HUXI HT-20TG Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker

Overview

The HUXI HT-20TG Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker is an integrated benchtop instrument engineered for precise temperature-controlled agitation of biological and biochemical samples in research and quality control laboratories. Unlike water-bath shakers, this air-bath design employs forced convection heating and high-efficiency insulation (50 mm thick) to deliver rapid thermal equilibration and exceptional uniformity across the chamber—±0.5°C at 37°C per ISO 17025-aligned validation practices. Its orbital motion (Φ26 mm orbit diameter) generates gentle yet effective mixing ideal for cell culture, microbial growth, enzyme assays, solubility studies, and immunoassay preparation. The unit combines a thermostatic chamber and oscillating platform into a single compact footprint (330 × 285 × 220 mm internal), making it suitable for space-constrained biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, and shared core facilities.

Key Features

• Integrated air-bath architecture with PID-controlled heating and digital airflow optimization ensures stable thermal performance from ambient +5°C to 60°C.
• Brushless DC motor drive system provides maintenance-free operation, consistent torque delivery across the full speed range (30–300 rpm), and ±1 rpm speed accuracy—critical for reproducible suspension dynamics.
• Three-dimensional eccentric triple-cam drive mechanism enables smooth, low-vibration orbital motion with enhanced mechanical longevity and minimal sample shear stress.
• Electropolished 304 stainless steel interior chamber and removable stainless steel platform resist corrosion from repeated exposure to aqueous buffers, alcohols, and mild disinfectants.
• 5-inch capacitive touchscreen interface supports both fixed-value and programmable protocols—including multi-step ramp-hold sequences—with forward/reverse direction switching for specialized mixing applications.
• Human-centered tilt-angle control panel and large-view observation window facilitate real-time monitoring without opening the chamber—reducing thermal disturbance and contamination risk.
• Robust cold-rolled steel outer housing with electrostatic powder coating delivers mechanical durability and chemical resistance in multi-user laboratory environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HT-20TG accommodates standard microbiological and cell culture vessels including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 250 mL), test tubes, deep-well plates, and serum bottles. Its spring-clip tray configuration supports common volume formats (250 mL × 6, 100 mL × 10, or 50 mL × 12) while allowing rapid reconfiguration for alternative fixtures. The instrument meets general safety requirements per IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment and incorporates over-temperature and motor overload protection circuits. While not certified to GLP/GMP out-of-the-box, its programmable logging capability, traceable parameter settings, and stable thermal/mechanical performance support audit-readiness when integrated into validated workflows compliant with ISO/IEC 17025, USP , or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (with external data management software).

Software & Data Management

The onboard firmware records setpoints, actual temperature/speed values, timer status, and error codes in non-volatile memory. All protocol configurations—including ramp rates, dwell times, and directional toggles—are stored locally and persist through power cycles. For extended data integrity, users may export session logs via USB interface in CSV format for integration into LIMS or ELN systems. Optional RS-485 communication enables remote monitoring and centralized fleet management in multi-instrument lab environments. Audit trail functionality (user login, parameter changes, start/stop events) can be enabled via firmware update to meet basic ALCOA+ data governance expectations.

Applications

• Mammalian and insect cell suspension culture under controlled O₂/CO₂-compatible conditions (when used inside incubators).
• Bacterial and yeast fermentation kinetics, including OD₆₀₀ monitoring and induction timing studies.
• Protein solubilization, antigen-antibody binding assays, and epitope mapping workflows requiring uniform mixing at physiological temperatures.
• Environmental microbiology—e.g., BOD incubation, soil extract agitation, and waterborne pathogen enrichment.
• Pharmaceutical QC testing: dissolution profile development, stability-indicating assay preparation, and excipient compatibility screening.
• Educational labs: hands-on instruction in microbial growth curves, enzyme kinetics, and bioreactor fundamentals.

FAQ

What is the maximum flask size supported on the standard tray?
The default spring-clip tray accommodates six 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks (or equivalent volume configurations). Custom trays for larger vessels (e.g., 1 L baffled flasks) are available upon request.
Does the HT-20TG support continuous operation beyond 24 hours?
Yes—the timer is configurable up to 9999 hours, and the thermal-mechanical design permits unattended long-term incubation consistent with ISO 13485 environmental monitoring protocols.
Can the unit be operated inside a CO₂ incubator?
It is not rated for humidified CO₂ environments; condensation may compromise electronics. Use only in dry, temperature-stable enclosures with ambient humidity <80% RH.
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?
A factory calibration certificate (traceable to NIST standards) is included, covering temperature uniformity and speed accuracy verification at three points across the operating range.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
No routine motor servicing is needed due to brushless design. Annual verification of temperature sensors and periodic cleaning of air intake grilles are recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 preventive maintenance guidelines.