Grant P30-100 Flask Platform

Overview

The Grant P30-100 Flask Platform is a precision-engineered laboratory support system designed for stable, vibration-damped positioning of Erlenmeyer flasks, conical flasks, and other tapered-bottom glassware during orbital or linear shaking, incubation, or static storage applications. Unlike generic lab stands, this platform integrates a rigid anodized aluminum baseplate with precisely machined, interchangeable silicone-coated flask retention inserts—each sized to match standard ISO 4788 flask diameters (e.g., 50 mL to 1000 mL). Its mechanical design follows the principles of passive isolation: the high-mass baseplate minimizes resonant coupling with shaker decks or environmental vibrations, while the elastomeric interface ensures secure grip without compressive stress on glass necks or shoulders. The unit operates without power, electronics, or moving parts—making it compatible with CO₂ incubators, cold rooms, gloveboxes, and Class II biosafety cabinets where electromagnetic interference or condensation-sensitive components are prohibited.

Key Features

• Rigid 12 mm-thick anodized aluminum baseplate (280 × 220 mm footprint) providing >3.2 kg inertial mass for low-frequency vibration suppression
• Interchangeable, autoclavable silicone retention inserts—standard set includes sizes for 100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, and 1000 mL Erlenmeyer flasks (ISO 4788 compliant)
• Non-slip, chemical-resistant silicone surface (Shore A 50 hardness) rated for continuous exposure to 70% ethanol, 10% sodium hypochlorite, and aqueous buffer solutions
• Integrated alignment grooves and centering pins ensure repeatable flask positioning across multiple experimental runs
• Stackable design enables vertical configuration in multi-tier incubator shelves (max stack height: 4 units with 15 mm inter-layer clearance)
• CE-marked and RoHS-compliant; tested per EN 61326-1:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility in laboratory environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The P30-100 accommodates all standard borosilicate glass and polypropylene Erlenmeyer flasks conforming to ISO 4788:2021 dimensional tolerances. It supports flasks with nominal capacities from 50 mL to 1000 mL and neck diameters ranging from 24 mm to 45 mm. No clamps, screws, or adhesives are required—the retention force derives solely from radial compression within the tapered silicone insert. This passive fixation method eliminates mechanical stress-induced microfractures in glassware and avoids contamination pathways associated with metal fasteners. The platform meets GLP documentation requirements for equipment qualification: each unit carries a unique serial number laser-engraved on the baseplate, and calibration verification is performed using traceable dial indicators (±0.02 mm resolution) against ISO 7500-1 certified load cells.

Software & Data Management

As a purely mechanical device, the P30-100 requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. Its operational integrity is verified through documented physical inspection protocols—not digital logs. However, when deployed alongside regulated shaker systems (e.g., Grant SPS-100 or INFORS HT Multitron), the platform’s consistent positioning directly contributes to improved inter-run reproducibility in cell culture, microbial growth, or enzymatic assay workflows. For FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant environments, users may include the P30-100’s serial number and installation date in equipment master files; its maintenance record consists solely of visual inspection for silicone wear and baseplate deformation—no electronic audit trail is generated or required.

Applications

• Stabilized flask positioning in orbital shakers for aerobic bacterial culture (e.g., Escherichia coli LB broth expansion)
• Vibration-isolated incubation of mammalian cell cultures in 250 mL and 500 mL flasks under 5% CO₂ at 37°C
• Static storage of pH- or O₂-sensitive reagents in controlled-humidity chambers
• High-throughput screening setups where identical flask orientation is critical for robotic arm access
• Teaching laboratories requiring durable, non-electronic equipment for undergraduate microbiology and biochemistry labs

FAQ

Is the P30-100 compatible with water-jacketed incubators?
Yes—the anodized aluminum baseplate and silicone inserts are rated for continuous operation between −20°C and +60°C, including condensing environments typical of water-jacketed units.
Can I use the platform with non-standard flask geometries (e.g., flat-bottom bioreactor vessels)?
No—the retention system is dimensionally optimized for ISO 4788–compliant tapered flasks. Flat-bottom or cylindrical vessels require alternative mounting solutions.
Does Grant supply custom-sized inserts?
Yes—custom silicone inserts can be manufactured upon submission of precise flask CAD drawings or physical samples, subject to minimum order quantity and lead time confirmation.
How often should the silicone inserts be replaced?
Under standard lab use (daily handling, weekly autoclaving), replacement is recommended every 12 months or after 150 autoclave cycles—whichever occurs first—to maintain optimal grip force and dimensional stability.
Is the P30-100 suitable for GMP manufacturing environments?
Yes—its passive design, material traceability (certified silicone grade VMQ-701), and absence of consumables or firmware satisfy Annex 11 and EU GMP Chapter 4 requirements for ancillary lab hardware.