LAUDA Hydro H5V Circulating Water Bath

Overview

The LAUDA Hydro H5V is a precision-engineered circulating water bath designed for demanding laboratory applications requiring exceptional thermal uniformity, long-term stability, and chemical resistance. Operating on the principle of forced convection via an integrated circulation pump, the H5V maintains highly homogeneous temperature distribution across its 37.9 L stainless steel bath chamber—eliminating thermal gradients and localized hot spots that compromise sample integrity. With a calibrated operating range of 25–100 °C and a certified temperature stability of ±0.1 K at setpoint, the unit meets critical requirements for protocols involving enzymatic reactions, cell culture preparation, controlled thawing of cryopreserved specimens, and thermal validation of reagents. Its robust AISI 304 stainless steel construction ensures durability in aqueous environments and compatibility with mild cleaning agents used in GLP-compliant laboratories. The H5V is not a general-purpose heater but a thermally optimized platform engineered for reproducibility in life science, pharmaceutical QC, and clinical research workflows.

Key Features

• Precision temperature control with digital PID algorithm and high-resolution Pt100 sensor feedback
• Simultaneous internal recirculation and external pumping capability (via optional dry-block or chiller interface)
• TFT graphical display with intuitive menu navigation, real-time temperature logging, and dual-unit readout (°C/°F)
• Stainless steel bath tank with smooth, crevice-free welds to prevent biofilm accumulation and simplify decontamination
• Overtemperature and dry-run protection circuits compliant with IEC 61000-6-2 electromagnetic immunity standards
• Front-accessible drain valve and removable perforated support plate (heat-resistant polymer) for flexible sample vessel placement
• Low-noise operation (<45 dB(A)) suitable for shared laboratory environments and laminar flow hood integration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The H5V accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5 L), centrifuge tubes, Petri dishes, and immersion probes—within its 342 × 400 mm open bath surface. Its depth of 180 mm supports vertical immersion of tall containers while maintaining full thermal coupling. All wetted parts conform to USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements. The system complies with EN 61000-3-2 (harmonic current emissions), EN 61326-1 (laboratory equipment EMC), and carries CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous locations, it is routinely deployed in ISO 13485-certified medical device manufacturing labs for thermal conditioning of components prior to sterility testing. Routine calibration traceability follows NIST-traceable reference standards per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The H5V operates as a standalone instrument with no proprietary software dependency; however, its RS232 interface enables integration into centralized lab monitoring systems via Modbus RTU protocol. Logged temperature data (timestamped at 1-second intervals) can be exported as CSV files for audit trail generation. When paired with LAUDA’s optional LabVIEW-compatible drivers or third-party SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition, Siemens Desigo), the unit supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records—including user authentication, change tracking, and immutable data archiving. Alarm events (e.g., deviation >±0.3 K for >60 s) trigger relay outputs for building management system (BMS) notification or automatic shutdown of connected peripherals.

Applications

• Thermal equilibration of biological samples prior to PCR setup or ELISA plate reading
• Controlled-rate thawing of primary human hepatocytes and stem cell suspensions
• Pre-incubation of agarose gels and electrophoresis buffers at standardized temperatures
• Environmental sample digestion (e.g., EPA Method 3010A) requiring precise 95–100 °C maintenance
• Calibration of liquid-in-glass thermometers and digital probe sensors against reference standards
• Supporting solvent evaporation workflows when used with LAUDA’s optional vapor condenser modules

FAQ

Does the H5V support refrigeration or cooling functionality?
No—the H5V is a heating-only bath. For combined heating/cooling applications, LAUDA recommends the Alpha Series or Proline K Series recirculating chillers.
Can the external circulation port be used with non-LAUDA accessories?
Yes—standard G½” BSP male threads allow connection to third-party tubing, manifolds, or jacketed reactors, provided flow rates remain within 12–18 L/min and backpressure does not exceed 1.5 bar.
Is the bath fluid level sensor serviceable by end users?
The capacitive level detection circuit is factory-calibrated and sealed; field replacement requires authorized LAUDA service technician intervention to preserve IP20 ingress protection rating.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal performance?
Daily visual inspection of bath fluid clarity and level; quarterly descaling using 5% citric acid solution if operated above 60 °C with tap water; annual verification of temperature uniformity per ASTM E1112 Annex A1.
How is temperature uniformity validated across the bath volume?
LAUDA certifies spatial uniformity using nine Pt100 probes positioned at ISO-defined grid points (center + eight corners at mid-depth); maximum deviation across all points is ≤±0.08 K at 37 °C and ≤±0.12 K at 95 °C.