LAUDA ET 6 S Transparent Circulating Water Bath

Overview

The LAUDA ET 6 S Transparent Circulating Water Bath is a precision-engineered temperature control system designed for laboratory applications requiring stable, uniform thermal environments within the range of 20 °C to 100 °C. Built upon LAUDA’s ECO platform, this unit integrates a polycarbonate transparent bath vessel with a fully electronic PID controller, enabling high reproducibility and long-term thermal stability of ±0.01 °C. Unlike open-bath or analog-controlled systems, the ET 6 S employs a closed-loop circulation architecture—supporting both internal recirculation (within the bath) and external flow via an integrated Vario pump with six adjustable performance levels. This dual-circuit capability ensures consistent heat transfer to external devices such as viscometers, spectrophotometer cells, or reaction jackets while maintaining minimal temperature gradients across the bath volume. Its Class III safety rating certifies suitability for use with flammable and non-flammable liquids, meeting IEC 61010-1 requirements for laboratory equipment.

Key Features

• Polycarbonate transparent bath (6.0 L capacity) for real-time visual monitoring of samples and fluid level
• Graphical monochrome LCD display showing simultaneous setpoint and actual temperature values
• Intuitive menu navigation via cursor keys and soft-touch buttons; dedicated Tmax key for configurable overtemperature protection
• Vario pump with six discrete flow stages—adjustable during operation without physical contact with the bath
• USB interface as standard; optional modular expansion for RS232/485, analog I/O, relay contacts, Profibus, Ethernet-USB, or Pt100/LiBus remote control
• Integrated programmable timer supporting one multi-segment protocol (up to 20 steps) for automated ramp-hold-cool sequences
• Cooling coil pre-installed for integration with external chillers when sub-ambient operation is required
• Robust housing with IP20-rated enclosure; 230 V, 50/60 Hz power supply; max. current draw 10 A

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ET 6 S accommodates a broad spectrum of sample containers—including glass beakers, metal jackets, cuvettes, and jacketed reactors—thanks to its open-top bath geometry and externally controllable flow path. Its polycarbonate construction resists common solvents (e.g., water, ethanol, glycerol/water mixtures) and eliminates condensation-related visibility issues inherent in acrylic alternatives. The unit complies with EN 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and carries CE marking for the European Economic Area. It supports GLP/GMP workflows through audit-trail-capable data logging (when paired with LAUDA’s WebControl software or third-party SCADA systems via RS485/Ethernet modules). While not intrinsically rated for hazardous area use, its Class III designation permits operation with low-flashpoint media under controlled lab conditions per ISO 8573-1 and ASTM E1510 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The ET 6 S communicates natively via USB HID class, allowing direct connection to Windows/Linux hosts without proprietary drivers. When used with LAUDA’s free WebControl software, users gain access to real-time graphing, CSV export, remote parameter adjustment, and event-triggered logging (e.g., deviation alarms, program completion). Optional communication modules enable compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—specifically electronic signatures, user-level access control, and immutable audit trails—when deployed in regulated QC/QA environments. All firmware updates are delivered via signed .hex files through LAUDA’s official support portal, ensuring traceability and version consistency across instrument fleets.

Applications

• Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against NIST-traceable references
• Temperature conditioning of viscosity standards prior to rheological measurement
• Thermal equilibration of biological assays (e.g., enzyme kinetics, protein denaturation studies)
• Stabilization of optical components in UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy setups
• External temperature control for HPLC column ovens, dissolution testers, and material testing fixtures
• Accelerated aging studies in polymer and pharmaceutical stability testing protocols (ICH Q1A–Q1E)

FAQ

Does the ET 6 S support external temperature sensors for feedback control?
Yes—via optional Pt100/LiBus module, enabling cascade control using an external probe placed directly in the sample or process stream.
Can the cooling coil be used without an external chiller?
No—the integrated coil requires connection to a separate refrigerated circulator or chiller unit to achieve sub-ambient temperatures.
Is the bath volume adjustable or expandable?
The ET 6 S features a fixed 6.0 L polycarbonate bath; larger capacities (e.g., 12 L or 20 L) are available in other ECO series models (ET 12, ET 20), but not via field retrofit.
What is the maximum allowable external backpressure when using the pump for external circulation?
The Vario pump delivers up to 0.6 bar maximum pressure; sustained operation above 0.4 bar may reduce service life and require periodic maintenance.
How often does the unit require calibration verification?
LAUDA recommends annual verification using a certified reference thermometer traceable to national standards; internal sensor drift is typically <0.005 °C/year under continuous operation.