IKA ICC control IB R RO 15 eco Compact Immersion Circulator

Overview

The IKA ICC control IB R RO 15 eco is a compact, high-precision immersion circulator engineered for stable, programmable temperature control in laboratory-scale thermal applications. Designed around the principle of forced-convection heat transfer via an integrated pressure/suction pump, it delivers consistent thermal energy to external vessels—such as glass reactors, jacketed flasks, or custom-built baths—while maintaining exceptional stability across its full operating range (ambient +10 °C to 150 °C). Its core architecture adheres to DIN 12876 Class III safety requirements for heating devices used in chemical and pharmaceutical laboratories, ensuring robust containment of thermal hazards and compliance with international lab equipment standards. The unit integrates a dual-sensor thermal monitoring system: a primary PT100 sensor for process control and a redundant PT1000 safety sensor with independent alarm logic, enabling fail-safe operation under GLP and GMP-aligned workflows.

Key Features

• High-resolution TFT display with intuitive menu navigation and real-time visualization of both working and safety temperature values
• Dual-sensor architecture (PT100 + PT1000) supporting independent calibration, alarm triggering, and audit-ready temperature logging
• Adjustable overtemperature cutoff (0–160 °C), secondary thermal protection, overvoltage safeguarding, and simultaneous visual/audible alarms for out-of-spec conditions
• Programmable pump output (0–18 L/min flow rate; max. 0.3 bar pressure, 0.2 bar suction) optimized for compatibility with narrow-bore tubing and high-resistance external circuits
• RS232 and USB interfaces for remote parameter configuration, data export, and integration into centralized lab management systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements
• Compact footprint (340 × 200 × 145 mm) and lightweight design (3.75 kg) facilitate benchtop deployment without sacrificing thermal capacity or mechanical rigidity
• Full 100% continuous-duty rating validated per DIN EN 60529 IP21 ingress protection and ambient operating specifications (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICC control IB R RO 15 eco supports a wide range of sample containment formats—including standard Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 250 mL), jacketed reaction vessels, and custom stainless-steel or glass circulation loops—when paired with the optional RO 15 magnetic stirrer and BL.ICC extension frame. Its plastic bath tank (L-specification) is rated for continuous use up to 100 °C with aqueous media only, in accordance with eco-series material limitations. All thermal and electrical performance metrics conform to DIN 12876 Class III classification for laboratory heating equipment, while electromagnetic compatibility and safety isolation meet CE directive harmonized standards. The device is suitable for use in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing environments where traceable temperature control and documented safety interlocks are mandatory.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with native RS232 and USB connectivity, the ICC control IB R RO 15 eco enables bidirectional communication with third-party laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN). Temperature setpoints, actual readings, alarm events, and pump status can be logged at user-defined intervals and exported in CSV or XML format. When deployed within regulated environments, the instrument supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails when paired with validated host software—ensuring electronic records maintain integrity, authenticity, and long-term retrievability. Built-in calibration routines allow users to perform on-site verification using NIST-traceable reference sensors, with results stored alongside operational metadata for quality assurance documentation.

Applications

• Precise temperature conditioning of enzymatic reactions and cell culture media in life science research
• Controlled heating of solvent-based synthesis steps requiring narrow thermal windows (e.g., Grignard reactions, esterifications)
• Calibration of thermocouples, RTDs, and infrared pyrometers against a stable, traceable thermal source
• Thermal aging studies of polymer films and composite materials under static or dynamic load conditions
• Integration into automated reaction platforms where synchronized temperature ramping and stirring are required
• Support of ASTM D341 viscosity-temperature correlation measurements via external jacketed viscometers

FAQ

Can this circulator be used with oil-based heat transfer fluids?
Yes—provided the fluid’s flash point exceeds 150 °C and the bath vessel is chemically compatible. Note that the included plastic tank is restricted to water-only use up to 100 °C; for oil applications above this limit, a stainless-steel external bath must be employed.
Is external temperature feedback supported?
Yes—the device features a dedicated PT100 input port for connecting an external probe placed directly in the sample vessel, enabling cascade control mode for improved thermal uniformity.
What is the minimum recommended bath depth for stable operation?
A minimum immersion depth of 150 mm is required to ensure proper pump priming and thermal sensor coverage, as specified in DIN 12876.
Does the unit support programming of multi-step temperature ramps?
No—the ICC control IB R RO 15 eco provides single-setpoint control with manual ramp rate adjustment via pump speed and heater power modulation; for programmable ramp/soak profiles, consider the IKA RTC series.
How often should calibration verification be performed?
Per ISO/IEC 17025 and internal QA protocols, annual verification using a certified reference thermometer is recommended—or more frequently if subjected to mechanical shock, extreme thermal cycling, or regulatory audit requirements.