JULABO SW24 Ultrasonic Thermostatic Shaking Bath

Overview

The JULABO SW24 Ultrasonic Thermostatic Shaking Bath is an integrated laboratory platform engineered for simultaneous, independent, or sequential operation of thermostatic control, mechanical shaking, and high-frequency ultrasonication. It operates on the principle of coupled energy delivery: precise Peltier-assisted heating (no refrigeration) maintains bath temperature within ±0.02 °C stability across a range of +5 °C above ambient to 80 °C; a brushless DC motor drives linear reciprocating motion with selectable amplitudes (15 mm or 25 mm) and speed control from 20 to 200 rpm; and a built-in ultrasonic transducer system—operating at dual fixed frequencies (40 kHz or 59 kHz)—delivers up to 400 W of adjustable acoustic power (40–100 %). This tri-functional architecture enables reproducible sample processing in applications where thermal homogeneity, mechanical dispersion, and cavitation-induced lysis or degassing must be rigorously controlled and decoupled. The unit complies with DIN 12876-1 Class I (NFL) safety standards for laboratory equipment and features a stainless-steel bath chamber rated for aqueous and mild solvent use.

Key Features

• Precision thermostatic control with ±0.02 °C stability over full operating range (+5 °C above ambient to 80 °C), achieved via PID-controlled resistive heating and high-resolution NTC sensing
• Independent operational modes: pure ultrasonication, pure shaking, pure temperature control, or any two- or three-function combination
• Dual-frequency ultrasonic generator (40 kHz / 59 kHz) with digital power regulation (40–100 %), supporting both gentle emulsification and aggressive cell disruption
• Degassing (DEGAS) mode optimized for rapid removal of dissolved gases from solvents or viscous matrices prior to analysis or reaction
• Linear reciprocating shaker mechanism with selectable amplitude (15 mm or 25 mm) and fine-speed resolution (1 rpm)
• Full-featured LED interface: displays setpoint & actual temperature, shaking speed, ultrasonic power level, timer, and alarm thresholds simultaneously
• Integrated safety architecture including dry-run detection, overtemperature cutoff, audible/visual alarms, and automatic power interruption
• RS232 serial interface for remote parameter setting, real-time data logging, and integration into automated lab workflows

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SW24 accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), centrifuge tubes (15–50 mL), microtiter plates, and custom jigs—within its 22 L stainless-steel bath (internal dimensions: 50 × 30 × 15 cm). Its Class I (NFL) classification per DIN 12876-1 confirms suitability for general laboratory use under normal environmental conditions (ambient 5–40 °C). While not rated for explosive atmospheres or corrosive halogenated solvents, it supports aqueous buffers, alcohols, glycerol-water mixtures, and low-viscosity organic media compatible with 316 stainless steel and EPDM seals. For extended low-temperature operation (down to +6 °C), optional JULABO FD200 or FD400 external chillers can be connected via the integrated circulation port—enabling ultrasonic processing under precisely stabilized sub-ambient conditions without internal compressor integration.

Software & Data Management

The SW24 includes native RS232 communication capability compliant with standard ASCII command protocols. When interfaced with JULABO’s optional LabSoft software or third-party SCADA/LIMS platforms, users may configure multi-step protocols (e.g., pre-degassing → temperature equilibration → ultrasonic lysis → post-shake incubation), log timestamped temperature, speed, and power values at user-defined intervals, and generate audit-ready CSV reports. All parameter changes, alarm events, and safety interventions are time-stamped and retained in non-volatile memory—supporting GLP-compliant documentation requirements. While the device itself does not implement FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature functionality, its deterministic behavior, traceable calibration points, and event-logging capacity align with foundational GMP data integrity expectations for method development and routine QC testing.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Extraction of PAHs, PCBs, and heavy metals from soil/sediment using ultrasonic-assisted leaching followed by temperature-controlled agitation
• Clinical diagnostics: Homogenization of tissue biopsies and blood-derived exosomes under defined thermal and mechanical stress profiles
• Food microbiology: Rapid resuspension and lysis of bacterial colonies from selective agar plates prior to PCR or MALDI-TOF preparation
• Pharmaceutical R&D: Solubility enhancement studies of poorly water-soluble APIs via sonomechanical dispersion in temperature-regulated media
• Materials science: Dispersion stabilization of nanocellulose, graphene oxide, or metal-organic frameworks in aqueous colloids
• Quality control labs: Standardized degassing of HPLC mobile phases and viscosity reference oils prior to rheological measurement

FAQ

Can the SW24 operate below ambient temperature?
No—the SW24 is a heating-only system. However, when paired with an external JULABO FD200 or FD400 recirculating chiller, the bath can maintain temperatures as low as +6 °C via external cooling loop integration.
Is ultrasonic frequency selectable during operation?
Yes—40 kHz and 59 kHz modes are manually switchable via front-panel menu; frequency remains fixed during a given run but may be changed between cycles.
What is the maximum recommended fill volume for optimal ultrasonic coupling?
For uniform acoustic energy distribution, maintain liquid level between 12 L and 22 L; operation below 10 L risks transducer overheating and reduced cavitation efficiency.
Does the unit support programmable multi-stage protocols?
Standalone operation supports single-step timing (1–199 min); full multi-stage sequencing requires RS232 connection and external control software.
Are calibration certificates available for temperature and ultrasonic output?
JULABO provides optional factory calibration certificates (traceable to DKD/DAkkS standards) for temperature sensors; ultrasonic power calibration requires third-party acoustic calorimetry and is not offered as a standard service.