DRETOP QC/QA/QZ/WC/WA/WZ/WYC/SHY Series Precision Temperature-Controlled Orbital and Reciprocal Shakers
| Brand | DRETOP |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model Series | QC, QA, QZ, WC, WA, WZ, WYC, SHY |
| Oscillation Frequency | 0–300 rpm |
| Amplitude | 26 mm (standard), 35 mm (WYC series) |
| Temperature Range | RT+5°C to 100°C (varies by model |
| Control Accuracy | ±0.1°C (temperature), ±1 rpm (speed) |
| Display | Backlit LCD with real-time parameter monitoring |
| Power Input | AC 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Compliance | Designed for GLP-compliant lab environments |
Overview
The DRETOP QC/QA/QZ/WC/WA/WZ/WYC/SHY Series comprises a comprehensive family of precision temperature-controlled shakers engineered for reproducible, stable incubation and mixing in life science and industrial laboratories. These instruments operate on two primary motion principles: orbital (circular) oscillation for uniform suspension of cell cultures and microbial growth, and reciprocal (linear back-and-forth) motion optimized for heterogeneous sample mixing, sediment resuspension, and immunoassay plate agitation. Each unit integrates a PID-controlled heating system and brushless DC motor drive—ensuring minimal thermal drift, mechanical stability, and long-term operational consistency. The series spans multiple platform types—including air-bath, water-bath, refrigerated air-bath, refrigerated water-bath, and non-temperature-controlled horizontal shakers—enabling selection based on thermal requirements, sample volume, container type, and application-specific mixing dynamics. All models are designed to meet the physical and regulatory expectations of academic research labs, pharmaceutical QC/QA departments, clinical diagnostics facilities, and environmental testing centers operating under ISO/IEC 17025 or cGMP-aligned workflows.
Key Features
- Microprocessor-based PID temperature and speed control with real-time LCD display showing setpoint and actual values for temperature (±0.1°C accuracy), rotational speed (±1 rpm resolution), and elapsed time.
- Brushless DC motor architecture delivering consistent torque across full speed range (0–300 rpm), eliminating carbon wear, electrical noise, and maintenance intervals.
- Dual-safety thermal protection: independent overtemperature cutoff circuitry activates upon sensor failure, heater runaway, or motor overheating—automatically disabling heating elements while preserving fan and control functions.
- Programmable slow-start acceleration (0–30 sec ramp-up) prevents splashing and cross-contamination during initiation of liquid-phase cultures or reagent-based assays.
- Parameter lock function restricts unauthorized modification of experimental settings, supporting SOP adherence and laboratory accreditation requirements (e.g., ISO 15189, CLIA).
- Power-fail recovery mode retains user-defined protocols and resumes operation at pre-interruption conditions following grid outage—critical for unattended overnight runs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DRETOP shaker series accommodates a broad spectrum of laboratory vessels including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5 L), test tubes, microcentrifuge tubes, deep-well plates, and standard 96-well ELISA plates via optional stainless-steel universal spring clamps or custom-fit platforms. Water-bath models (e.g., WYC-110X series) provide superior temperature uniformity (±0.3°C) across submerged samples, making them suitable for heat-sensitive enzymatic reactions and bacterial growth studies requiring strict thermal homogeneity. Refrigerated variants maintain stable sub-ambient temperatures down to 4°C, enabling cold-active enzyme assays or preservation of thermolabile analytes during agitation. All units comply with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment and are constructed with corrosion-resistant stainless-steel chambers and powder-coated steel exteriors. When configured with optional USB data logging, the systems support ALCOA+ data integrity principles and can be validated for use in regulated environments governed by FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and WHO TRS 992.
Software & Data Management
While the base configuration operates via intuitive front-panel controls, optional accessories extend digital functionality significantly. The integrated USB data logger records timestamped temperature, speed, and runtime data at user-selectable intervals (1–60 sec), generating CSV files compatible with LIMS, Excel, and statistical analysis software. Optional color touchscreen controllers enable multi-step programmable protocols—allowing sequential execution of varying speeds, temperatures, and durations within a single run. Wireless monitoring modules (Wi-Fi or Ethernet-enabled) permit remote status viewing and alarm notification via web dashboard or mobile app, facilitating centralized lab equipment management. For paperless quality systems, optional thermal mini-printers produce real-time and historical record strips compliant with GLP documentation standards.
Applications
These shakers serve critical roles across diverse workflows: microbial culture expansion and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST); mammalian and insect cell line propagation in suspension; biochemical assay development (e.g., kinase activity, protein-protein interaction screening); environmental water sample homogenization prior to nutrient or pathogen analysis; pharmaceutical dissolution testing support; and molecular biology applications such as plasmid miniprep lysis and hybridization buffer agitation. The WYC-series water-bath shakers are frequently employed in clinical microbiology for blood culture bottle agitation, while the SHY-series horizontal shakers support blotting procedures, gel staining, and membrane washing steps in western and northern blotting protocols.
FAQ
What is the difference between orbital and reciprocating motion in these shakers?
Orbital motion generates gentle, circular agitation ideal for aerobic cell culture and suspension growth; reciprocating motion delivers higher shear force suited for particle dispersion and solid-liquid extraction.
Can the WYC series operate without water in the bath?
No—water-bath models require deionized or distilled water fill to specified level marks; dry operation will trigger thermal cutoff and may damage heater elements.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
Factory calibration is performed prior to dispatch; NIST-traceable calibration certificates are available upon request and may incur additional lead time and cost.
Are replacement trays or custom fixtures available?
Yes—DRETOP offers interchangeable platforms including flask racks, microplate holders, and tube carriers, all fabricated from 316 stainless steel for autoclavability and chemical resistance.
Does the system support external temperature probes for chamber monitoring?
Standard configurations use internal Pt100 sensors; external probe input is not supported natively but can be integrated via third-party SCADA interfaces using analog output signals (0–10 V or 4–20 mA).
