IKA ICC control eco 18 c Compact Immersion Circulator

Overview

The IKA ICC control eco 18 c is a precision-engineered compact immersion circulator designed for stable, reproducible temperature control in laboratory-scale thermal applications. Based on forced-convection circulation using an integrated pressure/suction pump, it maintains highly uniform thermal conditions within external baths or jacketed reactors via either internal bath circulation or external closed-loop circulation. Its core operating principle relies on real-time feedback from dual high-accuracy platinum resistance thermometers (PT100 working sensor and PT1000 safety sensor), enabling dynamic PID-controlled heating with ±0.01 °C stability across its full operational range of ambient +10 °C to 150 °C. Unlike general-purpose water baths, the ICC control eco series delivers active thermal management—making it suitable not only for sample equilibration but also for precise temperature conditioning of analytical instrumentation, reaction blocks, and calorimetric cells.

Key Features

• High-stability temperature control with ±0.01 °C stability (DIN 12876 Class III certified)
• Dual-sensor architecture: PT100 for process control and redundant PT1000 for independent safety cutoff (adjustable 0–160 °C)
• Adjustable pump output (0–18 L/min at 0 bar; max. 0.3 bar pressure) supporting both internal bath homogenization and external recirculation loops
• TFT display with simultaneous readout of process temperature, safety temperature, and pump status
• Integrated RS232 and USB interfaces for remote monitoring, parameter logging, and integration into automated lab environments
• Comprehensive alarm system: visual indicator, audible tone, and configurable temperature deviation alerts
• Robust mechanical design compliant with IP21 ingress protection and rated for continuous 100% duty cycle operation
• Modular compatibility with IKA’s eco-series accessories—including IB 18 eco plastic bath (18 L capacity), CL.ICC bath bridge, BL.ICC insulated cover, PCS.ICC pump coupling kit, CC2 cooling coil, and PT100.30 external probe

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICC control eco 18 c supports a wide range of thermal media including water (up to 100 °C in the plastic bath configuration), silicone oil, and other low-volatility heat transfer fluids (up to 150 °C with appropriate bath materials). Its DIN 12876 Class III classification confirms suitability for use with flammable liquids and demanding thermal protocols requiring stringent safety margins. The unit meets essential regulatory requirements for laboratory equipment under CE marking, including EN 61010-1 (safety of electrical equipment) and EN 60529 (IP21 enclosure rating). While the device itself does not include built-in 21 CFR Part 11 compliance features, its digital interface and audit-ready event logging (via optional software) support integration into GLP/GMP workflows when paired with validated data acquisition systems.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with native RS232 and USB connectivity, the ICC control eco 18 c enables bidirectional communication with host PCs running IKA Labworld software or third-party SCADA/LIMS platforms. All setpoints, actual temperatures, pump speed, alarm states, and safety cutoff values are accessible in real time. Event logs—including temperature excursions, safety limit triggers, and power interruptions—are timestamped and exportable as CSV files. Firmware updates are performed via USB, ensuring long-term maintainability. For laboratories requiring electronic record integrity, the device supports manual calibration certificate documentation and provides traceable sensor ID fields compatible with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration management practices.

Applications

This circulator serves critical roles across pharmaceutical QC labs (e.g., dissolution testing per USP , viscosity standardization), polymer research (melt index conditioning, DSC sample pre-equilibration), biotechnology (enzyme kinetics assays, protein stability studies), and materials science (thermal aging of composites, phase transition analysis). Its ability to sustain sub-0.02 °C drift over extended periods makes it ideal for applications where thermal hysteresis must be minimized—such as reference bath calibration, photometric cell temperature control, or coupling with HPLC column ovens. The external circulation capability further extends utility to jacketed glass reactors, rotary evaporators, and custom-built thermal test rigs.

FAQ

Can the ICC control eco 18 c be used with oil-based heat transfer fluids?
Yes—when operated with a stainless-steel or ceramic-coated external bath (not the standard IB 18 eco plastic bath), the unit supports thermal oils up to 150 °C.
Is external temperature sensing supported?
Yes—the device includes a dedicated PT100 input port for connecting an external probe, enabling accurate control of sample temperature rather than bath temperature.
Does the unit comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
The hardware supports secure data export and audit trails, but formal Part 11 compliance requires validation of the connected software environment and user access controls.
What is the minimum recommended bath depth for stable operation?
A minimum immersion depth of 150 mm is specified to ensure adequate thermal mass and prevent dry-run conditions during high-flow operation.
Can the pump direction be reversed?
No—the integrated pump is unidirectional; however, flow rate and pressure are fully adjustable to accommodate varying system backpressures.