LB-60 Large-Capacity Orbital Shaker (Bottle Shaker)

Overview

The LB-60 Large-Capacity Orbital Shaker is an engineered platform for high-throughput microbial cultivation, cell suspension culture, and fermentation process development in controlled environmental chambers. Designed specifically for integration into centralized incubator rooms or walk-in climate-controlled laboratories, it operates on a robust reciprocating motion principle—distinct from orbital or rotary shakers—delivering consistent 30 mm linear displacement across the entire load plane. This mechanical architecture ensures uniform shear distribution and oxygen transfer efficiency across all 60 flask positions, critical for reproducible aerobic growth kinetics in bioprocess scale-up studies. Its structural integrity derives from a reinforced steel frame (6 mm cold-rolled base plate, 2 mm powder-coated enclosure), supporting long-term operation under continuous duty cycles without resonance-induced drift or mechanical fatigue.

Key Features

• Five-point eccentric drive system with precision-machined crankshafts, enabling stable low-speed initiation (1 rpm) and smooth acceleration to 200 rpm with ≤±1 rpm speed deviation across full load.
• Universal stainless-steel tray (2 mm AISI 304) with integrated, one-piece stamped flask clamps—manufactured to ISO 8502-3 surface cleanliness standards—ensuring corrosion resistance and mechanical retention under prolonged humid conditions.
• Industrial-grade AC frequency converter motor (750 W, IP54 rated) with thermal overload protection and electromagnetic braking for rapid, repeatable stop/start cycles during sampling or media exchange protocols.
• Digital LED controller with non-volatile parameter memory, real-time RPM feedback, and password-protected setting lockout—compliant with GLP documentation requirements for audit trail integrity.
• Structural mass (450 kg) and low center-of-gravity geometry minimize transmission of vibration to adjacent instrumentation, meeting ISO 20483 Class B laboratory floor vibration criteria.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LB-60 accommodates standard Erlenmeyer flasks (50–1000 mL), Fernbach-type baffled vessels, and custom bioreactor bottles up to 500 mL volume per position. Flask mounting utilizes standardized clamp geometry compatible with ISO 4796-1 neck dimensions (24/40, 29/32, 45/50). The unit meets IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity to electrostatic discharge and RF fields). While not certified for use in classified cleanrooms (ISO 14644-1 Class 5+), its sealed motor housing and non-shedding stainless surfaces support GMP-aligned facility environments when installed in ISO 8 clean zones with appropriate HVAC filtration.

Software & Data Management

The LB-60 operates as a standalone hardware platform with no embedded firmware or network interface. All operational parameters are set and monitored via front-panel controls; no proprietary software or driver installation is required. For integration into automated lab workflows, optional analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA speed output signals can be configured (hardware modification required, factory-installed only). Parameter settings are retained through power cycling, satisfying FDA 21 CFR Part 11 “electronic record” baseline requirements for manual entry systems when paired with laboratory logbook documentation.

Applications

• High-density seed train expansion for recombinant protein expression in E. coli and Pichia pastoris systems.
• Strain stability assessment across >50-generation subcultures under defined DO and agitation regimes.
• Media optimization trials involving carbon/nitrogen ratio screening across parallel flask arrays.
• Pre-fermentor inoculum preparation prior to transfer into benchtop or pilot-scale bioreactors (e.g., 5–20 L vessels).
• Antibiotic susceptibility profiling using broth microdilution with agitation-enhanced drug–cell contact kinetics.

FAQ

Is the LB-60 suitable for use inside CO₂ incubators?
No. Its electrical components and motor cooling design are rated for ambient laboratory environments (10–40 °C, 20–80% RH non-condensing); operation inside humidified CO₂ chambers exceeds specified environmental tolerances.
Can the shaker accommodate flasks larger than 500 mL?
Mechanically possible with custom tray adaptation, but load balance and amplitude fidelity beyond 500 mL are not validated. Standard configuration supports only 500 mL flasks at full 60-position capacity.
Does the unit include validation documentation (IQ/OQ)?
Factory-supplied as-built drawings and electrical safety test reports (EN 61010-1) are provided. Site-specific IQ/OQ protocols must be developed by end users per ISO/IEC 17025 or internal quality system requirements.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Biannual inspection of eccentric drive bearings and belt tension (if applicable), annual calibration of speed display against traceable tachometer reference, and quarterly cleaning of air intake grilles per manufacturer’s service manual.