Grant OLS26 Orbital-Reciprocating Water Bath Shaker

Overview

The Grant OLS26 Orbital-Reciprocating Water Bath Shaker is a fifth-generation digital incubation shaker engineered for precision life science applications requiring simultaneous thermal control and dual-mode agitation. Unlike conventional single-motion water bath shakers, the OLS26 integrates orbital and linear reciprocating motion in a single platform—enabling optimal mixing of viscous, heterogeneous, or sediment-prone samples without mechanical compromise. Its operation is grounded in magnetically coupled drive technology, eliminating belt wear and ensuring consistent torque transmission across the full 20–200 rpm range. Temperature regulation relies on HeatMat™—a corrosion-resistant, wire-free heating film laminated directly beneath the stainless-steel bath chamber—delivering uniform thermal distribution (±0.1°C uniformity at 37°C) and eliminating hot spots common with resistive coil systems. The unit operates within a calibrated temperature envelope from ambient +5°C to 99°C; with the optional CC26 immersion chiller, it achieves sub-ambient control down to 0°C—making it suitable for cold-sensitive enzymatic assays, protein stability studies, and low-temperature hybridization protocols.

Key Features

• Magnetically coupled drive system ensures zero mechanical backlash, silent operation, and ±1 rpm speed accuracy across all settings
• HeatMat™ heating technology provides rapid thermal response (<15 min to reach 37°C from ambient), eliminates electrical hazards associated with exposed heating elements, and extends bath longevity through non-corrosive, seamless integration
• Dual-motion capability: selectable orbital (9 mm amplitude) or linear reciprocating (18/28/36 mm amplitude) modes—programmable per protocol
• Digital PID controller with Set-and-Forget™ firmware enables stable setpoint maintenance and automatic compensation for load-induced thermal inertia
• 26 L polished high-alloy stainless-steel bath (AISI 316-grade finish) with integrated quick-drain valve for efficient cleaning and cross-contamination mitigation
• Comprehensive safety architecture: triple-redundant over-temperature cutoff, real-time liquid level monitoring, dry-run prevention logic, and user-configurable alarm thresholds
• Two pre-programmed memory slots support rapid recall of validated methods—ideal for GLP-compliant workflows

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OLS26 accommodates diverse vessel formats via interchangeable tray systems—including universal platforms (TU12/TU18/TU26), tube racks (SR-series for 0.5–30 mm diameters), deep-well plate clamps (SH-DWP), flask holders (TF-series), and flat-bottom trays (SBT-series). Spring clamps (SC-25 to SC-1000) secure Erlenmeyer flasks from 25 mL to 1 L. All accessories are autoclavable and chemically resistant to common solvents and buffer solutions. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1). While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its digital logging capability (via optional RS232/USB interface) supports audit-trail generation when integrated into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) under ISO/IEC 17025 or GMP environments.

Software & Data Management

The OLS26 features an embedded microcontroller with non-volatile memory storing up to two full parameter sets—including temperature setpoint, oscillation mode, amplitude, speed, and timer duration. Real-time temperature and rpm values are displayed with 0.1°C/1 rpm resolution on a backlit LCD interface. Optional data export is available via serial communication (RS232) or USB-to-serial adapter, enabling time-stamped CSV logging compatible with Excel, LabChart, or custom Python-based analysis pipelines. Firmware updates are performed via USB flash drive, ensuring long-term adaptability to evolving QC documentation standards. Multi-point calibration routines (accessible via service mode) allow traceable adjustment against NIST-traceable reference thermometers—supporting ISO 17025 internal calibration requirements.

Applications

• Cell culture suspension and microbial growth kinetics (E. coli, yeast, mammalian lines)
• Enzyme kinetics and ligand-binding assays requiring precise thermal equilibration
• DNA/RNA hybridization, Southern/Northern blotting, and library preparation workflows
• Protein solubilization, refolding, and aggregation inhibition studies
• Pharmaceutical dissolution testing per USP under controlled agitation and temperature
• Environmental sample extraction (e.g., soil leaching, sediment resuspension) with viscosity-tolerant mixing
• Quality control of diagnostic reagents where batch homogeneity and thermal history impact performance

FAQ

Can the OLS26 operate continuously without timer activation?
Yes—the timer is fully bypassable; users may select “infinite run” mode for uninterrupted operation.
Is the CC26 chiller included by default?
No—the CC26 immersion chiller is an optional accessory and must be ordered separately to enable sub-ambient operation down to 0°C.
What is the maximum recommended fill volume for optimal thermal uniformity?
For ±0.1°C uniformity across the bath, maintain water depth between 70 mm minimum and full capacity (26 L); avoid operating below 70 mm to prevent dry-run sensor activation.
Are calibration certificates available for purchase?
Yes—Grant Instruments offers factory-issued calibration reports (traceable to UKAS-accredited standards) for both temperature and speed sensors, valid for 12 months.
Does the OLS26 support remote monitoring or network integration?
Not natively—but third-party SCADA or LabVIEW integration is feasible via its RS232 port using standard Modbus RTU protocol (documentation available upon request).