IKA HRC 2 lite Heating and Cooling Circulating Bath

Overview

The IKA^® HRC 2 lite is a compact, high-precision heating and cooling circulating bath engineered for reliable temperature control in laboratory applications requiring dynamic thermal management across a broad operational range. Based on Couette-flow circulation principles and integrated PID-controlled thermoregulation, the unit delivers stable thermal output via a closed-loop fluid circuit—enabling precise external temperature conditioning of bioreactors, jacketed reactors, viscometers, spectrophotometers, and open-bath systems. Its dual-mode operation supports both heating and refrigeration using a single, sealed refrigeration circuit charged with R290—a natural, low-GWP hydrocarbon refrigerant compliant with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 and aligned with global sustainability mandates. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the HRC 2 lite adheres strictly to DIN 12876 Class II safety requirements for laboratory thermostats, ensuring robust performance under continuous 24/7 operation.

Key Features

• Wide operational temperature range from –10 °C to +100 °C with ±0.1 K stability (verified per DIN 12876 at both extremes), enabled by dual PT1000 sensors—one for process control and one for independent safety cutoff.
• High-efficiency circulation pump delivering up to 18 L/min flow rate at zero backpressure and 0.35 bar maximum pressure—optimized for compatibility with external equipment featuring moderate hydraulic resistance.
• Intuitive LED display with 0.1 K resolution, real-time temperature readout, and configurable alarm thresholds for overtemperature, undertemperature, and sensor fault conditions.
• Front-mounted transparent level indicator tube for immediate visual verification of bath fluid volume—critical for maintaining thermal homogeneity and preventing dry-run damage.
• Tool-free removable stainless-steel air filter with washable mesh design, minimizing maintenance downtime and supporting GLP-aligned preventive servicing protocols.
• Standard RS232 and USB interfaces support bidirectional communication for remote parameter setting, data logging, and integration into centralized lab automation platforms compliant with IEEE 11073 or LabVIEW environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HRC 2 lite is validated for use with water, water-glycol mixtures (up to 30 % v/v), silicone oils (up to 100 cSt), and other non-corrosive heat-transfer fluids compatible with stainless-steel wetted parts (AISI 304) and EPDM seals. It meets DIN 12876 Class II classification for laboratory thermostats intended for general-purpose external circulation, including applications involving flammable media (designated FL marking). The unit conforms to essential health and safety requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. Electrical safety certification includes EN 61010-1:2019; electromagnetic compatibility complies with EN 61326-1:2013. All firmware implements audit-trail-capable event logging (power-on/off, alarm triggers, setpoint changes) to support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with validated third-party software.

Software & Data Management

Native IKA Labworld software (v3.2+) provides full instrument configuration—including ramp/soak profiles, pump speed modulation, alarm hysteresis tuning, and calibration offset adjustment—via USB or RS232. Logged temperature and status data export in CSV format supports traceability requirements in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. Optional OPC UA server modules enable seamless integration into MES or LIMS ecosystems. Firmware updates are delivered through digitally signed packages verified via SHA-256 hash, ensuring integrity during field deployment. All stored parameters retain non-volatile memory retention for ≥10 years without power.

Applications

• Temperature control of stirred-tank bioreactors (5–20 L scale) during microbial fermentation or mammalian cell culture.
• Thermal conditioning of analytical instrumentation such as UV-Vis spectrophotometers, DSC sample stages, and capillary electrophoresis systems.
• Calibration baths for probe validation per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.2, supporting accredited metrology workflows.
• Process simulation in chemical engineering labs: exothermic reaction quenching, crystallization kinetics studies, and polymerization temperature profiling.
• Environmental stress testing of electronic components or packaging materials under controlled thermal cycling (–10 → +100 °C).

FAQ

What heat-transfer fluids are approved for use with the HRC 2 lite?
Water, aqueous glycol solutions (≤30 % v/v), and silicone oils up to 100 cSt are fully compatible. Avoid halogenated solvents, strong acids/bases, or fluids with flash points below 60 °C.
Does the unit support external temperature feedback control?
Yes—the RS232 interface enables external PID setpoint modulation using a user-supplied reference sensor signal, allowing cascade control architectures.
Is the refrigerant R290 serviceable in standard laboratory environments?
R290 requires no special handling beyond standard ventilation practices; its low charge (72 g) and sealed system design meet DIN EN 378-1 requirements for unattended operation in non-explosion-proof rooms.
Can the pump direction be reversed for suction-only configurations?
No—the pump is unidirectional but supports both internal recirculation and external loop configurations via M16x1 threaded ports; suction head capability is rated to 0.15 bar at zero flow.
How often does the air filter require cleaning under typical lab usage?
Under ambient lab conditions (ISO 8 / Class 100,000), inspection every 3 months and cleaning every 6 months is recommended; frequency increases proportionally with airborne particulate load.