IKA IC basic Immersion Circulating Thermostat

Overview

The IKA IC basic Immersion Circulating Thermostat is an engineered-for-precision temperature control system designed for laboratory-scale thermal regulation of external vessels, jacketed reactors, and analytical instrumentation. Operating on the principle of forced liquid circulation via a dual-mode pressure/suction pump, it delivers stable, uniform heat transfer across a wide operational range—from 10 °C up to 200 °C—using water, silicone oil, or other compatible heat-transfer fluids. Its immersion configuration eliminates the need for integrated bath tanks, enabling direct integration into custom setups while maintaining DIN 12876 Class III (FL) certification for safe operation with flammable liquids. The device complies with UL safety standards and meets IP21 ingress protection per DIN EN 60529, ensuring robust performance in standard laboratory environments (5–40 °C ambient, ≤80% RH).

Key Features

• High-precision temperature stability of ±0.02 K at setpoint, verified under steady-state conditions using integrated PT100 sensor and independent PT1000 safety cutoff
• Dual-function pump supporting both pressure delivery (max. 0.5 bar at zero flow) and suction (max. 0.3 bar), with adjustable flow rate up to 20 L/min at 0 bar backpressure
• Flexible stainless-steel extension frame compatible with vessel depths ≥150 mm and clamping ranges from 260–360 mm—enabling secure mounting across diverse reactor geometries
• Large LED display showing real-time temperature, pump speed (%), and status indicators; intuitive rotary encoder + keypad interface for menu navigation
• Dual temperature sensing architecture: primary PT100 working sensor + redundant PT1000 safety sensor with independently configurable upper/lower limits (0–260 °C)
• Optical and acoustic alarm system for temperature deviation, sensor failure, dry-run detection, and safety circuit activation
• Integrated M16×1 external connection port for seamless integration into closed-loop external temperature control systems
• USB and RS232 interfaces compliant with standard serial protocols, enabling bidirectional communication with lab management software

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IC basic supports all common heat-transfer media—including deionized water, glycol-water mixtures, silicone oils (e.g., Dow Corning 200 Fluid), and mineral oils—within its specified temperature envelope. It is certified to DIN 12876-1:2018 for use with flammable liquids (Class FL, Safety Level III), making it suitable for applications involving organic solvents in jacketed reaction vessels or distillation apparatus. Electrical safety conforms to UL 61010-1 and IEC/EN 61010-1. The unit operates continuously at 100% duty cycle under rated load and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1.

Software & Data Management

Through USB or RS232 connectivity, the IC basic integrates natively with IKA’s labworldsoft® software suite (v5.0+). This enables remote parameter setting, real-time temperature/pump-speed logging, automated ramp-soak profiles, and timestamped audit trails compliant with GLP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with user access controls and electronic signature support. Firmware updates are performed directly via labworldsoft®, ensuring long-term compatibility with evolving laboratory IT infrastructure. No proprietary drivers are required—standard CDC ACM class enumeration allows plug-and-play recognition on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

Applications

• Temperature control of jacketed glass reactors (1–20 L capacity) during exothermic/endothermic synthesis
• Calibration of viscometers, densitometers, and refractometers requiring traceable thermal equilibration
• Stabilization of HPLC column ovens, GC injectors, and spectroscopic sample compartments
• Preconditioning of polymer melts and thermoset resins prior to rheological testing
• External heating loops for vacuum distillation, Soxhlet extraction, and reflux condensation systems
• Supporting ASTM D341, ISO 3104, and USP viscosity/temperature correlation studies

FAQ

Can the IC basic be used with flammable solvents such as acetone or ethanol?
Yes—it is certified to DIN 12876 Class III (FL) for safe operation with flammable liquids when installed according to manufacturer guidelines, including proper ventilation and grounding.

Is external cooling capability built-in?
No internal refrigeration module is included; however, an optional external cooling coil can be connected to reduce bath temperature toward ambient, extending effective low-end usability.

What is the maximum recommended fluid volume for stable temperature control?
While no fixed upper limit applies, optimal stability is achieved with total system fluid volumes between 2 L and 15 L, depending on thermal mass and insulation of the connected apparatus.

Does the device support 115 V operation?
Yes—the IC basic accepts dual-voltage input (230 V / 115 V, 50/60 Hz) and automatically detects supply voltage; ensure correct fuse rating and local regulatory compliance before operation.

How is calibration traceability maintained?
The unit includes factory calibration documentation traceable to national standards (DAkkS-accredited labs); users may perform field verification using certified reference thermometers and adjust offset values via service menu with password protection.