IKA ICC basic pro 20 c Immersion Circulator with External Cooling Capability

Overview

The IKA ICC basic pro 20 c is a compact, high-precision immersion circulator engineered for stable, reproducible temperature control in laboratory-scale thermal applications. Designed according to DIN 12876 Class III and FL safety classification standards, it integrates a robust stainless-steel bath tank (20 L capacity) with an integrated pressure/suction pump capable of delivering up to 18 L/min circulation flow. Its dual-sensor architecture—featuring a primary PT100 working sensor and a redundant PT1000 safety sensor—ensures compliance with GLP/GMP-critical workflows requiring independent temperature verification. The unit operates across a broad thermal range from ambient +10 °C to 150 °C, and when paired with optional external cooling accessories (e.g., CC2 cooling coil), extends operational capability down to –20 °C—making it suitable for both heating-intensive protocols (e.g., enzymatic assays, polymerization) and low-temperature stabilization (e.g., cold crystallization studies, cryoprotectant equilibration). Its thermally optimized bath geometry—including a 255 × 309 mm opening and 85–125 mm immersion depth—accommodates standard lab vessels while minimizing thermal stratification.

Key Features

• High-stability temperature control with ±0.02 K stability (DIN 12876 certified) and 0.1 K display resolution
• Dual-sensor safety system: PT100 for process control + PT1000 for independent overtemperature cutoff (adjustable 0–160 °C)
• Integrated pressure/suction pump with fully adjustable flow (0–18 L/min) and real-time pressure monitoring (0.3 bar max pressure, 0.2 bar suction)
• FL-rated heating output (2000 W) and total 2100 W input power enable rapid thermal ramping and recovery under load
• RS232 and USB interfaces support instrument integration into centralized lab data management systems; compatible with IKA Labworldsoft for remote configuration and audit-trail logging
• IP21 enclosure rating ensures safe operation in standard laboratory environments (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH)
• Compliance-ready design: meets DIN 12876 Class III requirements for immersion circulators used in regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical QC, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICC basic pro 20 c supports a wide range of sample containers—from standard Erlenmeyer flasks and jacketed reactors to custom glassware—with its large bath opening (255 × 309 mm, expandable to 292 × 325 mm) and variable immersion depth. Its stainless-steel “pro”-series bath withstands continuous operation at 150 °C without degradation, enabling long-duration thermal aging or solvent reflux applications. For regulatory traceability, the device supports calibration documentation per ISO/IEC 17025 and includes built-in LED indicators for both working and safety temperature status. Alarms (visual and audible) activate on deviation >±0.5 K or safety threshold breach, satisfying FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with compliant software and electronic signatures. The unit’s continuous 100% duty cycle rating ensures uninterrupted operation during extended stability studies.

Software & Data Management

The ICC basic pro 20 c provides native connectivity via RS232 and USB ports, enabling bidirectional communication with IKA Labworldsoft v4.x or third-party SCADA/LIMS platforms supporting Modbus RTU or ASCII protocols. Labworldsoft enables full parameter logging (temperature setpoint, actual bath temp, pump speed, alarm events), export to CSV/PDF, and generation of 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails—including user login history, parameter change timestamps, and electronic signature capture. Optional firmware updates maintain alignment with evolving EU MDR and IVDR documentation expectations. All temperature data are timestamped with internal real-time clock synchronization, and sensor calibration offsets can be stored and recalled per application profile.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical stability testing (ICH Q1A–Q5E) requiring precise thermal cycling between 25 °C/60% RH and accelerated conditions (40 °C/75% RH simulated via bath control)
• Materials science: viscosity-temperature profiling of thermosetting resins, thermal expansion coefficient determination of composites
• Biotechnology: controlled denaturation/renaturation of proteins, temperature-gradient PCR optimization, cell culture media pre-warming
• Chemistry: exothermic reaction quenching, reflux condensation, Soxhlet extraction temperature maintenance
• Quality control: calibration of thermometers, thermocouples, and RTDs against NIST-traceable references using the bath’s certified stability

FAQ

Does the ICC basic pro 20 c support external cooling without additional hardware?
No—it requires the optional CC2 cooling coil and a compatible chiller (e.g., IKA RC basic) to achieve temperatures below ambient.
Can the pump flow rate be precisely controlled for shear-sensitive samples?
Yes—the flow rate is continuously adjustable from 0 to 18 L/min via front-panel encoder or remote interface, allowing optimization for low-shear mixing or laminar circulation.
Is the unit suitable for use with flammable solvents?
Yes—its FL classification (per DIN 12876) certifies safe operation with combustible liquids such as ethanol, acetone, or toluene when used with appropriate ventilation and grounding.
How is temperature uniformity validated across the bath volume?
Uniformity is verified per DIN 12876 Annex B using three calibrated PT100 probes at defined positions (center, corner, mid-depth); typical deviation is ≤0.05 K at 37 °C and ≤0.12 K at 150 °C.
Does the device meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements out-of-the-box?
Hardware supports compliance—but full Part 11 adherence requires implementation of validated Labworldsoft configuration, access controls, and electronic signature workflows per organizational SOPs.