IKA ICC Control Pro 20 Circulating Thermostat System
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | ICC Control Pro 20 |
| Circulation Type | External bath circulation |
| Temperature Range | –20 °C to +100 °C (with suitable bath fluid) |
| Stability | ±0.02 °C |
| Pump Flow Rate | Up to 22 L/min |
| Pressure Head | Up to 4.5 bar |
| Interface | Ethernet, USB, RS232 |
| Compliance | CE, UL/CSA listed |
| Software Compatibility | Labworldsoft v6.0+, optional IKA Lab Manager |
| Regulatory Support | Audit trail-ready configuration for GLP/GMP environments |
Overview
The IKA ICC Control Pro 20 is a high-precision, externally circulating thermostat system engineered for demanding laboratory applications requiring stable, programmable temperature control across extended operational cycles. Based on Peltier and compressor hybrid cooling technology combined with a high-efficiency heating circuit, the system delivers rapid thermal response and exceptional long-term stability—critical for applications such as material testing, reaction calorimetry, viscometry, and analytical instrument temperature conditioning (e.g., HPLC column ovens, spectrophotometer sample compartments). Its dual-stage thermal architecture enables seamless operation from –20 °C to +100 °C using compatible heat transfer fluids (e.g., water/glycol mixtures or silicone oils), eliminating the need for separate hot/cold units in multi-condition workflows.
Key Features
- Hybrid thermoregulation: Integrated Peltier module for precise sub-ambient control and compressor-based refrigeration for deep cooling, paired with a 1.8 kW resistive heating element for rapid warm-up and overshoot suppression.
- High-flow external circulation: Programmable pump delivering up to 22 L/min at 4.5 bar pressure head—sufficient to maintain uniform temperature across large-volume jackets, jacketed reactors, or multi-point distribution manifolds.
- Dual-sensor feedback loop: Independent Pt100 sensors in both the bath reservoir and external circuit enable real-time delta-T monitoring and dynamic compensation for line losses or load-induced drift.
- Industrial-grade connectivity: Native Ethernet (TCP/IP), USB 2.0, and RS232 interfaces support integration into centralized lab automation frameworks; supports Modbus TCP and ASCII command protocols for SCADA compatibility.
- Robust stainless-steel reservoir (20 L capacity) with integrated level sensor, overflow protection, and corrosion-resistant wetted parts compliant with DIN 12878 standards for thermal coupling interfaces.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ICC Control Pro 20 is designed for closed-loop external circulation only and is not intended for direct sample immersion. It interfaces with jacketed vessels, coil-cooled probes, environmental chambers, and OEM analytical modules via standardized ½″–¾″ quick-connect fittings. All electrical and mechanical designs conform to IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment safety, EN 61326-1:2013 for EMC, and UL 61010-1/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1. When configured with Labworldsoft or IKA Lab Manager, the system supports audit-trail generation, user access levels (admin/operator/guest), electronic signature capability, and data integrity features aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements for regulated quality control laboratories.
Software & Data Management
Control and monitoring are executed via IKA’s Labworldsoft v6.0+ platform or the lightweight IKA Lab Manager application—both supporting multi-device orchestration, scheduled ramp/soak profiles, and real-time graphing of temperature, flow rate, and power consumption. Raw measurement data (timestamped, 100 ms resolution) is exportable in CSV or HDF5 format. Optional firmware upgrades enable TLS 1.2-secured remote access, SNMP v3 status polling, and Syslog event forwarding for IT infrastructure integration. All software logs retain immutable records of parameter changes, user logins, and alarm events—essential for GLP audits and method validation documentation.
Applications
- Temperature stabilization of rotary evaporators, vacuum distillation systems, and jacketed glass reactors (up to 50 L volume).
- Calibration of thermocouples, RTDs, and infrared sensors under controlled thermal gradients.
- Conditioning of rheometers, DSC instruments, and tensile testers where ambient fluctuations compromise measurement repeatability.
- Supporting ASTM D2556 (viscosity of adhesives), ISO 2947 (fluid thermal conductivity), and USP environmental monitoring workflows.
- Integration into automated synthesis platforms requiring synchronized thermal management across multiple process nodes.
FAQ
What bath fluids are compatible with the ICC Control Pro 20?
Water-glycol mixtures (e.g., 30% propylene glycol) are recommended for –20 °C to +80 °C operation; silicone oils (e.g., DC200) may be used up to +100 °C but require viscosity verification against pump specifications.
Can the unit operate unattended for 72+ hours?
Yes—when installed with proper ventilation, fluid level monitoring, and connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), the system meets IKA’s 168-hour continuous-duty rating per DIN EN 60068-2-2.
Is remote firmware update supported?
Firmware updates require local USB connection and administrator credentials; network-based updates are disabled by default to preserve regulatory compliance integrity.
Does the system support dry-run protection?
Yes—the integrated level sensor halts pump operation and triggers audible/visual alarms if fluid volume falls below 30% of nominal capacity.
How is temperature uniformity validated across an external load?
IKA provides a traceable calibration certificate (DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited) covering reservoir stability; users must perform in-situ mapping per ASTM E2251 when connecting custom external circuits.
