IKA IC basic pro 12 c Immersion Circulator

Overview

The IKA IC basic pro 12 c is a high-precision, German-engineered immersion circulator designed for stable, reproducible temperature control in laboratory water baths, oil baths, and external jacketed reactors. Operating on the principle of forced convection via an integrated pressure/suction pump, it delivers uniform thermal energy transfer through precise PID-controlled resistive heating and real-time dual-sensor feedback (PT100 process sensor + PT1000 independent safety sensor). Its DIN 12876 Class III classification confirms suitability for continuous operation under demanding conditions—including extended use with silicone oil up to 200 °C—while maintaining ±0.02 K temperature stability at setpoint. Unlike basic thermostats, the IC basic pro 12 c supports both internal bath circulation and external recirculation loops, enabling integration into larger thermal management systems such as jacketed glass reactors or calorimetric setups.

Key Features

• Robust stainless-steel housing and corrosion-resistant wetted parts engineered for long-term reliability in aqueous and organic media
• Adjustable flow rate (0–20 L/min) with dual-head pump architecture supporting simultaneous pressure and suction operation
• Dual independent temperature sensing: PT100 for primary control (0.1 °C resolution) and redundant PT1000 for hardware-level safety cutoff (configurable 0–260 °C)
• Comprehensive alarm system with visual (LED) and audible alerts for overtemperature, undertemperature, sensor failure, and dry-run conditions
• GLP-ready digital interface with RS232 and USB ports for time-stamped data export, remote parameter adjustment, and audit-trail-capable software integration
• Full compliance with DIN 12876 Class III requirements for laboratory heating equipment, including mechanical durability, electrical safety, and thermal stability validation protocols
• IP21-rated enclosure ensuring operational integrity in standard laboratory environments (5–40 °C ambient, ≤80% RH)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IC basic pro 12 c is validated for use with water, ethylene glycol/water mixtures, silicone oils, and other non-corrosive heat-transfer fluids within its 10–200 °C operating window. Its stainless steel tank compatibility (M-size, min. depth 150 mm) accommodates common laboratory vessels and reactor jackets. The device conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP21), DIN 12876-1/-3 (safety and performance for thermostats), and meets essential requirements for CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. For regulated environments, its firmware supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when paired with IKA Labworldsoft or third-party LIMS platforms featuring user access control and immutable audit trails.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with native RS232 and USB connectivity, the IC basic pro 12 c enables bidirectional communication with PC-based control software. Real-time temperature, flow rate, power draw, and alarm status are streamable at user-defined intervals. All logged parameters include timestamps and instrument identification metadata—critical for ISO/IEC 17025 traceability and internal QA/QC documentation. Calibration certificates (including as-found/as-left data) can be generated and exported in CSV or PDF format. Firmware updates are delivered via USB stick, ensuring version control and regulatory alignment across instrument fleets.

Applications

• Constant-temperature sample incubation for enzymatic assays, cell culture pre-warming, and polymer solubilization studies
• Thermal conditioning of viscometers, density meters, and refractometers requiring stable bath environments
• External temperature control of jacketed reaction vessels in synthetic chemistry and process development labs
• Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples per ASTM E74 and ISO 17025 requirements
• Stabilization of optical benches, interferometers, and precision weighing stations sensitive to thermal drift
• Supporting USP and compliant compounding workflows where fluid temperature consistency impacts sterility assurance

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended viscosity of heat-transfer fluid for reliable pump operation?
The IC basic pro 12 c is optimized for fluids with kinematic viscosity ≤500 mm²/s (cSt) at operating temperature—covering water, 50/50 glycol-water blends, and common silicone oils up to 200 °C.
Can this unit operate without a bath tank?
No. It is an immersion-type circulator requiring full submersion of the heating element and pump inlet; dry operation triggers immediate safety shutdown.
Is external temperature control possible using a remote probe?
Yes. The PT100 input port accepts externally mounted sensors, enabling chamber- or reactor-jacket temperature feedback for cascade control configurations.
Does the device support automatic calibration verification?
While not fully automated, it provides dedicated calibration mode with offset entry fields and supports documented manual verification per ISO 17025 Annex A.3 procedures.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained accuracy?
Annual verification of temperature stability, sensor linearity, and pump performance is advised; IKA-certified service includes traceable calibration against NIST-traceable standards.