DRETOP ZYC-400BR Air-Bath Refrigerated Orbital Shaker
| Brand | DRETOP |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Instrument Type | Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker |
| Timer Range | 0–999 h |
| Oscillation Frequency | 0–300 rpm |
| Orbit Diameter | 26 mm |
| Temperature Range | 4–60 °C |
| Shelf Quantity | 1 |
Overview
The DRETOP ZYC-400BR Air-Bath Refrigerated Orbital Shaker is an integrated laboratory platform engineered for precise temperature-controlled agitation of biological and biochemical samples. It operates on the principle of orbital (circular) motion with a fixed 26 mm orbit diameter, ensuring uniform mixing and suspension of cell cultures, microbial suspensions, enzyme reaction mixtures, and recombinant protein expression systems. Unlike water-bath shakers, the air-bath design eliminates liquid contamination risks, enables rapid thermal equilibration, and supports stable low-temperature operation down to 4 °C—critical for cold-sensitive assays, plasmid maintenance, and anaerobic culture handling. Its refrigeration system employs a hermetically sealed compressor with PID-driven auto-compensation, enabling accurate, drift-free temperature regulation across the full 4–60 °C range. The unit complies with fundamental design requirements for GLP-compliant laboratories, including traceable parameter logging, alarm-triggered event capture, and hardware-level safety interlocks.
Key Features
- Microprocessor-based PID temperature and speed controller with real-time digital display of setpoint and actual values (temperature resolution: ±0.1 °C; speed accuracy: ±1 rpm)
- Refrigerated air-circulation system with high-efficiency compressor and insulated chamber, delivering stable sub-ambient cooling without condensation buildup
- Brushless DC drive motor with constant-torque output across 0–300 rpm; maintenance-free operation and extended service life (>20,000 h MTBF)
- Three-dimensional eccentric cam drive mechanism with soft-start ramping to prevent sample splashing during acceleration/deceleration
- Tempered glass observation window with integrated LED lighting and one-touch on/off control for visual monitoring under ambient or low-light conditions
- Stainless steel inner chamber and tray surface (AISI 304), electrostatically coated exterior housing, and removable drip tray for facile decontamination
- Comprehensive safety suite: over-temperature cutoff, over-speed shutdown, timer auto-stop, power-fail recovery, and user-parameter encryption
- Configurable mounting options: universal spring clamps, fixed Erlenmeyer flask holders, test tube racks, and custom-fit bottle adapters (e.g., for 50–5000 mL vessels)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ZYC-400BR accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including conical flasks (50–2000 mL), culture tubes, microtiter plates (with optional adapter), and custom bioreactor bottles—on its single 920 × 500 mm stainless steel platform. Its uniform airflow distribution ensures ±0.5 °C temperature homogeneity across the entire working area (per ISO 27877:2017 guidelines for incubator performance verification). The unit meets essential electrical safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and electromagnetic compatibility requirements (EN 61326-1). Optional UV-C germicidal irradiation (254 nm) provides periodic sterilization of internal air pathways and chamber surfaces, reducing airborne microbial load in aseptic workflows. For regulated environments, the USB data export interface supports raw time-series logging (temperature, rpm, elapsed time) compatible with 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trail software.
Software & Data Management
While the ZYC-400BR operates via embedded firmware without external PC dependency, its integrated USB port enables direct download of timestamped operational logs to standard USB flash drives. Exported CSV files contain second-resolution records of setpoint vs. measured temperature, commanded vs. actual rpm, and alarm event timestamps (e.g., “T > 60.5°C at 2024-06-12 14:33:21”). These logs support retrospective analysis, equipment qualification (IQ/OQ), and deviation investigations per ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA guidance. Parameter memory retains all user-defined settings after power cycling, eliminating reconfiguration delays between experiments. Optional firmware updates—distributed via DRETOP’s secure technical portal—introduce enhanced calibration routines and expanded alarm categorization without hardware modification.
Applications
This shaker serves core functions in academic research, pharmaceutical QC, and industrial bioprocessing labs. Typical use cases include: aerobic bacterial culture (E. coli, Bacillus spp.) at 37 °C; yeast fermentation optimization under controlled O₂ transfer (enabled by optional air-inlet ports); low-temperature induction of cold-shock proteins; hybridization buffer agitation in nucleic acid probe preparation; solubility screening of therapeutic peptides at 4–10 °C; and long-term stability testing of diagnostic reagents per ICH Q5C. Its combination of refrigeration capability, wide speed range, and robust mechanical architecture makes it suitable for both routine QC tasks and exploratory protocol development where thermal and kinetic variables must be independently controlled and reproducibly replicated.
FAQ
Does the ZYC-400BR support programming multiple temperature/speed profiles?
No—the device features a single-setpoint mode with real-time manual adjustment. Profile-based sequencing requires external programmable controllers or third-party lab automation integration.
What is the maximum load capacity of the platform?
The 920 × 500 mm tray supports up to 25 kg evenly distributed load, verified per ASTM D4728-18 for static and dynamic loading integrity.
Can the unit operate continuously for 999 hours without interruption?
Yes—its thermal management system and brushless motor are rated for unattended 24/7 operation within specified ambient conditions (15–30 °C, ≤80% RH).
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory-issued calibration certificate covering temperature sensor (NIST-traceable RTD) and tachometer verification, valid for 12 months from date of manufacture.
How is condensation managed during refrigerated operation?
The air-bath design eliminates direct contact between coolant and sample chamber; internal humidity remains below 40% RH at 4 °C, preventing dew formation on vessel exteriors or optical components.
