BTD Compact Microtube Dry Block Heater
| Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | BTD |
| Price | Upon Request |
| Temperature Range | Ambient +5°C to 100°C |
| Setpoint Range | 25°C to 100°C |
| Temperature Stability @37°C | ±0.1°C |
| Temperature Uniformity @37°C | ±0.2°C |
| Heating Time (25°C → 100°C) | 16 min |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 210 × 230 × 110 mm |
| Block Diameter/Depth | 130 × 45 mm |
| Power Consumption | 200 W |
| Timer Range | 1 min to 96 h |
| Over-Temperature Protection | Thermal Cut-Out Fuse |
Overview
The BTD Compact Microtube Dry Block Heater is an engineered thermal platform designed for precise, rapid, and uniform heating of small-volume laboratory tubes in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and analytical chemistry workflows. Unlike water baths—where condensation, contamination risk, and maintenance overhead limit utility—the BTD employs a solid aluminum heating block with precisely machined wells to deliver conductive heat transfer directly to tube walls. This dry-block architecture eliminates evaporation artifacts, ensures consistent thermal contact across diverse tube geometries, and supports strict adherence to GLP-compliant protocols requiring traceable, stable temperature control. The unit operates within a calibrated range of ambient +5°C to 100°C, with setpoint resolution of 0.1°C and stability of ±0.1°C at 37°C—meeting the thermal performance expectations for enzyme activation, DNA denaturation, sample thawing, and reagent equilibration in regulated environments.
Key Features
- Multi-format block design accommodates 49 microtubes simultaneously: 24 × 1.5/2.0 mL, 15 × 0.5 mL, and 10 × 0.2 mL tubes—enabling parallel processing without adapter swaps.
- Digital PID temperature controller with intuitive rotary knob interface and LED display for real-time setpoint and actual temperature readout.
- Robust polypropylene housing resistant to common lab solvents and autoclave-compatible surfaces for routine decontamination.
- Compact footprint (210 × 230 × 110 mm) optimized for benchtop use in space-constrained biosafety cabinets or laminar flow hoods.
- Programmable timer (1 minute to 96 hours) with audible end-of-cycle alert and auto-shutdown functionality for unattended operation.
- Integrated thermal cut-out fuse provides fail-safe over-temperature protection, complying with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The BTD’s precision-machined aluminum block features thermally optimized well geometry to minimize radial and axial temperature gradients across all supported tube formats. Each well depth (45 mm) ensures full immersion of standard PCR tubes and low-profile microcentrifuge tubes, while the 130 mm block diameter maintains mechanical stability during repeated insertion/removal cycles. The device is certified for use with polypropylene, polyethylene, and glass microtubes rated for temperatures up to 100°C. It meets CE marking requirements under the EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU). While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant as a standalone instrument, its digital logging-capable variants (when paired with validated third-party software) support audit-trail generation for FDA-regulated QC laboratories operating under cGMP or ISO 17025 frameworks.
Software & Data Management
The base BTD model operates via embedded firmware without external connectivity; however, optional RS-232 or USB interfaces are available for integration into centralized lab management systems. When configured with compatible data acquisition software, users can export time-stamped temperature profiles—including ramp rates, dwell durations, and deviation logs—for inclusion in electronic batch records (EBRs). All firmware versions undergo periodic validation per IQ/OQ protocols, with calibration certificates traceable to UKAS-accredited standards. Firmware updates preserve historical calibration parameters and retain user-defined presets across power cycles.
Applications
- Thermal activation of restriction enzymes and ligases prior to digestion/ligation reactions.
- Rapid thawing of cryopreserved cell suspensions, antibodies, and enzyme stocks without thermal shock.
- Controlled incubation of ELISA plates during substrate development steps (when used with plate-specific adapters).
- Pre-heating of samples for HPLC injection or GC autosampler vials to reduce condensation-induced carryover.
- Standardization of reaction temperatures in qPCR setup workflows where thermal homogeneity across replicates is critical for Cq reproducibility.
FAQ
Is the BTD suitable for use with PCR tubes containing fluorescent dyes?
Yes—the aluminum block’s uniform heating profile minimizes localized hot spots that could degrade fluorophores; however, prolonged exposure above 85°C is not recommended for dye-labeled probes.
Can the heating block be replaced or customized for non-standard tube formats?
Block replacement kits are available for OEM integration; custom well configurations require minimum order quantities and engineering review for thermal validation.
Does the unit include a calibration certificate upon shipment?
A factory calibration report (traceable to NPL standards) is included with each unit; on-site recalibration services are offered annually per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
What is the expected service life under continuous daily use?
Rated for >50,000 operational cycles (approx. 5 years at 20 cycles/day), with thermal fuse and heating element lifetime verified per IEC 60335-1 endurance testing protocols.
