Julabo SW22/SW23 Advanced Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaking Water Bath

Overview

The Julabo SW22 and SW23 are precision-engineered temperature-controlled orbital shaking water baths designed for reliable, reproducible incubation and agitation of biological, biochemical, and microbiological samples under tightly regulated thermal conditions. Operating on the principle of forced convection heating combined with controlled orbital motion, these units maintain uniform temperature distribution across the bath medium while delivering consistent mechanical agitation—critical for suspension cultures, solubility studies, enzyme kinetics, and cell-based assays. The SW22 serves as a robust general-purpose shaker bath optimized for routine laboratory workflows, whereas the SW23 integrates an integrated recirculating pump to enhance thermal homogeneity and stability—achieving ±0.02 °C temperature uniformity—making it suitable for applications demanding stringent thermal compliance, such as GLP-regulated stability testing or ISO 17025-accredited calibration protocols.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based digital control system with waterproof keypad (IP43-rated per IEC 529) and high-brightness white LED display showing real-time setpoint and actual temperature (0.1 °C resolution), oscillation speed (1 rpm resolution), and alarm thresholds.
• Stainless steel bath tank and corrosion-resistant heating coil ensure long-term durability, chemical resistance, and ease of decontamination—compatible with common lab disinfectants and autoclavable accessories.
• Dual-stage thermal protection: programmable high/low temperature limits with audible and visual alarms, plus automatic power cutoff upon dry-run detection or over-temperature excursion.
• Orbital drive mechanism powered by a high-reliability German-engineered motor (shared supply chain with OEM automotive components), rated for continuous operation at speeds from 20 to 200 rpm with low vibration transmission.
• Integrated electronic timer (0–10 hours) with end-of-cycle alert; differentiated acoustic signals enable rapid identification of alarm types—including low liquid level, temperature deviation, and timer completion—without visual confirmation.
• Bottom-mounted drain valve facilitates rapid, spill-free fluid exchange; optional Makrolon transparent lid minimizes evaporation while permitting visual sample monitoring.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SW series accommodates standard laboratory vessels including test tubes (with optional rack sets), Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), and multi-well plates mounted on universal platforms. Its DIN 12876-1 Class I (NFL) classification confirms suitability for non-hazardous laboratory use under normal operating conditions. All models comply with CE marking requirements and meet essential safety provisions of EN 61010-1. For regulated environments, the RS232 interface supports integration into centralized monitoring systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used with validated software (e.g., Julabo’s EasyTemp). Temperature stability data is traceable to national standards via factory calibration certificates (available upon request), supporting audit readiness for ISO/IEC 17025, GMP, and GLP frameworks.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with RS232 serial communication, the SW22/SW23 enables remote parameter configuration, real-time data logging, and event-triggered alerts via Julabo’s EasyTemp PC software (optional). This software provides time-stamped records of temperature, speed, and alarm events—including timestamps for manual setpoint changes—fulfilling ALCOA+ data integrity principles. Audit trail functionality captures user ID, action type, timestamp, and pre-/post-values, satisfying regulatory expectations for electronic record retention. Optional Profibus interface allows seamless integration into industrial PLC-controlled lab automation infrastructures.

Applications

• Microbial growth studies requiring simultaneous thermal control and aeration (e.g., E. coli, yeast, and fungal cultures)
• Protein solubilization and aggregation kinetics under defined thermal stress
• Enzyme activity profiling across temperature gradients with concurrent mixing
• Cell suspension culture in bioreactor pre-screening workflows
• Standardized dissolution testing per USP using water-bath agitation
• Material compatibility testing of polymers and hydrogels under dynamic thermal-mechanical stress

FAQ

What is the difference between SW22 and SW23?
The SW23 includes an internal circulation pump that improves temperature uniformity to ±0.02 °C and reduces axial thermal gradients—ideal for critical applications where spatial consistency is mandated.
Can the SW series be used for sterile applications?
Yes—the stainless steel bath, smooth weld-free interior, and compatibility with ethanol, hydrogen peroxide vapor, and saturated steam (up to 121 °C for accessory sterilization) support aseptic workflow integration.
Is the RS232 interface compatible with modern Windows OS versions?
Yes—EasyTemp software supports Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit); driver installation is plug-and-play via USB-to-serial adapter if native COM ports are unavailable.
What safety certifications does the unit hold?
CE-marked, compliant with EN 61010-1, and classified as DIN 12876-1 Class I (NFL) for non-hazardous laboratory equipment.
How is temperature uniformity verified during factory calibration?
Using a 9-point NIST-traceable probe array per ASTM E1112, with results documented in the certificate of calibration supplied with each unit.