IKA HB eco Compact Safety Heating Bath

Overview

The IKA HB eco is a compact, DIN-compliant safety heating bath engineered for precision temperature control in routine laboratory applications requiring stable thermal environments—particularly for sample warming, enzymatic reactions, dissolution testing, and low-temperature incubation protocols. Utilizing resistive heating elements embedded within a stainless-steel bath chamber, the HB eco maintains uniform thermal distribution across its 4 L working volume without forced convection or circulation pumps. Its analog temperature regulation system delivers robust performance in environments where digital complexity is unnecessary but reliability and safety are non-negotiable. Designed in accordance with DIN 12876-1 for Class I laboratory heating equipment, the unit incorporates a redundant mechanical safety cut-off set at 109 °C to prevent overheating under fault conditions—including dry-run scenarios or controller failure. The bath’s geometry—optimized for ergonomic access and minimal footprint—ensures compatibility with standard lab benches while supporting vessels up to 200 mm in height.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (330 × 190 × 325 mm) and lightweight design (3.9 kg) for flexible benchtop integration
• Ergonomically shaped, heat-insulated handle for safe handling during operation and maintenance
• Stainless steel 1.4404 (AISI 316L) bath vessel ensures corrosion resistance against aqueous media, mild acids, and buffer solutions
• Analog temperature control knob with dual-display function: toggles between setpoint and real-time bath temperature (LED display)
• Integrated fixed-temperature safety circuit (109 °C), independently certified to DIN 12876 Class I requirements
• USB interface enables firmware diagnostics and future service updates via authorized IKA service tools
• Low standby power consumption (3 W) supports energy-conscious lab operations and continuous readiness
• IP21-rated enclosure provides protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects ≥12.5 mm—suitable for general laboratory use per DIN EN 60529

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HB eco accommodates standard glassware including beakers (up to 2 L), Erlenmeyer flasks, and reaction vessels with diameters ≤220 mm. Its minimum fill level of 60 mm prevents localized overheating and ensures thermal sensor immersion integrity. All wetted surfaces comply with FDA-relevant material standards for indirect food contact (per EC 1935/2004), making it suitable for QC labs supporting pharmaceutical excipient testing or cosmetic stability studies. The device meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. It is classified as Class I equipment per DIN 12876-1, indicating suitability for general-purpose heating applications where user supervision is maintained and no pressurized or flammable media are involved.

Software & Data Management

The HB eco operates as a standalone analog instrument with no embedded data logging or network connectivity. Temperature setpoints and real-time readings are displayed locally on a dual-mode LED screen; no external software installation or driver configuration is required. The USB port serves exclusively for diagnostic communication during technical service interventions using IKA’s proprietary calibration and verification tools—no user-accessible data export, remote control, or audit trail functionality is provided. As such, the unit conforms to GLP environments where manual recording and procedural documentation are employed, and does not claim compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements. For laboratories requiring electronic data capture, IKA recommends pairing the HB eco with validated external temperature loggers (e.g., compliant thermocouple-based systems meeting ISO/IEC 17025 traceability standards).

Applications

• Pre-warming reagents and culture media prior to microbial assays (e.g., ISO 7218, USP <71>)
• Controlled thawing of frozen biological samples at sub-boiling temperatures
• Supporting gravimetric moisture analysis by maintaining constant evaporation bath temperatures (ASTM D1557, ISO 1189)
• Calibration reference baths for thermometer validation (ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.3)
• Stabilization of viscometer sample holders during rotational viscosity measurements
• Low-risk solvent-based extractions where open-bath heating suffices (e.g., Soxhlet pre-heating stages)

FAQ

Does the HB eco support programmable ramping or multi-step temperature profiles?
No. The HB eco features only manual analog temperature control via rotary knob; it does not offer time-based programming or profile storage.
Is the USB interface usable for data logging or PC connection?
No. The USB port is reserved for authorized IKA service diagnostics only and cannot interface with third-party software or data acquisition systems.
Can the HB eco be used with oil or silicone-based heat transfer fluids?
No. The unit is validated exclusively for aqueous media. Use of oils or organosilicons exceeds its safety classification and voids DIN 12876 compliance.
What is the recommended recalibration interval for the built-in temperature sensor?
IKA recommends annual verification against a NIST-traceable reference thermometer per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines, particularly when used in regulated quality control workflows.
Does the HB eco include a lid or cover option?
No. IKA does not supply or certify any optional lids for the HB eco; uncontrolled vapor loss and condensation management must be addressed externally if required for specific protocols.