JULABO SW22 Orbital Shaking Water Bath

Overview

The JULABO SW22 Orbital Shaking Water Bath is an engineered solution for precise temperature-controlled agitation of aqueous samples in life science, pharmaceutical, and quality control laboratories. Designed around a robust orbital shaking mechanism and high-fidelity PID temperature regulation, the SW22 maintains thermal uniformity across the bath volume while delivering consistent, low-shear motion essential for cell culture expansion, solubility studies, enzyme kinetics, and microbiological incubation. Its core architecture integrates a corrosion-resistant mirror-polished stainless-steel inner bath, seamless waterproof keypad interface, and dual-sensor liquid-level monitoring—ensuring operational safety under variable load conditions. The unit operates exclusively in heating mode, with no cooling capability, making it ideal for applications requiring stable, elevated temperatures up to 99.9 °C. All thermal and mechanical functions are governed by microprocessor-based logic compliant with DIN 12876-1 Class 1 safety standards for laboratory equipment.

Key Features

• Orbital shaking platform with adjustable speed range from 20 to 200 rpm, enabling optimization for sensitive biological suspensions or viscous media.
• PID-driven temperature control system delivering ±0.2 °C stability across the full operating range (20–99.9 °C), verified via onboard user-executable calibration routine.
• Dual independent temperature sensors—one immersed at working depth, one near the heating element—enabling real-time differential analysis to detect low-fluid conditions and prevent dry-run damage.
• Triple-stage thermal protection: (1) Low-level alarm with automatic power cutoff when sensor delta exceeds 15 °C; (2) User-defined high/low sample temperature limits with audible alert; (3) Hardwired overtemperature cutoff at 105 °C.
• IP43-rated enclosure with white anti-corrosive coating and fully sealed control panel, permitting safe operation with wet hands and resistance to incidental splashes.
• 2000 W heating capacity paired with high-efficiency stainless-steel heating coils ensures rapid thermal equilibration and minimal gradient formation across the 8–20 L usable volume.
• RS232 serial interface supporting integration with JULABO’s EASYTEMP software for remote parameter setting, data logging, and status monitoring—including optional wireless network extension for centralized lab management.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SW22 accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including test tubes, conical flasks (up to 2 L), separatory funnels, and multi-well plates—via interchangeable rack systems. Its stainless-steel bath surface resists degradation from common aqueous buffers, saline solutions, and mild organic solvents (e.g., ethanol/water mixtures), though use with highly corrosive or halogenated fluids requires prior validation. The device complies with DIN 12876-1 Class 1 requirements for laboratory heating equipment, including electrical insulation, thermal runaway prevention, and mechanical stability during oscillation. While not certified for GMP environments out-of-the-box, its audit-ready features—including event-triggered alarms with distinct acoustic signatures, timestamped fault diagnostics, and non-volatile memory for last-set parameters—support alignment with GLP documentation practices and internal SOPs governing temperature-critical assays.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with an RS232 port as standard, the SW22 interfaces directly with JULABO EASYTEMP PC software for bidirectional communication. Users may configure setpoints, define alarm thresholds, initiate timed runs (0–10 hours), and export real-time temperature and shaking speed logs in CSV format. Firmware-level diagnostics report error codes corresponding to sensor faults, motor anomalies, or power supply deviations—reducing troubleshooting time and supporting root-cause analysis during instrument qualification (IQ/OQ). Although the unit lacks built-in programmability or internal data storage, its deterministic response to external commands and repeatable thermal performance make it suitable for validated workflows where external data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, SCADA) manage long-term traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Applications

• Cellular biology: Suspension culture of mammalian and microbial cells under controlled thermal and mechanical stress.
• Pharmaceutical QC: Dissolution testing of solid dosage forms, stability assessment of protein formulations, and excipient compatibility screening.
• Food & beverage analysis: Enzymatic hydrolysis, fat extraction, and microbial enrichment protocols requiring simultaneous heating and mixing.
• Materials science: Polymer solvation kinetics, nanoparticle dispersion homogenization, and rheological preconditioning of thermosensitive gels.
• Environmental testing: BOD incubation, nutrient solubilization, and standardized leaching experiments aligned with ASTM D5513 or ISO 11737-1 methodologies.

FAQ

Does the SW22 support refrigerated operation?
No—the SW22 is a heating-only bath and does not incorporate active cooling elements. For combined heating/cooling applications, consider JULABO’s F26 or PRESTO series circulators.
Can the shaking function be disabled independently of temperature control?
Yes—oscillation can be toggled on/off without interrupting thermal regulation, allowing flexible use as either a static water bath or a shaking platform.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
The onboard calibration routine adjusts offset against a reference probe; users must validate accuracy using an external NIST-traceable thermometer per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines before critical measurements.
What is the maximum recommended fill volume for optimal thermal uniformity?
For best performance across the full 20–99.9 °C range, maintain liquid level between 8 L (minimum) and 20 L (maximum), ensuring immersion of both temperature sensors and ≥2 cm coverage above the heating coil.
Are third-party accessories compatible with the SW22 bath rack system?
Only JULABO-certified racks and holders are guaranteed to maintain proper center-of-gravity alignment and vibration damping; non-OEM fixtures may compromise oscillation stability or thermal transfer efficiency.