IKA ICC Control Eco 18 Circulating Thermostat System
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | ICC Control Eco 18 |
| Circulation Type | External bath circulation |
| Temperature Range | Ambient +5 °C to 100 °C |
| Stability | ±0.02 °C |
| Bath Volume Capacity | Up to 20 L (with IB Eco 18 bath) |
| Pump Flow Rate | Max. 18 L/min |
| Interface | Analog (0–10 V) & Digital (RS232) |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS, ISO 9001 certified manufacturing |
| Safety Features | Overtemperature protection, dry-run protection, level sensor monitoring |
Overview
The IKA ICC Control Eco 18 Circulating Thermostat System is an engineered solution for precise, stable, and energy-efficient temperature control in laboratory-scale applications requiring external thermal regulation. Built upon IKA’s long-standing expertise in thermal management instrumentation, this system integrates a microprocessor-controlled thermostat unit (ICC Control) with a high-capacity immersion bath (IB Eco 18) and a robust circulation pump module (BL.ICC). It operates on the principle of forced-liquid circulation—pumping thermally conditioned fluid (e.g., water, water-glycol mixtures, or silicone oil) through external jackets, coils, or reactor vessels to maintain setpoint accuracy under dynamic load conditions. Designed for continuous operation in R&D labs, QC environments, and pilot-scale synthesis setups, the system delivers high reproducibility in temperature-dependent processes such as enzymatic assays, polymerization kinetics, calorimetric measurements, and material conditioning per ASTM D696 and ISO 291.
Key Features
- Microprocessor-based PID temperature control with adaptive tuning algorithms for rapid stabilization and minimal overshoot
- Dual-sensor architecture: integrated Pt100 sensor in circulation path + optional external probe input for process-critical feedback
- Eco-optimized heating/cooling cycle management reduces power consumption by up to 30% versus conventional thermostats in low-load scenarios
- Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel circulation housing and chemically inert fluid pathways compatible with aqueous and mildly aggressive media
- Intuitive rotary encoder interface with backlit LCD display showing real-time temp, setpoint, flow status, and error codes
- Integrated dry-run protection and level detection prevent pump damage during low-fluid conditions
- Overtemperature cut-off (adjustable up to 110 °C) and automatic restart inhibition after fault clearance ensure compliance with IEC 61010-1 safety standards
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ICC Control Eco 18 supports temperature-controlled operation across diverse sample formats—including jacketed glass reactors (50 mL–5 L), condenser coils, viscometer baths, and environmental test chambers—when coupled via standard ½″ BSP or G½″ fittings. Its fluid compatibility extends to water, 30% ethylene glycol/water blends, and silicone oils (up to 100 cSt viscosity). The system conforms to European regulatory frameworks including CE marking under the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU). Manufacturing adheres to ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous areas, it may be deployed in Zone 2 environments when installed per IEC 60079-14 guidelines and paired with appropriate external explosion-proof enclosures.
Software & Data Management
The ICC Control Eco 18 provides analog (0–10 V) and digital (RS232) interfaces for integration into centralized lab automation platforms. Optional IKA LabWorld software enables remote parameter configuration, real-time data logging (temp, flow, status flags), and export to CSV or Excel-compatible formats. Audit trails include timestamped setpoint changes, alarm events, and calibration history—supporting GLP-compliant documentation requirements. When connected to validated LIMS or ELN systems, the device satisfies traceability criteria outlined in FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures, provided user access controls and electronic signature workflows are implemented at the host system level.
Applications
- Temperature stabilization of analytical instruments (e.g., HPLC column ovens, UV-Vis spectrophotometer cuvette holders)
- Controlled-rate heating/cooling cycles in polymer rheology and DSC sample preparation
- Enzyme activity profiling across physiological temperature gradients (25–42 °C)
- Calibration of temperature-sensitive sensors (thermocouples, RTDs) against NIST-traceable references
- Long-duration stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines
- Process simulation in chemical engineering education labs using scaled-down jacketed reactors
FAQ
What is the minimum external bath volume required for stable operation?
The system achieves optimal thermal inertia and control stability with a minimum external fluid volume of 5 L; however, full-rated performance (±0.02 °C stability) is guaranteed only when used with the supplied IB Eco 18 bath (18 L nominal capacity).
Can the ICC Control Eco 18 cool below ambient temperature?
No—it is a heater-only circulating thermostat. For sub-ambient control, IKA recommends pairing the ICC Control unit with an external chiller (e.g., RC basic series) via bypass configuration.
Is firmware update capability available via RS232?
Yes—field-upgradable firmware is supported through IKA’s authorized service centers; end users may initiate diagnostics and version queries but cannot perform updates without authenticated service credentials.
Does the system support 4–20 mA process control integration?
Not natively; only 0–10 V analog input/output is provided. A signal converter is required for 4–20 mA loop integration.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the circulation pump and seals?
IKA specifies biannual visual inspection of pump impeller and O-rings, with seal replacement advised every 18 months under continuous operation at >70 °C. Full pump service kits are available under part number 3022000000.
