated bioprocessing environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DHZ-DA accommodates standard laboratory glassware and disposable bioreactor vessels—including borosilicate Erlenmeyer flasks (ISO 1773), PETG shake flasks (ASTM D4964), and stainless-steel spring-loaded clamps (DIN 12879). Its open-platform configuration allows rapid reconfiguration between flask racks, microplate carriers (96-/384-well), and custom silicone mat inserts for tube arrays. All wetted surfaces are electropolished stainless steel (AISI 316L), meeting USP extractables requirements. The unit satisfies temperature mapping criteria outlined in EU GMP Annex 15 and supports audit trails required under 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with Brookfield’s optional DataLock™ software module (sold separately).

Software & Data Management

While the base DHZ-DA operates via standalone front-panel control, it features RS-232 and USB-B ports for external data logging and remote parameter adjustment using Brookfield’s ShakerLink™ PC Utility (Windows 10/11, 64-bit). This validated application enables time-stamped export of temperature/rpm profiles in CSV format, user-access-level management (admin/operator/guest), and automatic generation of calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards. Optional DataLock™ firmware adds electronic signature capability, password-protected method locking, and event-driven alerting (email/SMS via Ethernet gateway)—fulfilling ALCOA+ data integrity principles for regulated QC/QA workflows.

Applications

• Microbial culture expansion (E. coli, Bacillus spp., yeast strains) under controlled aeration and temperature gradients.
• Cell line maintenance (CHO, HEK293, Sf9) in serum-free suspension media requiring consistent shear stress and dissolved oxygen profiles.
• Enzyme kinetics assays where thermal stability and mixing homogeneity directly impact reaction rate reproducibility.
• Environmental microbiology—water quality testing (APHA 9222B), soil slurry enrichment, and bioremediation pilot studies.
• Pharmaceutical stability testing per ICH Q1A(R2), including accelerated degradation trials at 40 °C/75% RH-equivalent agitation conditions.
• Biopolymer solubilization and nanoparticle dispersion protocols requiring extended low-shear mixing at sub-ambient temperatures.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature when ambient lab conditions exceed 30 °C?
The DHZ-DA achieves 0 °C setpoint only when ambient temperature remains ≤25 °C and relative humidity <60%. At 30 °C ambient, the practical lower limit is 8–10 °C due to thermal load constraints.
Is the platform compatible with vacuum-sealed culture bags?
Yes—when used with optional bag-holding brackets (Part #DHZ-BAG-01), the platform supports up to four 5-L single-use bioreactor bags with integrated magnetic stir bars.
Does the unit support continuous operation beyond 999 minutes?
Yes—by setting the timer to “∞” mode (via firmware v2.1+), the shaker runs indefinitely until manually stopped or power interrupted.
Can temperature and rpm be logged simultaneously at 1-second intervals?
With ShakerLink™ + external USB data logger (e.g., National Instruments USB-TC01), sampling at 1 Hz is achievable; onboard memory logs at 10-second intervals by default.
What calibration services are available for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?
Brookfield-certified field engineers provide on-site verification per ISO/IEC 17025:2017, including temperature uniformity mapping, rpm linearity testing, and uncertainty budget reporting—valid for 12 months.