Hanuo ZC-10 Benchtop Constant-Temperature Water & Oil Bath Circulator

Overview

The Hanuo ZC-10 is a compact, benchtop constant-temperature circulator engineered for precise thermal management in laboratory environments where stable, uniform heat transfer is critical. It operates on the principle of forced convection via an integrated circulation pump, enabling accurate temperature maintenance across both aqueous and organic media—including water, silicone oil, and heat-transfer fluids—within a range from ambient to 100 °C. Unlike passive baths, the ZC-10 actively maintains thermal homogeneity through continuous fluid recirculation, minimizing axial and radial gradients. Its robust stainless-steel bath chamber and corrosion-resistant internal components ensure long-term reliability under repeated thermal cycling and chemical exposure. Designed for integration into analytical workflows, reaction monitoring systems, and calibration protocols, the unit meets fundamental requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-compliant laboratories performing temperature-sensitive procedures.

Key Features

• Benchtop form factor with minimal footprint (280 × 190 × 200 mm), optimized for space-constrained lab benches and fume hood installations.
• Dual-mode circulation architecture: high-flow internal recirculation (6 L/min) ensures bath uniformity; external port supports closed-loop connection to external reactors, viscometers, or jacketed vessels.
• PID-based digital temperature controller with auto-tuning capability, delivering responsive heating dynamics and minimized overshoot during setpoint transitions.
• Dual-line LED display showing real-time bath temperature and user-defined setpoint simultaneously; intuitive membrane keypad interface with tactile feedback.
• Stainless-steel working bath (304 grade) with reinforced sealing and leak-proof design; compatible with water, glycol-water mixtures, and mineral/silicone oils up to 100 °C.
• Optional chiller interface allows connection to external refrigerated circulators or tap-water cooling lines for controlled ramp-down—critical for exothermic reaction quenching or post-synthesis thermal conditioning.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZC-10 accommodates standard laboratory glassware (e.g., 1000 mL beakers, 500 mL round-bottom flasks) and supports immersion of probes, sensors, and reactor jackets without obstruction. Its open-bath geometry (180 × 160 mm aperture) facilitates easy access and probe positioning. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for electrical equipment used in laboratory settings. While not certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations, it is suitable for general-purpose use in non-explosive atmospheres per EN 60079-0. For GLP/GMP-regulated applications, the device supports manual logging of temperature setpoints and observed stability; optional RS232/USB interfaces (available upon request) enable basic data export for audit trails—though native 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires third-party software validation.

Software & Data Management

The ZC-10 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded operating system or cloud connectivity. Temperature logging is performed manually or via external DAQ systems interfaced through its analog output (0–5 V DC proportional to bath temperature) or optional digital communication ports. Firmware updates are not field-upgradable; calibration parameters are factory-set and traceable to NIST-traceable references. Users may integrate the unit into LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Python-controlled automation sequences using standard serial command protocols (ASCII-based). No proprietary software is bundled—ensuring full interoperability with existing lab informatics infrastructure and avoiding vendor lock-in.

Applications

• Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against reference standards in metrology labs.
• Temperature control for viscometry measurements (e.g., rotational viscometers requiring thermostatted sample chambers).
• Stabilization of optical components (e.g., laser diodes, spectrophotometer cuvettes) sensitive to thermal drift.
• Support of enzymatic assays, polymerization kinetics, and dissolution testing where ±0.1 °C stability directly impacts reaction rate reproducibility.
• Pre-heating and thermal equilibration of solvents prior to HPLC mobile phase preparation or GC injection.
• Use as a heat source in reflux condensation setups, melting point determination accessories, and material aging studies.

FAQ

Is the ZC-10 suitable for oil-based applications?
Yes—the bath chamber and pump wetted parts are chemically resistant to common heat-transfer oils (e.g., Dow Corning PMX-200, Marlotherm SH) at temperatures up to 100 °C. For extended oil operation, periodic cleaning and seal inspection are recommended.
What is the maximum external load the circulation pump can drive?
With 6 L/min flow at ~0.3 bar pressure head, the pump supports tubing runs up to 5 m total length (including elevation changes) with ≤8 mm ID PTFE or stainless-steel tubing.
Can temperature stability be improved beyond ±0.1 °C?
Enhanced stability (±0.05 °C) is achievable by minimizing ambient drafts, using insulated covers, and selecting lower thermal mass loads—but the ZC-10’s specification remains ±0.1 °C per manufacturer calibration.
Does the unit include over-temperature protection?
Yes—a redundant mechanical high-limit switch cuts power if the bath exceeds 110 °C, independent of the PID controller.
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?
A factory calibration certificate (traceable to national standards) is included, listing as-found/as-left values at 25 °C, 50 °C, and 90 °C. Full ISO 17025-accredited calibration is available as a paid service.