Grant SUB Aqua Plus Series Digital Water Bath
| Brand | Grant |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | SUB Aqua Plus |
| Temperature Range | 5°C above ambient to 99°C |
| Temperature Setting Range | 10–99°C in 0.1°C increments |
| Temperature Stability (DIN 12876-1 | 2013) @ 37°C: ±0.2°C |
| Control Method | Digital PID control with microprocessor-based thermostat |
| Display | 3-digit high-brightness, wide-viewing-angle LED |
| Power Supply | 120 V or 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz selectable |
| Drain Valve | Integrated on models ≥12 L capacity |
| Heating Power | 0.13–2.1 kW (model-dependent) |
| Compliance | DIN 12876-1:2013 Class I (laboratory water baths), CE marked, RoHS compliant |
Overview
The Grant SUB Aqua Plus Series Digital Water Bath is a precision-engineered, microprocessor-controlled temperature stabilization system designed for consistent and reliable thermal conditioning of samples in life science, clinical, pharmaceutical, and quality control laboratories. Operating on the principle of convective heat transfer via a thermostatically regulated water medium, the SUB Aqua Plus series maintains uniform temperature distribution across the bath chamber through optimized heater placement, low-turbulence circulation, and high-efficiency insulation. Each unit conforms to DIN 12876-1:2013 Class I specifications for laboratory water baths—ensuring suitability for applications requiring traceable, repeatable thermal performance under GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 environments. With temperature stability of ±0.2°C at 37°C and digital setpoint resolution of 0.1°C, the series supports critical protocols including enzyme incubation, sample equilibration, reagent warming, and controlled dissolution testing.
Key Features
- Digital PID temperature control with adaptive tuning for rapid stabilization and minimal overshoot
- High-brightness, 3-digit LED display with wide viewing angle—visible under standard lab lighting and glove use
- Robust stainless steel bath chamber (AISI 304) with corrosion-resistant finish and smooth, cleanable surfaces
- Integrated drain valve as standard on all models with ≥12 L capacity (SUB Aqua 12 Plus and larger), enabling safe, tool-free emptying without tilting
- Intelligent power management: heating elements sized per model volume to ensure energy-efficient operation without compromising ramp rate or stability
- Voltage flexibility: factory-configurable for 120 V AC (North America, Japan) or 230 V AC (Europe, UK, Australia) operation; no user modification required
- Over-temperature safety cut-off and dry-run protection circuitry compliant with EN 61000-6-2 and EN 61000-6-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SUB Aqua Plus series accommodates a broad range of sample containers—including glass beakers, polypropylene tubes, cuvettes, and multi-well plates—within its standardized bath geometries. Chamber depth (115–165 mm) ensures full submersion of common 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes. All models meet DIN 12876-1:2013 Class I requirements for accuracy, stability, and construction integrity, making them suitable for ISO 13485-certified medical device manufacturing QC labs and USP compounding environments where thermal consistency directly impacts sterility assurance. Units are CE-marked and RoHS-compliant; electrical safety certification includes IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment.
Software & Data Management
While the SUB Aqua Plus operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument (no embedded PC or touchscreen), it supports external data logging via optional analog voltage output (0–10 V DC proportional to bath temperature) compatible with most industrial DAQ systems and SCADA platforms. For audit-ready environments, Grant recommends pairing the bath with validated third-party temperature monitoring systems that provide 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records—including user access logs, calibration history, and real-time deviation alerts. The unit’s stable thermal profile and low drift (<0.05°C/h over 8 h at 37°C) reduce frequency of recalibration, supporting routine maintenance intervals aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.3.
Applications
- Enzyme kinetics studies and protein denaturation assays requiring precise 37°C or 65°C incubation
- Microbiological media preparation and molten agar cooling prior to pour plating
- Controlled thawing of cryopreserved cell lines and serum batches per SOP-021 (ATCC guidelines)
- Calibration of liquid-in-glass thermometers and RTD probes against NIST-traceable references
- Stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines (e.g., 40°C/75% RH accelerated conditions using auxiliary humidity chambers)
- Pre-heating of HPLC mobile phases and GC sample vials to minimize thermal shock during injection
FAQ
Is the SUB Aqua Plus suitable for GMP-regulated environments?
Yes—when operated within its specified temperature range and maintained per Grant’s recommended calibration schedule (annual verification with certified reference thermometer), the unit meets foundational requirements for equipment qualification (IQ/OQ) in GMP Annex 15 workflows.
Can multiple SUB Aqua Plus units be networked or monitored centrally?
No native Ethernet or USB interface is provided; however, analog output integration with building management systems (BMS) or LabVantage LIMS is achievable using external signal converters and protocol gateways.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
With proper deionized water usage and quarterly descaling (using Grant-recommended citric acid solution), typical operational lifespan exceeds 10 years based on field data from EU academic core facilities.
Does Grant supply validation documentation (DQ/IQ/OQ templates)?
Yes—Grant provides downloadable qualification templates compliant with ASTM E2500 and EU GMP Annex 15, including risk assessments for thermal uniformity mapping and sensor redundancy planning.
