IKA HBR 4 control Heating Bath with Integrated Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA HBR 4 control is a precision-engineered heating bath designed for reproducible temperature-controlled sample conditioning in analytical, quality control, and synthetic laboratory workflows. Unlike conventional water baths or dry-block heaters, the HBR 4 control integrates a high-torque magnetic stirring drive directly into the heating block—enabling simultaneous, uniform thermal transfer and mechanical homogenization without external stir bars or overhead agitators. Its operation relies on resistive heating of a stainless-steel (1.4301) cylindrical bath chamber, with heat distributed upward from the base via conduction through low-viscosity silicone oil (50 mPa·s) or deionized water as the thermal medium. Temperature regulation employs a microprocessor-based PID controller compliant with DIN 12877 Type II safety requirements, ensuring fail-safe operation even under partial fluid depletion or sensor drift.

Key Features

• Integrated magnetic stirrer with continuous speed control (150–800 rpm), eliminating need for separate stir plates or overhead mixers
• Digital LCD display showing real-time setpoint temperature, actual bath temperature, active safety limit, and current stirring speed
• Adjustable safety temperature circuit (50–210 °C) with dual independent thermal protection: one embedded in the heating element, one via optional external PT1000 probe
• Robust 1.4301 stainless-steel bath vessel with 4 L usable volume and minimum fill level indicator (20 mm depth)
• RS 232 interface standard for remote parameter setting, data logging, and integration into LIMS or automated lab systems
• Compliance with DIN EN 60529 (IP20) for protection against solid objects >12.5 mm; suitable for ambient conditions up to 40 °C and 80 % relative humidity

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HBR 4 control accommodates standard laboratory glassware including round-bottom flasks (up to 3 L), beakers, and reaction vessels with diameters ≤200 mm. Its open-bath design supports immersion of external temperature probes (e.g., calibrated PT1000 sensors) for process-critical applications requiring traceable, secondary temperature validation. The unit meets DIN 12877 Type II safety classification for heating equipment used in chemical laboratories, mandating redundant overtemperature cutoff and automatic power interruption upon dry-run detection. While not certified for use in explosion-hazardous areas (ATEX), its construction adheres to general-purpose laboratory safety standards applicable to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing environments and GLP-compliant QC labs.

Software & Data Management

The built-in RS 232 interface enables bidirectional communication with host PCs running IKA LabWorld software or third-party SCADA platforms. Users can remotely configure temperature setpoints, stirring speeds, safety limits, and logging intervals. All parameter changes—including manual adjustments at the front panel—are timestamped and stored in non-volatile memory. When paired with validated software, the system supports audit-trail functionality required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated pharmaceutical or biotech applications. Data export is supported in CSV format for post-processing in Excel or statistical analysis tools.

Applications

• Controlled-temperature dissolution testing per USP using aqueous or organic media
• Pre-heating reagents and solvents prior to chromatographic injection or titration
• Stabilization of enzymatic reactions requiring precise thermal maintenance (e.g., PCR prep, ligase incubations)
• Viscosity calibration baths for rotational viscometers using silicone oil standards
• Accelerated stability studies under ISO 11137 or ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines
• Material conditioning of polymers, resins, or adhesives before rheological characterization

FAQ

Can the HBR 4 control operate continuously at 200 °C?
Yes—provided the thermal medium is compatible (e.g., high-stability silicone oil), the bath is filled above the minimum level, and ambient conditions remain within specification (≤40 °C, ≤80 % RH).
Is external temperature feedback mandatory for GLP compliance?
No, but recommended: the internal sensor provides primary control; an external PT1000 probe adds redundancy and supports calibration verification per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.
Does the RS 232 interface support USB conversion?
Yes—standard RS 232-to-USB adapters (FTDI chipset-based) are fully compatible and require no proprietary drivers.
What is the maximum allowable load for the integrated stirrer?
The motor delivers 1 W mechanical output power—sufficient for stirring volumes up to 3 L with low-to-medium viscosity fluids (≤500 mPa·s); higher viscosities require reduced speed or external agitation.
How often should the safety temperature limit be verified?
Per manufacturer recommendation and ISO/IEC 17025, verification shall occur at least annually using a NIST-traceable reference thermometer, or after any repair affecting thermal sensing components.