MKN SHZ-88 Dual-Digital Display Water Bath Orbital Shaker

Overview

The MKN SHZ-88 Dual-Digital Display Water Bath Orbital Shaker is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for temperature-controlled agitation of aqueous samples in glass or plastic vessels. It operates on the principle of orbital (circular) motion—where the platform rotates around a central axis with fixed amplitude—generating uniform, low-shear mixing ideal for cell culture, microbial suspension, enzyme assays, and solubility studies. The unit integrates a stainless steel water bath chamber with PID-based digital temperature control, enabling stable thermal environments from ambient up to 100 °C. Dual independent LED displays provide real-time, simultaneous readouts of setpoint temperature and actual rotational speed—eliminating manual calibration checks and reducing operator error. Constructed from electropolished 304 stainless steel, the bath chamber resists corrosion from repeated exposure to water, saline solutions, and mild reagents, ensuring long-term dimensional stability and compliance with ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing practices for lab equipment.

Key Features

• Orbital shaking mechanism with 20 mm diameter motion—optimized for homogeneous suspension without foaming or excessive shear stress on sensitive biological samples.
• Dual high-contrast LED digital displays: one for temperature (0.1 °C resolution), one for rotational speed (1 rpm resolution), both independently adjustable and lockable to prevent accidental parameter changes.
• PID temperature controller with auto-tuning capability ensures ±1 °C accuracy across the full 0–100 °C range; overshoot suppression minimizes thermal transients during ramp-up.
• Stainless steel universal spring clamp system accommodates tubes (10–50 mL), flasks (up to 2 L), and multi-well plates without adapters; clamping force is evenly distributed to prevent vessel slippage at high speeds.
• 2000 W heating element with over-temperature cut-off and ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection—meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment.
• Programmable mechanical timer (0–120 minutes) with audible end-of-cycle alert; timer operation is independent of temperature and speed controls for flexible protocol sequencing.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHZ-88 supports standard laboratory containers including borosilicate glass test tubes, Erlenmeyer flasks, centrifuge tubes, and polypropylene culture bottles. Its water bath design ensures uniform heat transfer via convection—critical for applications requiring strict thermal consistency, such as bacterial growth kinetics (ASTM E2694), protein solubility profiling (USP ), or seed germination assays (ISO 11268-1). The unit conforms to national performance standards for laboratory shakers (GB/T 29882–2013) and incorporates design elements aligned with GLP documentation requirements—including non-volatile parameter memory and tactile feedback switches for audit-trail-capable operation. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11 certified out-of-the-box, its dual-display architecture and mechanical timer support retrospective validation when integrated into controlled environments under SOP-driven workflows.

Software & Data Management

The SHZ-88 is a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded microprocessor or data logging capability. All operational parameters are set and monitored locally via front-panel controls and LED displays. This architecture eliminates firmware dependencies, reduces electromagnetic interference risks in sensitive detection setups (e.g., adjacent to spectrophotometers or PCR cyclers), and ensures deterministic behavior across power cycles. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, optional external USB-connected data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300 series) may be interfaced via analog voltage outputs (0–5 V DC proportional to temperature and speed)—enabling CSV export compatible with LIMS platforms and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails when paired with validated third-party software.

Applications

• Microbial cultivation: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and yeast propagation under defined temperature-aeration conditions.
• Biochemical assay preparation: uniform dissolution of lyophilized enzymes, buffer equilibration prior to HPLC injection, and antigen-antibody incubation in immunoassay development.
• Environmental testing: BOD5 determination per APHA Standard Methods 5210B, soil extract agitation for heavy metal leaching studies (EPA Method 1311).
• Pharmaceutical QC: disintegration testing of coated tablets (USP ), extraction efficiency validation for herbal active ingredients.
• Agricultural research: seed priming protocols, nutrient solution homogenization for hydroponic trials, and pesticide residue extraction optimization.

FAQ

Is the SHZ-88 suitable for use with volatile organic solvents?
No. The water bath design and lack of vapor containment make it unsuitable for flammable or low-boiling-point solvents. Use only with aqueous or high-flashpoint media.
Can the oscillation speed be maintained at 280 rpm while operating at 100 °C?
Yes. The motor and drive train are thermally isolated from the bath chamber; maximum speed is fully attainable across the entire temperature range.
Does the unit include a lid or cover?
It ships with a removable stainless steel lid equipped with a silicone gasket to minimize evaporation during extended runs—lid removal is required for loading/unloading.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term accuracy?
Calibrate temperature annually using a NIST-traceable RTD probe; clean the bath chamber weekly with deionized water and dry thoroughly to prevent scale buildup.
Is custom waveform control (e.g., linear vs. orbital) available?
No. The SHZ-88 provides fixed orbital motion only. Non-standard agitation modes require OEM redesign and are not supported under standard warranty terms.