Grant SAP12 Sub Aqua Pro Water Bath

Overview

The Grant SAP12 Sub Aqua Pro Water Bath is a precision-engineered, non-circulating thermostatic bath designed for stable, uniform temperature maintenance in routine laboratory applications. Based on resistive heating and PID-controlled digital regulation, it delivers high reproducibility across its operational range of ambient +5 °C to 99 °C. Engineered to comply with DIN 12876 Class I specifications for laboratory thermostats, the SAP12 ensures thermal stability of ±0.2 °C at 37 °C — a benchmark requirement for biological incubation, enzyme assays, sample equilibration, and material conditioning protocols. Its stainless steel bath chamber (12 L capacity), robust housing, and CSA-certified electrical architecture make it suitable for continuous operation in ISO 17025-accredited labs, GLP-compliant environments, and academic teaching laboratories where reliability and traceable performance are essential.

Key Features

• Digital PID temperature controller with 0.1 °C resolution and three user-programmable presets for rapid protocol recall
• Stainless steel bath tank (316-grade optional upon request) with integrated drain valve for safe, spill-free fluid replacement
• Adjustable over-temperature cut-off switch, independently calibrated to prevent thermal damage to samples or equipment
• CSA-certified safety system including ground-fault protection and thermal fuse redundancy
• Compact footprint (315 × 290 × 115 mm) optimized for benchtop use without compromising thermal mass or uniformity
• Voltage-flexible design supporting both 120 V and 230 V AC inputs — auto-configured via internal jumper settings
• LED display with high-contrast 3-digit readout visible under standard lab lighting conditions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SAP12 accommodates standard laboratory vessels including glass beakers (up to 1 L), polypropylene tubes, cuvettes, and reaction flasks. Its open-bath geometry supports immersion of probes, sensors, and small-scale bioreactors. For temperatures above 60 °C, Grant recommends using the optional insulated lid or polypropylene floating balls to minimize evaporation and surface heat loss — a practice aligned with ASTM E2425-21 guidelines for water bath thermal management. The unit meets DIN 12876-1:2015 for accuracy, stability, and safety classification, and conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment. It is compatible with GLP and GMP workflows when paired with external calibration logs and routine verification using NIST-traceable thermometers.

Software & Data Management

The SAP12 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded software or network interface. Temperature data logging requires external integration via RS232 (optional adapter) or analog 0–5 V output (available on SAP12-EX variant). When used in regulated environments, users may document calibration events, daily performance checks, and maintenance records in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements using validated third-party LIMS or ELN platforms. Grant provides a full calibration certificate (traceable to UKAS standards) upon request, along with a maintenance log template compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.2.

Applications

• Cell culture sample warming and reagent equilibration prior to assay setup
• Enzyme kinetics studies requiring precise thermal control between 25 °C and 37 °C
• Viscosity reference standard conditioning per ASTM D445
• Pharmaceutical dissolution testing support (non-USP apparatus, but compatible with auxiliary heating stations)
• Material testing of polymers and adhesives during thermal aging trials
• Teaching labs for calorimetry fundamentals, phase-change observation, and heat transfer experiments
• QC/QA workflows involving controlled thawing of frozen biological matrices

FAQ

Is the SAP12 suitable for oil bath applications?
Yes — the unit is rated for use with silicone oils and mineral oils up to 99 °C; however, oil viscosity and flash point must be verified against Grant’s chemical compatibility chart before operation.

Does it support external temperature probe feedback?
No — the SAP12 uses internal Pt100 sensing only. For external probe control, consider the Grant TC120 or Unistat series.

Can it be stacked or mounted in a rack system?
Not recommended — the unit lacks rear ventilation clearance and is not designed for vertical stacking per IEC 61010-1 mechanical stability requirements.

What is the recalibration interval recommendation?
Grant recommends annual verification using an accredited thermometer; more frequent checks (e.g., daily pre-use) are advised in GxP environments.

Is a service manual available for field technicians?
Yes — Grant provides downloadable technical documentation, including schematics and firmware revision notes, through its authorized distributor portal (access requires registered lab account).