Julabo FH16D Digital Circulating Bath Heater
| Origin | UK |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | FH16D |
| Price | Upon Request |
Overview
The Julabo FH16D Digital Circulating Bath Heater is a precision-engineered, closed-loop temperature control system designed for applications where open-bath immersion is impractical, unsafe, or incompatible with process requirements. Unlike conventional water baths, the FH16D employs forced circulation via an integrated high-head pump to deliver thermally stable fluid—typically water, water-glycol mixtures, or compatible heat-transfer media—to external devices such as reactors, spectroscopic cells, viscometers, or custom jackets. Its operational principle relies on PID-controlled resistive heating combined with real-time feedback from a high-stability platinum RTD sensor, enabling dynamic thermal regulation within sealed or semi-sealed systems. The unit complies with DIN 58966 for temperature stability verification and is engineered for continuous operation in research laboratories, pharmaceutical development environments, and industrial QC settings requiring traceable, repeatable thermal conditioning.
Key Features
- Temperature range: Ambient +5 °C to 80 °C, with ±0.004 °C short-term stability (DIN 58966 compliant)
- Digital LCD interface with 0.1 °C resolution and programmable ramp/soak profiles
- Corrosion-resistant heating coil and stainless-steel fluid path—compatible with mildly aggressive media including aqueous salt solutions and buffered glycol mixtures
- Integrated circulation pump delivering up to 19 L/min flow rate and 2.2 m head pressure at zero flow
- Overtemperature safety cutoff with user-adjustable trip point and automatic shutdown
- Compact footprint optimized for benchtop integration; low-noise operation suitable for shared lab spaces
- Remote temperature monitoring capability via optional external probes (LL17 stainless steel or FF17 polymer-sheathed)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FH16D supports both internal bath operation and external loop circulation, making it suitable for temperature-sensitive samples housed in glassware, metal reactors, or OEM-integrated instrumentation. Its fluid path materials meet ISO 10993-5 biocompatibility guidelines for non-invasive contact applications, and its electrical design conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment safety. While not certified for use with flammable solvents, it is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant pharmacokinetic studies (e.g., 37 °C tissue incubation), semiconductor processing (e.g., Ga-based molten salt bath control), and polymer rheology testing where thermal inertia must be minimized. Documentation includes factory calibration certificates traceable to NPL (UK) standards.
Software & Data Management
The FH16D operates autonomously via its embedded microcontroller and does not require PC connectivity for basic function. However, optional RS232 or analog 0–10 V output interfaces enable integration into centralized LabVantage or DeltaV SCADA systems for audit-trail logging. When paired with Julabo’s optional ComSoft 5 software (sold separately), users can export time-stamped temperature logs, generate CSV reports compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements (with electronic signature support), and configure multi-step thermal protocols. All firmware updates are delivered via secure USB stick—no internet connection required—ensuring network isolation in regulated environments.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical R&D: Precise maintenance of 37 °C for in vitro cell culture assays, implant material testing, and dissolution apparatus calibration
- Materials science: Thermal conditioning of viscometer jackets during ASTM D445 or ISO 3104 kinematic viscosity measurements
- Electronics manufacturing: Stable temperature control of gallium-based liquid metal baths used in thermal interface material characterization
- Agricultural biotechnology: Seed germination studies requiring narrow-band thermal profiling across extended durations
- Industrial QA: Temperature stabilization of optical spectrometer sample compartments during UV-Vis or FTIR analysis
FAQ
Can the FH16D be used with organic solvents such as acetone or ethanol?
No. The FH16D is rated exclusively for aqueous and water-glycol solutions. Organic solvents may degrade seals and compromise electrical insulation integrity.
Is the unit compatible with external temperature controllers or PLCs?
Yes—via optional analog voltage output (0–10 V) or RS232 serial interface, supporting Modbus RTU protocol for third-party system integration.
What is the recommended maintenance interval for the pump and heater assembly?
Julabo recommends annual inspection of impeller clearance and coil resistance measurement; filter cleaning every 3 months under continuous operation.
Does the FH16D meet CE marking requirements for EU laboratory use?
Yes—it carries full CE marking per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), with test reports available upon request.
Can the remote probe be calibrated independently of the internal sensor?
Yes—both sensors are individually addressable in service mode, and dual-point calibration (e.g., at 25 °C and 60 °C) is supported through diagnostic firmware.
