IKA IC control Immersion Circulating Thermostat

Overview

The IKA IC control Immersion Circulating Thermostat is an engineered solution for precise, stable, and safe temperature regulation in laboratory-scale liquid systems. Designed around a robust immersion-based circulation principle, it delivers controlled thermal energy via a high-efficiency heating element coupled with a dual-mode pressure/suction pump—enabling both active heating and forced convective heat transfer within open or closed vessels. Its operational envelope spans from −20 °C to 250 °C, making it suitable for applications ranging from cryogenic sample conditioning to high-temperature synthesis and polymer processing. The system complies fully with DIN 12876 Class III (FL) requirements for use with flammable liquids, reflecting its intrinsically safe architecture—including redundant PT100 working and PT1000 safety sensors, adjustable overtemperature cutoff (0–260 °C), and secondary protection circuitry. All units are UL-certified and rated IP21 for laboratory environments.

Key Features

• Wide temperature range: −20 °C to 250 °C with exceptional stability of ±0.01 K (DIN 12876 compliant)
• WiCo wireless controller enabling remote operation up to 10 meters—ideal for use inside fume hoods or shielded enclosures
• TFT display showing real-time values for setpoint/actual temperature, pump speed (%), fluid level status, and safety temperature limit
• Dual-mode pump supporting both pressure delivery (max. 0.7 bar at zero flow) and suction capability (0.4 bar at zero flow), with adjustable flow up to 26 L/min
• Integrated electronic timer (0–99 h 59 min) with automatic shutdown and optical/acoustic alarm triggers for out-of-range conditions
• Standard PT100 sensor included; additional external PT100 input supported for external bath or reactor feedback control
• M16×1 external temperature control port for integration into larger process loops or jacketed reactor systems
• USB and RS232 interfaces for bidirectional communication with labworldsoft®—supporting experimental logging, parameter scripting, firmware updates, and GLP-compliant audit trails

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IC control is optimized for compatibility with a broad spectrum of laboratory fluids—including water, silicone oils, glycols, and other heat-transfer media—with viscosity ranges appropriate for immersion circulation (typically 20 L, while minimum immersion depth of 150 mm ensures stable thermal coupling. Certified to DIN 12876 Class III (FL), the unit meets the highest safety classification for equipment handling flammable substances under continuous operation. It conforms to EN 60529 (IP21), UL 61010-1, and carries CE marking per EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). For regulated environments, its digital interface supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data integrity when used with validated labworldsoft® configurations.

Software & Data Management

Control and documentation are enabled through IKA’s labworldsoft® platform—a Windows-based laboratory software suite designed for instrument orchestration and data governance. Via USB or RS232 connection, users can define multi-step temperature ramps, synchronize pump modulation, log timestamped measurements (temperature, flow, alarms), and export CSV or PDF reports. The software supports user access levels, electronic signatures, and full audit trail generation—including parameter changes, session start/stop events, and alarm acknowledgments—facilitating compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, GLP, and GMP frameworks. Firmware updates are delivered directly through the same interface, ensuring long-term functional consistency and cybersecurity maintenance.

Applications

• Temperature-controlled reaction monitoring in organic synthesis and catalysis studies
• Calibration of reference thermometers and thermal sensors against traceable standards
• Material testing requiring precise thermal ramping (e.g., DSC sample prep, viscometry baths)
• Stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations under accelerated aging protocols
• Heat exchanger performance validation in pilot-scale process development
• Environmental simulation for electronics or polymer component qualification

FAQ

What safety certifications does the IC control hold?
It is UL-certified, complies with DIN 12876 Class III (FL) for flammable liquid applications, and meets IP21 ingress protection per DIN EN 60529.
Can the IC control operate unattended for extended periods?
Yes—it supports continuous 100% duty cycle operation and includes programmable timer shutdown, dual-sensor redundancy, and fail-safe thermal cutoffs.
Is external temperature feedback supported?
Yes, via dedicated PT100 input and M16×1 external control port for closed-loop integration with reactors or jackets.
Does labworldsoft® support electronic record retention for regulatory audits?
When configured per organizational validation protocols, it provides ALCOA+–aligned data integrity features including audit trails, role-based access, and electronic signatures.
What is the maximum recommended bath volume for stable control?
While compatible with vessels up to 20 L using the extendable frame, optimal stability (< ±0.01 K) is achieved with bath volumes ≥5 L and adequate thermal mass.