Grant QB-ACC Advanced Metal Block Heater
| Brand | Grant |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | QB-ACC |
| Temperature Range | Ambient +10°C to 150°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.3°C at 37°C, ±0.5°C across full range |
| Heating Time | ≤12 min (from 25°C to 100°C) |
Overview
The Grant QB-ACC Advanced Metal Block Heater is a precision-engineered dry bath system designed for consistent, uniform thermal control of samples in vials, tubes, and microplates across life science, clinical diagnostics, and quality control laboratories. Unlike water baths, the QB-ACC utilizes solid aluminum heating blocks with optimized thermal mass and embedded Pt100 resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) to deliver rapid, stable, and contamination-free heating—eliminating evaporation, condensation, and cross-contamination risks inherent to liquid-based systems. Its operation is grounded in resistive heating coupled with closed-loop PID temperature regulation, ensuring high reproducibility for enzymatic reactions, DNA denaturation, sample thawing, and reagent equilibration protocols requiring strict thermal fidelity.
Key Features
- Programmable digital controller with intuitive rotary encoder interface and dual-line LCD display showing setpoint, real-time block temperature, and elapsed time
- Interchangeable aluminum heating blocks compatible with common tube formats (0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, 2.0 mL, 15 mL, 50 mL conical tubes) and 96-well PCR plates
- Over-temperature safety cutoff with audible alarm and automatic shutdown (independent of main controller)
- Low-profile, compact footprint (240 × 180 × 125 mm) engineered for benchtop efficiency and integration into automated workflows
- Stainless steel housing with heat-resistant polymer top plate for operator safety and long-term durability
- CE-marked and compliant with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment safety
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The QB-ACC supports a broad range of sample containers without modification: standard microcentrifuge tubes, cryovials, glass ampoules, and polypropylene PCR plates. Block inserts are manufactured to ISO 9001-certified tolerances, ensuring dimensional consistency and optimal thermal contact. For regulated environments—including GLP and GMP laboratories—the heater meets traceability requirements when used with external calibration records; optional NIST-traceable calibration certificates are available upon request. While the QB-ACC itself does not provide data logging, its stable thermal performance aligns with ASTM E2252–21 (Standard Practice for Calibration of Laboratory Thermometers) and supports USP thermal validation practices for routine lab equipment qualification.
Software & Data Management
The QB-ACC operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded software or connectivity options—reflecting its design intent as a robust, low-maintenance thermal platform for high-throughput manual or semi-automated workflows. All parameter settings are retained in non-volatile memory during power cycling. For labs requiring electronic recordkeeping, temperature verification can be integrated via external calibrated thermocouple probes connected to validated data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300 or Testo 177-T4), enabling audit-ready documentation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with appropriate SOPs and access controls.
Applications
- Enzyme activation and inactivation studies requiring precise, repeatable thermal profiles
- Pre-incubation of ELISA reagents, antibody dilutions, and cell culture media prior to assay setup
- Routine thawing of frozen biological standards, reference materials, and QC samples under controlled conditions
- Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations in small-volume containers
- Supporting ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing where thermal uniformity and repeatability are critical to measurement uncertainty budgets
- Integration into LIMS-driven workflows via external scheduling and manual entry of thermal cycle metadata
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature of the QB-ACC?
The QB-ACC achieves a maximum block temperature of 150°C, validated per manufacturer specifications and verified using Class A Pt100 reference probes.
Does the QB-ACC support ramp-and-hold programming?
No—the QB-ACC is a single-setpoint heater. It does not include multi-step temperature ramping functionality; users must manually adjust setpoints if staged heating is required.
Can I use custom-machined blocks with this unit?
Yes—Grant offers OEM block design services. Customers may supply CAD drawings of proprietary tube configurations for quotation; lead time typically ranges from 4–6 weeks.
Is the QB-ACC suitable for use in a cleanroom environment?
The unit’s sealed electronics, absence of moving parts or fluid reservoirs, and smooth stainless steel surface make it compatible with ISO Class 5–7 cleanrooms when operated outside laminar flow hoods and maintained per facility-specific cleaning protocols.
How often should the QB-ACC undergo calibration verification?
Per ISO/IEC 17025 and internal lab SOPs, annual calibration verification is recommended; more frequent checks (e.g., daily or per-shift) are advised when used for critical QC applications or regulatory submissions.
