Grant GLS Aqua 12 Plus and GLS Aqua 18 Plus Reciprocating Water Bath Shakers

Overview

The Grant GLS Aqua 12 Plus and GLS Aqua 18 Plus are precision-engineered reciprocating water bath shakers designed for demanding life science applications requiring simultaneous temperature control and mechanical agitation. These instruments operate on a robust magnetic coupling oscillation mechanism—eliminating direct mechanical drive shafts—and deliver highly reproducible linear motion across a defined stroke length (18 mm, 28 mm, or 36 mm depending on configuration). Unlike conventional orbital shakers, the reciprocating design ensures uniform shear distribution in viscous or density-stratified samples, making them especially suitable for cell culture suspension, enzymatic assays, hybridization protocols, and solubility studies where laminar mixing and minimal foaming are critical. Temperature regulation is achieved via bottom-mounted heating pads paired with PT1000 resistance thermometers and digital PID control, enabling stable operation from ambient +5 °C to 99 °C with ±0.1 °C stability and uniformity at 37 °C—a performance benchmark aligned with ISO 13485–compliant laboratory workflows.

Key Features

• Magnetic coupling drive system: Ensures silent, maintenance-free operation with no belt wear, oil leakage, or mechanical backlash—ideal for continuous 24/7 incubation cycles.
• Dual-mode programmability: Independent pre-set storage for temperature and reciprocating frequency (40–400 cycles/min), with real-time LED display showing heating status (“Heating”, “Cooling”, or “Stable”).
• Enhanced thermal architecture: Polished stainless-steel bath chamber (electropolished AISI 316 grade), corrosion-resistant resin-coated steel housing, and integrated drain valve for rapid fluid exchange and cleaning.
• Safety-critical protections: Adjustable overtemperature cutoff, low-level liquid detection, and dual independent thermal fuses—fully compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment.
• Ergonomic usability: Front-panel key lock prevents accidental parameter changes; wide-angle 3-digit LED display with 0.1 °C resolution; intuitive +/− keypad navigation.
• Energy-efficient design: Non-drip polycarbonate lid minimizes evaporation and heat loss; optimized heater-sensor geometry reduces thermal lag and improves spatial uniformity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GLS Aqua series accommodates a broad range of sample containers—including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 90 mm height), universal bottles, microcentrifuge tubes, and flat-bottomed vessels—via three interchangeable platform options: universal spring-loaded tray (UT series), flat-bottom tray (UTP), and tube rack tray (TT series) compatible with H1-series tube holders (supporting diameters from 10 mm to 30 mm and 1.5 mL microtubes). All models meet CE marking requirements and conform to EN 61326-1 (EMC) and EN 61010-1 (safety). When operated under GLP/GMP environments, the instruments support audit-ready documentation through user-accessible calibration routines (single- or two-point temperature offset adjustment) and configurable timer alerts with audible buzzer feedback—facilitating traceable protocol execution per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines when integrated with validated LIMS systems.

Software & Data Management

While the GLS Aqua units operate as standalone benchtop instruments with embedded firmware, they support external data logging via optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters (sold separately). The built-in timer offers countdown functionality with alarm output, enabling unattended endpoint termination for time-sensitive assays. Calibration logs, setpoint history, and error codes are accessible through diagnostic mode—enabling lab managers to maintain instrument qualification records (IQ/OQ) without proprietary software dependencies. Firmware updates are performed manually using standard terminal emulation tools, ensuring long-term compatibility with evolving IT infrastructure and cybersecurity policies.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance: Gentle yet effective suspension of adherent and non-adherent mammalian cells during passaging or transfection protocols.
• Molecular biology: DNA/RNA hybridization, restriction digestion, and probe labeling under precisely controlled thermal and mechanical conditions.
• Pharmaceutical QA/QC: Dissolution testing of solid dosage forms, excipient compatibility screening, and stability-indicating assay development.
• Environmental microbiology: Bacterial enrichment in liquid media, biofilm dispersion, and nutrient uptake kinetics under simulated aquatic conditions.
• Bioprocess development: Seed train expansion, media optimization, and oxygen transfer rate (OTR) correlation studies in small-volume bioreactor analogs.

FAQ

What is the difference between reciprocating and orbital motion in water bath shakers?
Reciprocating motion provides linear back-and-forth displacement along a fixed axis, generating consistent shear stress and minimizing bubble formation—particularly advantageous for oxygen-sensitive cultures and high-viscosity solutions. Orbital motion induces circular agitation that may cause uneven mixing in tall or narrow vessels.
Can these units operate below ambient temperature?
No—standard configurations are limited to ambient +5 °C minimum. Sub-ambient operation requires integration with an external chiller (e.g., CW200 heat exchanger or CS200G portable cooler), which must be specified at time of order.
Is calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Yes—the PT1000 sensor allows user-performed calibration against certified reference thermometers. Full calibration certificates with uncertainty budgets are available upon request from Grant Instruments’ UK service center.
What is the warranty coverage and service support structure?
All GLS Aqua units include a 3-year limited warranty covering parts and labor. Grant maintains authorized service partners across North America, EMEA, and APAC regions, with spare parts inventory held centrally in Cambridge, UK.
Are custom trays or mounting fixtures available for non-standard vessels?
Yes—Grant offers OEM engineering consultation for bespoke platform fabrication, subject to minimum order quantities and lead time confirmation prior to purchase.