IKA ICC 100 lite eco 8 Immersion Circulator

Overview

The IKA ICC 100 lite eco 8 is a compact, high-precision immersion circulator engineered for reliable temperature control in laboratory bath applications requiring heating-only operation. Designed and manufactured in Germany under strict adherence to DIN 12876 Class III safety standards for laboratory equipment, this unit employs a dual-sensor architecture—featuring two independently calibrated PT1000 resistance thermometers—for simultaneous working temperature monitoring and redundant safety cutoff. Its PID-based digital temperature controller delivers exceptional thermal stability of ±0.05 K across its full operating range (ambient to 100 °C), making it suitable for applications demanding high reproducibility in water-based baths up to 8 L capacity. The device operates exclusively in internal circulation mode, eliminating the need for external tubing or pump integration, thereby reducing system complexity and contamination risk. Its robust stainless-steel heating element and optimized thermal mass design ensure rapid heat-up times and minimal overshoot during setpoint transitions—critical for time-sensitive protocols such as enzyme incubation, sample equilibration, or solvent preheating prior to extraction or reaction initiation.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (135 × 303 × 180 mm) and lightweight construction (4.2 kg) for benchtop flexibility and space-constrained environments
• Dual PT1000 sensor system: one for precise process control, one dedicated to independent overtemperature protection with adjustable safety limit (0–110 °C)
• PID temperature regulation with 0.1 K display resolution and ±0.1 K heating accuracy, compliant with GLP documentation requirements
• Integrated visual (LED) and audible alarm system triggered by deviation from setpoint, sensor fault, or safety threshold breach
• IP21 ingress protection rating ensures operational integrity in standard laboratory conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH)
• RS232 and USB-B interfaces support bidirectional communication for remote parameter configuration, real-time data logging, and firmware updates
• Full 100% continuous duty cycle capability validated per DIN EN 60529 and IEC 61000-6-3 electromagnetic compatibility standards
• Factory-calibrated and traceable to national metrology institutes; optional user-performed calibration via accessible software interface

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICC 100 lite eco 8 is validated for use with aqueous media only, supporting maximum bath temperatures of 100 °C in compatible plastic (e.g., IB 8 eco) or glass vessels meeting minimum depth requirements (≥150 mm). It conforms to DIN 12876-1:2018 for laboratory thermostats and is classified as Class III—indicating suitability for general-purpose heating without active cooling. The unit satisfies essential safety and performance criteria outlined in EN 61010-1 (Electrical Safety for Laboratory Equipment) and incorporates secondary thermal protection aligned with IEC 60730-1. While not certified for hazardous location use (e.g., flammable solvent baths), its sealed heating module and non-sparking control electronics meet baseline requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories performing routine QC/QA testing where traceable temperature uniformity is mandated.

Software & Data Management

IKA’s proprietary Labworldsoft™ platform enables seamless integration with the ICC 100 lite eco 8 via RS232 or USB-B. Users can configure ramp/soak profiles, export timestamped temperature logs (CSV format), and generate audit-ready reports compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, user access levels, and immutable change history. All firmware updates are digitally signed and verified upon installation. Local operation retains full functionality without software dependency: LED display shows real-time temperature, setpoint, status codes, and alarm history. Configuration parameters—including safety limits, display units (°C/K), and interface baud rate—are retained after power cycling.

Applications

• Standardization of reference samples in analytical chemistry workflows (e.g., viscosity calibration fluids, pH buffer equilibration)
• Controlled preheating of reagents prior to HPLC mobile phase preparation or GC sample introduction
• Thermal conditioning of biological samples in enzymatic assays, microbial growth studies, and protein denaturation experiments
• Stabilization of optical components during spectrophotometric or fluorimetric measurements requiring thermal drift minimization
• Supporting ASTM D445 (kinematic viscosity), ISO 3104 (petroleum products), and USP environmental control validation protocols

FAQ

Is the ICC 100 lite eco 8 suitable for oil baths?

No. This model is explicitly rated for aqueous media only. Oil immersion exceeds its safety classification and may compromise sensor integrity or trigger thermal shutdown.
Can external temperature probes be connected for chamber monitoring?

Not natively. The unit supports only its integrated PT1000 sensors. For external probe integration, consider the ICC 200 series with analog input capability.
Does it support programmable temperature ramps?

Yes—when controlled via Labworldsoft™ software. Front-panel operation is limited to static setpoint adjustment.
What is the minimum required bath depth for stable operation?

150 mm, measured from the bottom of the immersion sleeve to the liquid surface, to ensure adequate thermal coupling and prevent dry-run sensor error.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?

A factory-issued conformity statement is provided. NIST-traceable calibration certificates are available as an optional add-on at time of order.