Grant SAP5 Sub Aqua Pro Water Bath

Overview

The Grant SAP5 Sub Aqua Pro Water Bath is a precision-engineered, digitally controlled laboratory water bath designed for stable, repeatable temperature maintenance in routine and regulated applications. Utilizing resistive heating elements and PID-based digital temperature regulation, the SAP5 maintains thermal equilibrium through direct conduction into the water medium—ideal for incubation, enzymatic reactions, sample equilibration, and dissolution testing where fluid-phase thermal uniformity is critical. Its compact footprint (145 × 290 × 115 mm) and 5-liter stainless steel bath chamber balance space efficiency with sufficient capacity for multiple standard-sized vessels—including up to six 50-mL centrifuge tubes or four 100-mL Erlenmeyer flasks placed simultaneously. Compliance with DIN 12876 Class II specifications ensures traceable performance validation at key reference points (e.g., ±0.2 °C stability at 37 °C), making it suitable for GLP environments where documented thermal consistency is required.

Key Features

• Digital PID temperature controller with 0.1 °C resolution and three user-definable preset profiles for rapid setup of common protocols
• Adjustable over-temperature safety cut-out—configurable to prevent thermal damage during unattended operation
• Stainless steel bath tank with integrated drain valve for efficient, spill-free emptying and cleaning
• CSA-certified electrical architecture, meeting North American safety standards for laboratory equipment
• Dual-voltage compatibility (120 V / 230 V AC) enabling seamless deployment across international lab infrastructures
• LED-based 3-digit display with real-time temperature readout and status indicators for setpoint, actual value, and alarm conditions
• No-circulation design minimizes mechanical complexity and eliminates potential sources of vibration or contamination from pump systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SAP5 accommodates a broad range of sample containers—from microcentrifuge tubes and glass vials to beakers and serological pipettes—without requiring specialized racks. Its open-bath geometry allows unrestricted access and manual agitation when needed. For temperatures above 60 °C, use of a polycarbonate or polypropylene floating cover is recommended to reduce evaporation and improve energy efficiency. The unit conforms to DIN 12876-1:2015 for laboratory thermostats and meets CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1 requirements for electrical safety. While not equipped with active circulation, its thermal homogeneity profile supports applications aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.3 (environmental condition control) and USP ambient temperature monitoring workflows when operated within validated parameters.

Software & Data Management

The SAP5 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded data logging or PC connectivity. All operational parameters are managed locally via front-panel controls. However, its stable thermal output and calibrated accuracy make it compatible with external validation tools—including NIST-traceable thermistors, data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300), and automated QC platforms that interface via analog voltage outputs (optional accessory). Audit trails for temperature excursions may be maintained manually or via third-party environmental monitoring systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with appropriate electronic record configurations.

Applications

• Enzyme kinetics studies requiring precise 37 °C incubation
• Cell culture media pre-warming prior to sterile handling
• Standardization of viscosity reference fluids per ASTM D445
• Thermal equilibration of calibration standards before metrological assessment
• Dissolution testing support in pharmaceutical QC labs (non-GMP but suitable for method development)
• Hybridization and denaturation steps in molecular biology protocols
• Controlled warming of reagents sensitive to thermal shock (e.g., antibodies, restriction enzymes)

FAQ

Is the SAP5 suitable for oil bath operation?
No—the SAP5 is engineered exclusively for aqueous media. Its heating element design, temperature limits, and material compatibility do not support use with oils or organic solvents.
Does it support remote monitoring or Ethernet connectivity?
No—this model lacks digital communication interfaces. Remote supervision requires integration with external data acquisition hardware.
What is the maximum recommended operating duration without supervision?
Continuous operation is permissible when configured with the adjustable over-temperature cut-out enabled and ambient lab conditions remain within 15–30 °C; however, unattended use beyond 8 hours requires risk assessment per institutional safety policy.
Can I validate temperature uniformity across the bath volume?
Yes—DIN 12876 defines test methods for spatial uniformity verification using ≥9 probe positions; typical SAP5 results show ≤±0.3 °C deviation across the central 80% of the bath volume at 37 °C.
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?
A factory calibration certificate (traceable to UKAS-accredited standards) is available upon request at time of order; on-site recalibration services are offered by Grant Instruments’ authorized service partners in EMEA and North America.