IKA ICC control eco 8 Compact Immersion Circulator System

Overview

The IKA ICC control eco 8 Compact Immersion Circulator System is a DIN 12876 Class III-certified precision temperature control platform engineered for laboratory immersion applications requiring high thermal stability, reproducible fluid circulation, and robust safety architecture. Designed as a fully integrated system, it comprises the ICC control eco 8 controller unit, the IB eco 8 immersion bath circulator, and the BS.ICC base stand—optimized for seamless mechanical coupling and thermal decoupling from external vibration sources. Its core operating principle relies on Peltier-assisted heating combined with a high-efficiency pressure/suction pump and closed-loop PID control using dual platinum resistance sensors (PT100 for process control, PT1000 for independent safety cutoff). The system maintains temperature stability of ±0.01 K under defined load conditions per DIN 12876, enabling traceable, GLP-compliant thermal management in analytical sample preparation, enzymatic assays, viscometry baths, and calibration workflows.

Key Features

• Wide operational range from −20 °C to +150 °C, supporting cryogenic solvent baths and high-temperature reaction monitoring
• Dual-sensor architecture: PT100 process sensor with 0.1 °C display resolution and redundant PT1000 safety sensor with independently adjustable limit (0–160 °C)
• TFT graphical display for real-time visualization of both working and safety temperatures, alarm status, and pump flow parameters
• Programmable audible and visual alarms for temperature deviation, sensor failure, low fluid level, and overpressure events
• Adjustable pump flow (0–18 L/min) with pressure up to 0.3 bar and suction capability up to 0.2 bar—suitable for tall or narrow vessels and multi-point circulation loops
• Full compliance with DIN 12876 Class III for immersion circulators used in safety-critical applications involving flammable or reactive media
• Integrated RS232 and USB interfaces support bidirectional communication with LIMS, ELN, or custom automation scripts; compatible with IKA Labworldsoft for remote parameter logging and firmware updates
• IP21-rated enclosure ensures protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—validated for continuous 100% duty-cycle operation in ISO 17025-accredited labs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICC control eco 8 is validated for use with aqueous, ethylene glycol/water, silicone oil, and low-viscosity organic solvent baths (e.g., toluene, xylene), provided compatibility is confirmed per manufacturer SDS and local chemical handling protocols. Its DIN 12876 Class III designation certifies suitability for applications where bath fluids may be flammable (FL marking), requiring fail-safe thermal cutoff and double-insulated sensor redundancy. The system meets essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. For regulated environments, audit-ready features include timestamped alarm logs, user-accessible calibration records, and configurable password protection for critical parameters—supporting alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations when deployed with validated software configurations.

Software & Data Management

IKA Labworldsoft v5.x provides native integration via USB or RS232, enabling scheduled temperature ramps, multi-step protocols, real-time graphing, and CSV export of time-stamped temperature, flow rate, and alarm event data. All logged parameters are stored with UTC timestamps and user ID attribution. The embedded firmware supports GLP/GMP-relevant functions including electronic signature prompts for calibration verification, change history tracking for setpoint modifications, and exportable PDF reports compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7. No cloud dependency is required—data remains on-premise unless explicitly routed through secure institutional IT infrastructure.

Applications

• Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples across extended temperature ranges
• Temperature-controlled dissolution testing per USP & Ph. Eur. guidelines
• Stabilization of spectrophotometer cuvette holders and HPLC column ovens
• Enzyme kinetics studies requiring precise thermal ramping and hold profiles
• Viscometer bath conditioning for ASTM D445 and ISO 3104 compliance
• Material testing of polymers and elastomers under controlled thermal cycling
• Cell culture incubation support systems with auxiliary heat exchange manifolds

FAQ

Is the ICC control eco 8 suitable for use with flammable solvents?
Yes—its DIN 12876 Class III FL classification confirms design compliance for flammable bath media, provided proper ventilation, grounding, and secondary containment are implemented per local safety regulations.
Can external PT100 probes be connected for remote temperature feedback?
Yes—the system features a dedicated PT100 input port supporting third-party calibrated probes; readings are displayed alongside internal sensor values and may be selected as primary control source.
Does the device support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out-of-the-box?
The hardware and firmware provide foundational controls (audit trail, electronic signatures, role-based access); full Part 11 compliance requires validation of the complete software stack—including Labworldsoft configuration and institutional IT policies.
What is the minimum recommended bath volume for stable operation at −20 °C?
A minimum bath depth of 150 mm and total volume ≥4 L is advised to ensure adequate thermal mass and avoid rapid sensor overshoot during extreme sub-zero stabilization.
Is calibration documentation included with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to DKD/DAkkS standards; on-site recalibration services and accredited certificates are available through IKA Service Centers.