IKA CBC VISC lite Heating and Cooling Circulating Bath

Overview

The IKA^® CBC VISC lite is a precision-engineered heating and cooling circulating bath designed specifically to serve as a thermal control platform for viscometers and rotational rheometers—particularly in applications requiring high-stability temperature conditioning of samples during dynamic viscosity or shear-dependent measurements. Based on the principles of closed-loop liquid circulation and PID-controlled thermoregulation, the CBC VISC lite delivers exceptional thermal uniformity across its 5.5–8.5 L working volume, maintaining stability within ±0.05 K at critical reference points (e.g., +70 °C and –10 °C), as validated per DIN 12876. Its dual-mode operation—enabled by an integrated R290 (propane) refrigeration circuit and high-output 2000 W resistive heater—supports uninterrupted operation from –25 °C to +125 °C, making it suitable for both low-temperature polymer characterization and high-temperature lubricant testing. The unit’s robust architecture includes dual PT1000 platinum resistance thermometers (one for process control, one for independent safety cutoff), redundant overtemperature and overpressure protections, and compliance with DIN 12876 Class III for laboratory equipment used in hazardous environments (FL designation).

Key Features

• Wide operational temperature range: –25 °C to +125 °C, with seamless transition between heating and cooling modes
• High-precision temperature stability of ±0.05 K (DIN 12876 certified at multiple setpoints)
• Dual-sensor architecture: primary PT1000 for control + secondary PT1000 for independent safety cutoff, configurable limit (0–135 °C)
• High-capacity circulation system: 18 L/min flow rate at zero backpressure; pressure head up to 0.35 bar supports external jacketed accessories (e.g., DIN-S1, ELVAS viscometer adapters)
• R290 refrigerant system: low-GWP, natural hydrocarbon refrigerant compliant with F-Gas Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014
• Full external circulation capability via M16×1 ports, enabling precise thermal control of externally mounted measurement cells or jacketed viscometer spindles
• Integrated LED display with 0.1 K resolution, real-time monitoring of both process and safety temperatures
• Continuous-duty rated (100 % duty cycle) with IP21 ingress protection and noise emission ≤53 dB(A)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CBC VISC lite is optimized for integration with rotational viscometers and rheometers requiring stable thermal boundary conditions—including but not limited to IKA RV series, Brookfield DVNext, Anton Paar Physica MCR, and Thermo Scientific HAAKE Viscotester systems. Its bath geometry (150 mm × 218 mm opening, minimum depth 150 mm) accommodates two 600 mL beakers simultaneously or standard DIN-S1 jacketed sample holders. All materials in contact with heat-transfer fluid are chemically resistant and compatible with water, water-glycol mixtures, silicone oils, and other common bath media. Regulatory compliance includes DIN 12876 Class III (laboratory equipment for flammable media), DIN EN 60529 IP21 (limited protection against solid objects >12.5 mm and vertically falling drops), and full CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. It meets essential requirements for use in GLP-compliant laboratories where traceable temperature control and audit-ready safety interlocks are mandatory.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with native RS232 and USB interfaces, the CBC VISC lite integrates seamlessly with IKA’s labworldsoft^® software suite (v4.0+), enabling remote parameter setting, real-time temperature logging, ramp/soak profile programming, and event-triggered data export (CSV, TXT). Communication protocols support SCPI-compliant command sets, facilitating integration into automated test sequences governed by LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom Python-based control frameworks. All temperature setpoints, actual values, alarm states, and safety cutoff events are timestamped and stored locally in non-volatile memory. When deployed in regulated environments, labworldsoft supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user authentication, electronic signatures, and full audit trail generation—including operator ID, parameter changes, and system error logs—ensuring full traceability for QA/QC documentation and regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Viscosity temperature profiling per ASTM D445, ISO 3104, and ISO 2555 under controlled thermal gradients
• Yield stress and flow curve determination in temperature-dependent rheological studies (e.g., polymer melts, food gels, pharmaceutical suspensions)
• Calibration of temperature-sensitive viscometer transducers using NIST-traceable reference oils
• Long-term thermal stability testing of heat-transfer fluids and synthetic lubricants (ASTM D2889, D6045)
• Pre-conditioning of samples prior to DMA, DSC, or TGA analysis to eliminate thermal history effects
• Support for ASTM D7042 and ISO 10438 high-temperature kinematic viscosity measurements in petrochemical QC labs

FAQ

What bath fluids are compatible with the CBC VISC lite?
Water, 20–50 % aqueous glycol solutions, silicone oils (up to 125 °C), and mineral oils (within flash point limits) are approved. Avoid halogenated solvents or low-flash-point hydrocarbons.

Can the CBC VISC lite operate unattended overnight?
Yes—its 100 % continuous-duty rating, dual-temperature-sensor safety architecture, and automatic fault shutdown (overtemp, overpressure, dry-run detection) permit unattended operation in accordance with DIN 12876 Class III requirements.

Is external circulation mandatory for viscometry applications?
Not mandatory—but strongly recommended when using jacketed viscometer adapters (e.g., DIN-S1, ELVAS) to ensure direct thermal coupling between bath fluid and sample chamber, minimizing lag and improving measurement reproducibility.

How is temperature calibration verified?
The unit supports external calibration via a traceable PT100 probe inserted into the bath; factory calibration certificates (DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited) are provided, and user recalibration is supported through labworldsoft’s calibration wizard.

Does the CBC VISC lite meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
When used with labworldsoft v4.5+ and configured with role-based access control, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails, the system satisfies key technical controls for Part 11 compliance in pharmaceutical and biotech environments.