Grant OLS200 Advanced Orbital/Linear Water Bath Shaker

Overview

The Grant OLS200 Advanced Orbital/Linear Water Bath Shaker is a precision-engineered laboratory platform designed for temperature-controlled agitation of liquid samples in flasks, tubes, and culture vessels. It operates on the principle of magnetically coupled orbital and linear (reciprocal) motion, eliminating mechanical drive belts or direct-contact motors—thereby ensuring long-term reliability, minimal maintenance, and ultra-low operational noise (<45 dB(A) at 1 m). The unit integrates a high-efficiency stainless steel water bath (28 L capacity) with PID-controlled heating and dual-sensor thermal feedback, delivering ±0.2 °C temperature stability across its full operating range of 0–99 °C (32–210 °F). Its patented magnetic drive system enables continuous, vibration-damped oscillation even under heavy load or extended duty cycles—making it suitable for demanding applications including microbial culture, enzyme kinetics, solubility studies, and immunoassay incubation.

Key Features

• Magnetically coupled shaker trolley with dual-mode actuation: selectable orbital (20–300 rpm) or linear (20–250 rpm) motion via simple tray rotation—no tools required
• Digital microprocessor control with simultaneous LED display of setpoint and actual temperature (°C/°F) and shaking speed (rpm)
• Adjustable stroke length (19 mm orbital / 25 mm linear) and programmable speed ramping for gentle start-up and process reproducibility
• Recessed, spill-resistant control panel with tactile buttons and protective bezel to prevent accidental parameter changes
• Over-temperature safety cut-out with independent thermal fuse (adjustable threshold up to 105 °C)
• Stainless steel tank with integrated heater, PT100 temperature sensors, and front-mounted drain valve for rapid fluid exchange
• Removable immersed components—including trolley, flask tray, and support rails—for autoclaving or chemical decontamination

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OLS200 accommodates standard laboratory glassware up to 5 L capacity, including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), test tubes (13–25 mm diameter), and multi-well plates (with optional adapter trays). Its uniform thermal distribution (±0.3 °C across bath volume, per ASTM E2272-22) supports GLP-compliant workflows. When operated with the optional immersion cooler (VWR P/N 66238-662), the system achieves sub-ambient operation down to –10 °C, enabling cold-sensitive reaction monitoring. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and meets EMC requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. All firmware and hardware configurations are documented to support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with validated software environments.

Software & Data Management

While the OLS200 operates as a standalone instrument with local digital controls, its analog output (0–10 V) and RS-232 interface enable integration into centralized lab automation systems. Optional VWR LabLink™ software (v3.2+) supports time-stamped logging of temperature and rpm data at user-defined intervals (1–60 s), export to CSV/Excel, and alarm-triggered email notifications. Audit trails include operator ID, parameter changes, and system events—fully traceable for ISO 17025 and GMP audit requirements. Firmware updates are delivered via secure USB key with cryptographic signature verification.

Applications

• Microbial and mammalian cell culture under controlled oxygenation and thermal conditions
• Protein expression and purification workflows requiring consistent agitation during induction
• Solubility and dissolution testing per USP and
• Antibody-antigen binding kinetics in ELISA and lateral flow assay development
• Environmental sample extraction (e.g., PAHs, PCBs) using aqueous-phase shaking per EPA Method 3510C
• Calibration of thermistors and RTDs in metrology labs requiring stable thermal platforms with mechanical excitation

FAQ

What is the maximum flask size supported on the standard tray?
The standard trolley accepts Erlenmeyer flasks up to 2 L; custom trays (VWR P/N 66238-210 series) accommodate up to 5 L vessels.
Can the OLS200 operate continuously for 72+ hours?
Yes—the unit is rated for continuous operation at any setpoint within 0–99 °C and 20–300 rpm, with thermal management verified per IEC 60068-2-2.
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory-issued Certificate of Conformance and NIST-traceable temperature calibration report (±0.15 °C at 37 °C and 55 °C).
How is temperature uniformity verified across the bath volume?
Uniformity is validated using nine-point mapping per ISO 13843:2017 Annex B, with results included in the installation qualification (IQ) package.
Does the immersion cooler require additional refrigerant handling certification?
No—the 66238-662 cooler uses sealed R134a circuitry and is classified as a Class II appliance under ASHRAE 15; no field refrigerant charging is permitted or required.