IKA ICC control Immersion Circulator

Overview

The IKA ICC control immersion circulator is a precision-engineered thermostatic circulation system designed for laboratory applications requiring stable, programmable, and reproducible temperature control in open or closed baths. Based on resistance temperature detector (RTD)-based feedback control using dual-sensor architecture (PT100 working sensor + PT1000 safety sensor), the ICC control maintains thermal stability of ±0.01 K — meeting the stringent requirements of DIN 12876 Class III for high-accuracy immersion circulators. Its 2000 W heating output enables rapid thermal equilibration across water, silicone oil, ethylene glycol, or other compatible heat-transfer media within the 10–150 °C operational range. The unit operates continuously at 100 % duty cycle under nominal load conditions and complies with international safety standards including CE marking, DIN EN 60529 (IP21 ingress protection), and EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.

Key Features

• Dual-mode circulation system: Integrated pressure/suction pump supports both internal bath recirculation and external loop integration (e.g., jacketed reactors, viscometers, or analytical instrumentation) without additional hardware.
• Advanced programmable temperature control: Supports up to 10 independent temperature programs, each comprising up to 10 ramp-hold segments — enabling complex thermal protocols such as stepwise denaturation, controlled crystallization, or accelerated stability testing.
• Intuitive human-machine interface: High-resolution color TFT display presents real-time bath temperature, setpoint, pump status, alarm conditions, and safety cutoff values with 0.1 °C resolution and ±0.1 K control accuracy.
• Robust dual-sensor safety architecture: Independent PT100 working sensor and PT1000 safety sensor provide redundant monitoring; user-adjustable safety cutoff (0–160 °C) triggers automatic shutdown if deviation exceeds preset thresholds.
• Ergonomic design with integrated mobility: Molded carrying handle and fixed mounting bracket allow secure benchtop placement or portable deployment between workstations — optimized for ISO/IEC 17025-compliant lab workflows where equipment relocation is routine.
• Comprehensive alarm system: Visual (LED indicators), audible (buzzer), and logic-based alerts for temperature deviation, sensor failure, dry-run detection, overpressure, and safety circuit activation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ICC control is validated for use with aqueous solutions, mineral oils, silicone fluids, and glycol-based heat-transfer media. Its stainless steel immersion probe and pump head are chemically resistant to common laboratory solvents and non-corrosive thermal fluids. As a DIN 12876 Class III device, it is certified for use in applications demanding traceable thermal performance — including calibration laboratories, QC/QA departments operating under GLP or GMP frameworks, and R&D environments adhering to ASTM E2777 or ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. The unit’s safety cutoff logic and audit-ready alarm logging support compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with IKA Labworldsoft™ software (optional).

Software & Data Management

RS232 and USB interfaces enable bidirectional communication with host PCs running IKA Labworldsoft™ software — facilitating remote parameter configuration, real-time data logging, and export of timestamped temperature profiles in CSV or Excel-compatible formats. The software supports electronic signature functionality and provides configurable audit trails for critical parameters (setpoint changes, alarm events, safety cutoff adjustments), satisfying documentation requirements for regulated environments. Calibration records can be stored and recalled per sensor channel, and firmware updates are delivered via USB for long-term instrument maintainability.

Applications

• Temperature-controlled enzymatic assays and protein stability studies in biochemistry labs.
• Viscosity measurements using rotational or capillary viscometers requiring precise thermal conditioning of sample reservoirs.
• Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against NIST-traceable references.
• Thermal preconditioning of polymer samples prior to DSC, TGA, or rheological analysis.
• Continuous temperature maintenance in photoreactor jackets, electrochemical cells, or distillation condensers.
• Accelerated aging tests per ISO 11348 or ASTM D5296 where controlled thermal stress is applied to material specimens.

FAQ

Can the ICC control operate with external cooling units?
Yes — an optional cooling coil accessory allows integration with chilled water or recirculating chillers to extend effective temperature control down to ambient +10 K.
Is external temperature sensing supported?
Yes — the unit features a dedicated PT100 input port for external probe connection, enabling bath-independent temperature monitoring of reaction vessels or process streams.
What is the minimum bath depth required for stable operation?
A minimum immersion depth of 150 mm is required to ensure proper sensor coverage and avoid dry-run conditions.
Does the ICC control support GLP-compliant data integrity?
When used with Labworldsoft™ and configured with electronic signatures and audit trail logging, it meets core GLP data handling requirements for traceability and change control.
How is calibration verification performed?
The device supports two-point calibration via front-panel menu; certified reference thermometers (e.g., Fluke 1523/1524) may be used to validate accuracy across the full temperature range.