Grant PSU-20 Orbital Multi-Platform Shaker

Overview

The Grant PSU-20 Orbital Multi-Platform Shaker is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible sample agitation in life science laboratories requiring flexible motion control across diverse experimental workflows. Designed around a robust orbital drive mechanism with selectable kinematic profiles—orbital rotation, reciprocal rocking, and high-frequency vibration—the PSU-20 enables method-specific mechanical stimulation of biological samples without hardware reconfiguration. Its 20 mm orbit diameter ensures uniform shear distribution across flat-bottomed vessels, while the electronically commutated motor delivers stable speed regulation across the full 20–250 rpm range, critical for applications such as cell suspension maintenance, immunoassay plate washing, hybridization kinetics, and microbial culture aeration. The shaker’s modular platform architecture supports GLP-compliant traceability when paired with calibrated accessories, and its low-voltage DC power input enhances operational safety in humid or CO₂ incubator-adjacent environments.

Key Features

• Triple-mode agitation system: programmable orbital, reciprocal (0–360° tilt), and pulsed vibration (0–5° tilt, 0–5 s pulse width) for protocol-specific mechanical stimulus delivery
• Full programmability via intuitive dual-line LCD interface: independent timing for each mode (1 min–96 h total; 0–250 s per orbital/reciprocal cycle; 0–5 s per vibration burst)
• Modular platform interchangeability: six certified accessory platforms (PUP-400, PP-20, P30-100, P16-250, P9-500, P6-1000) designed to secure vessels from 30 mL tubes to 1 L bottles with mechanical stability
• High-load capacity (8 kg) with precision-balanced drive train, minimizing harmonic resonance and ensuring long-term mechanical integrity under continuous operation
• Low-noise, brushless DC motor with thermal protection and auto-shutdown on timer expiry or overload detection
• Compact footprint (520 × 485 × 140 mm) optimized for benchtop integration, including under-hood placement in biosafety cabinets and controlled-environment chambers

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PSU-20 accommodates standard laboratory consumables—including Petri dishes, multiwell plates (6–96-well), Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 1 L), centrifuge tubes, and custom bioreactor vessels—via its standardized mounting interfaces. All accessory platforms are manufactured to ISO 9001-certified processes and feature chemically resistant, autoclavable surfaces (PP-20 platform: silicone-coated stainless steel; PUP-400: anodized aluminum with adjustable clamping geometry). The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EN 61326-1:2013 electromagnetic compatibility requirements. When operated with validated platforms and documented SOPs, the PSU-20 supports audit readiness for ISO/IEC 17025, CLIA, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 environments where electronic record integrity and parameter traceability are mandated.

Software & Data Management

While the PSU-20 operates as a standalone instrument with local parameter storage, its programmable logic architecture supports external integration via optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters (sold separately). Lab management systems may log timestamped run parameters—including speed, angle, duration, and mode sequence—using ASCII-based command protocols compliant with ASTM E2500-13 guidelines for instrument qualification. Audit trails generated through external logging retain full traceability for GLP/GMP workflows, and all user-defined programs can be exported/imported as plain-text configuration files for version-controlled protocol archiving.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance: gentle orbital agitation for suspension lines (e.g., CHO, HEK293) in spinner flasks and wave bioreactors
• Molecular biology: uniform hybridization in Southern/Northern blotting, DNA/RNA probe binding kinetics, and antigen-antibody incubation in ELISA development
• Microbiology: aerobic enrichment of low-biomass environmental isolates and biofilm dispersion assays
• Protein biochemistry: solubilization of inclusion bodies, dialysis buffer exchange, and affinity column equilibration
• Quality control: QC testing of viscosity-sensitive formulations (e.g., monoclonal antibody solutions) using standardized vibration pulses

FAQ

Can the PSU-20 be used inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—its 12 V DC power input eliminates internal AC transformers, and its operating temperature range (5–40 °C) includes standard incubator conditions. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent condensation on the display and electronics.
Is calibration documentation available for regulatory submissions?
Grant provides factory calibration certificates (traceable to UKAS standards) upon request. Users must perform periodic verification using NIST-traceable tachometers and inclinometers per ISO/IEC 17025 Section 6.4.
What is the warranty coverage and service support structure?
The PSU-20 carries a 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor. Grant’s European Service Network offers on-site diagnostics, firmware updates, and preventive maintenance contracts aligned with ISO 13485 medical device servicing standards.
Are platform accessories compatible with other Grant shakers?
No—platforms are mechanically keyed to the PSU-20’s drive coupling geometry. Cross-platform use may compromise torque transmission and void warranty coverage.
Does the vibration mode generate measurable acoustic noise?
Peak sound pressure level is ≤52 dB(A) at 1 m distance under maximum load, compliant with WHO workplace exposure guidelines for continuous laboratory operation.