MKN SHY-2A Water Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital & Reciprocal Shaker

Overview

The MKN SHY-2A Water Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital & Reciprocal Shaker is a dual-mode laboratory incubation shaker engineered for precise thermal control and reproducible mechanical agitation in aqueous environments. It operates on the principle of convective heat transfer within a thermostatically regulated stainless steel water bath, combined with mechanically driven orbital or reciprocal motion to ensure uniform suspension, mixing, and oxygenation of biological and chemical samples. Unlike air-jacketed shakers, the water bath design provides superior temperature homogeneity (±0.5 °C typical spatial uniformity across the chamber), minimized thermal lag, and enhanced sample stability—critical for sensitive applications such as microbial growth kinetics, enzyme reaction profiling, and cell culture maintenance. The unit integrates independent digital PID temperature control and microprocessor-based speed regulation, enabling simultaneous, decoupled optimization of thermal and mechanical parameters without cross-interference.

Key Features

• Two independent digital displays: one for real-time temperature (LED, 0.1 °C resolution) and one for rotational speed (rpm, ±2 rpm repeatability)
• Dual oscillation capability: switchable between orbital (circular motion, ideal for suspension cultures and solubility studies) and reciprocal (linear back-and-forth motion, suited for particle resuspension and extraction protocols)
• Robust 304 stainless steel water bath chamber with seamless welding and anti-corrosion finish—designed for long-term exposure to aqueous media and mild chemical reagents
• Spring-loaded universal clamp system accommodates flasks (50–2000 mL), test tubes, petri dishes, and custom vessels without tools or adapters
• High-power 2000 W heating element with over-temperature cut-off protection and rapid thermal recovery (<15 min from ambient to 60 °C at full load)
• Programmable mechanical timer (0–120 minutes) with audible end-of-cycle alert and auto-shutdown functionality
• Stable platform design with adjustable non-slip feet and reinforced support frame to minimize vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHY-2A supports standard microbiological and biochemical sample formats including Erlenmeyer flasks (100–1000 mL), centrifuge tubes (15–50 mL), multi-well plates (with optional plate holder), and glass vials. Its water bath geometry ensures full immersion of vessel bases, promoting consistent heat transfer regardless of fill volume. The device complies with GB/T 28851–2012 (General Technical Requirements for Laboratory Shakers) and meets essential safety requirements per GB 4793.1–2007 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use). While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or GLP Annexes by default, its stable thermal performance and traceable digital readouts support audit-ready documentation when integrated into validated workflows. For regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical QC labs), users may implement additional calibration logs per ASTM E2500–22 (Standard Guide for Specification, Design, and Verification of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Systems) using external NIST-traceable thermistors and tachometers.

Software & Data Management

The SHY-2A operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded software or network interface. All operational parameters are set and monitored via front-panel push-button controls and dual LED displays. This architecture eliminates firmware dependencies, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and software validation overhead—making it suitable for GMP-aligned laboratories where simplicity, reliability, and minimal qualification burden are prioritized. Users maintain manual logbooks or integrate the shaker into broader LIMS or ELN systems via external environmental monitoring sensors (e.g., wireless PT100 probes paired with data loggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with electronic signatures and audit trails). Calibration records—including temperature uniformity mapping and speed linearity verification—should be performed semiannually per internal SOPs aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.

Applications

• Microbial cultivation: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and yeast propagation under controlled aeration and temperature
• Biochemical assay development: kinetic studies of hydrolases, oxidoreductases, and ligases requiring defined thermal and mixing conditions
• Environmental analysis: BOD incubation, nutrient solubilization, and sediment resuspension in water quality testing
• Food science: fermentation monitoring, allergen extraction efficiency testing, and shelf-life modeling
• Pharmaceutical R&D: dissolution profile generation for modified-release formulations in USP Apparatus I/II equivalent configurations
• Agricultural research: plant tissue culture initiation, rhizobial inoculant production, and pesticide degradation kinetics

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended water level for optimal thermal performance?
Fill the bath to 2–3 cm below the top rim to prevent overflow during oscillation and ensure unobstructed heater operation.
Can the SHY-2A accommodate baffled flasks for improved aeration?
Yes—the 20 mm amplitude and orbital mode generate sufficient shear and surface renewal to support aerobic growth in standard baffled Erlenmeyer flasks up to 1000 mL.
Is external cooling capability available?
No. The SHY-2A is a heating-only unit; active cooling requires integration with an external recirculating chiller via inlet/outlet ports (not supplied).
Does the shaker meet international electrical safety standards (e.g., CE, UL)?
It conforms to China’s mandatory CCC certification (GB 4793.1) but lacks CE marking or UL listing; users deploying it outside China must verify local regulatory acceptance prior to installation.
How often should temperature and speed calibration be performed?
Biannual calibration is recommended; more frequent checks are advised if used in GLP/GMP settings or after mechanical shock, extended continuous operation (>500 h), or observed drift exceeding ±0.8 °C or ±3 rpm.