Grant SAP5 Water Bath

Overview

The Grant SAP5 Water Bath is a precision-engineered, digitally controlled laboratory water bath designed for stable, repeatable temperature maintenance across a broad operational range—from ambient +5 °C up to 99 °C. Built to DIN 12876 Class I specifications for temperature stability and safety, the SAP5 employs a robust PID-controlled heating system with high thermal mass stainless steel bath construction and optimized heat distribution geometry. Its core function is to provide uniform thermal environments for sample incubation, enzymatic reactions, viscosity standardization, dissolution testing, and material conditioning—applications requiring strict adherence to ISO/IEC 17025, ASTM E2251, and USP environmental control guidelines. The unit features a compact footprint (145 × 290 × 115 mm), integrated drain valve for rapid fluid exchange, and adjustable over-temperature cut-off to prevent thermal runaway during unattended operation.

Key Features

• Digital PID temperature control with 0.1 °C setpoint resolution and ±0.2 °C stability at 37 °C per DIN 12876–1 compliance
• Stainless steel bath chamber (5 L capacity) with corrosion-resistant finish and smooth internal geometry for laminar convection
• Three programmable temperature presets for rapid recall of frequently used setpoints (e.g., 37 °C, 60 °C, 85 °C)
• CSA-certified electrical architecture with dual-voltage compatibility (120 V / 230 V AC) and thermal fuse redundancy
• Integrated mechanical drain valve positioned at lowest bath point for complete, residue-free fluid evacuation
• LED-based 3-digit display with real-time temperature feedback and status indicators for heating mode, alarm, and preset selection
• Adjustable over-temperature protection circuit—user-configurable trip point to safeguard sensitive samples and instrumentation
• Low-profile design optimized for benchtop integration beneath fume hoods or within modular lab workstations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SAP5 accommodates standard laboratory vessels including glass beakers (up to 1000 mL), plastic centrifuge tubes, cuvettes, and multi-well plates when used with compatible racks. Its open-bath configuration supports immersion of probes, sensors, and reaction vessels without spatial constraint. For temperatures exceeding 60 °C, Grant recommends use of the optional polycarbonate lid or polypropylene floating balls to minimize evaporation and maintain thermal homogeneity. The unit complies with DIN 12876–1 (Class I) for laboratory thermostats, meets CSA C22.2 No. 61010–1 requirements for electrical safety, and supports GLP/GMP workflows through traceable calibration documentation and audit-ready operational logs when paired with external data loggers.

Software & Data Management

While the SAP5 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument without embedded network connectivity, it is fully compatible with third-party data acquisition systems via its analog output interface (0–10 V or 4–20 mA, configurable). Users may integrate the bath into centralized Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) or SCADA platforms using standard industrial protocols (Modbus RTU over RS-485). Calibration certificates—including as-found/as-left data, uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025, and traceability to NPL (UK) standards—are provided upon request. Firmware updates are not applicable; however, hardware revision history and service bulletins are maintained in Grant’s technical support portal for regulatory audit preparation.

Applications

• Cell culture incubation and reagent equilibration in molecular biology and immunology labs
• Controlled-temperature dissolution testing per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.9.3
• Enzyme kinetics studies requiring precise thermal control at physiological or elevated temperatures
• Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against NIST-traceable references
• Material softening and polymer annealing in quality control laboratories (ASTM D1525, ISO 306)
• Pre-heating of solvents and buffers prior to HPLC or GC injection
• Environmental stress screening of electronic components under accelerated thermal aging protocols

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended operating temperature for continuous use?
The SAP5 is rated for continuous operation up to 99 °C. For sustained use above 60 °C, Grant mandates use of the optional bath cover or polypropylene floating balls to limit evaporation and ensure long-term stability.
Does the SAP5 support external temperature probe input for chamber monitoring?
No—the SAP5 relies on its internal Pt100 sensor for feedback control. However, its analog output port allows connection to an external digital thermometer or data logger for independent verification.
Is the unit suitable for GMP-regulated environments?
Yes—when operated with documented calibration, preventive maintenance logs, and validated SOPs, the SAP5 meets baseline requirements for equipment qualification (IQ/OQ) under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 frameworks.
Can multiple SAP5 units be synchronized for parallel temperature control?
Not natively—each unit operates independently. Synchronization requires external master controller logic or PLC-level integration via analog I/O signals.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal performance?
Grant recommends quarterly inspection of the drain valve seal, biannual cleaning of the heater element with citric acid descaler, and annual recalibration by an accredited service provider.