OHAUS e-E51LD0403 High-Speed Orbital Shaker

Overview

The OHAUS e-E51LD0403 High-Speed Orbital Shaker is an engineered platform for precise, reproducible orbital mixing in life science and bioengineering laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled circular motion—generating a consistent 3 mm orbit diameter—to induce homogeneous suspension, aeration, and gentle agitation without shear-induced cell damage. Designed for applications demanding tight speed regulation and long-duration stability, the shaker employs a triple-eccentric-axis balanced drive system coupled with a brushless DC motor. This architecture eliminates mechanical wear, minimizes vibration transmission to adjacent equipment, and ensures continuous operation across its full 100–800 rpm range. Its microprocessor-controlled acceleration profile ramps the platform gradually to the target speed, preventing liquid splashing during startup—a critical feature for sensitive cultures and low-volume assays. The unit meets IP21 ingress protection standards and carries TÜV certification, affirming compliance with international electrical safety requirements for laboratory environments.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor with triple-eccentric-axis balancing for ultra-low vibration, extended service life, and silent operation under load
• Backlit LCD display showing simultaneous real-time readouts of speed (rpm) and remaining timer duration
• Precise speed control with accuracy of ±2% (≥100 rpm) or ±2 rpm (<100 rpm), validated across environmental conditions from −10°C to 40°C
• Programmable timer spanning 1 minute to 99 hours 59 minutes, supporting unattended overnight and multi-day protocols
• Aerospace-grade aluminum platform (300 × 222 mm) with integrated anti-slip rubber mat and standardized flask clamp mounting points
• RS232 interface enabling bidirectional communication for remote parameter setting, data logging, and integration into centralized lab management systems
• Compact footprint (420 × 262 mm base area) optimized for benchtop space efficiency in high-density lab layouts
• Acoustic and visual end-of-timer alerts plus fault indication for operational integrity monitoring

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The e-E51LD0403 accommodates diverse vessel configurations up to 4.0 kg total load—including up to three 1 L Erlenmeyer flasks, stacked microplate carriers, or custom tube racks secured via optional clamps. Its 3 mm orbit diameter delivers sufficient mixing energy for bacterial and yeast suspension, while maintaining laminar flow profiles compatible with mammalian cell culture workflows where shear stress must remain below critical thresholds. The device supports GLP-compliant documentation through RS232 traceability of runtime parameters and adheres to ISO/IEC 17025-relevant instrument performance verification practices. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–validated out-of-the-box, its deterministic control logic and audit-ready timer logs align with quality system expectations for QC/QA labs in pharmaceutical, food safety, and environmental testing sectors.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with a standard RS232 serial port, the shaker enables external command execution (e.g., START/STOP, speed adjustment, timer preset) and passive data streaming of current operating state. When interfaced with LabVIEW, Python-based automation frameworks, or enterprise LIMS platforms, users can embed shaker operations into validated SOP sequences. Firmware-level timestamping ensures chronological fidelity of all logged events. No proprietary software is required; ASCII protocol documentation is provided for seamless integration into existing infrastructure. All configuration changes are retained in non-volatile memory following power cycling, preserving method integrity across shifts and operators.

Applications

• Microbial growth kinetics studies requiring oxygen transfer optimization at defined agitation rates
• ELISA plate incubation and wash steps where uniform reagent dispersion prevents edge effects
• Western blot membrane blocking and antibody incubation under constant gentle motion
• DNA extraction and plasmid purification workflows involving phenol-chloroform phase separation
• Solubility screening of small-molecule compounds in buffered aqueous or organic-aqueous media
• Environmental sample homogenization prior to microbial enumeration (e.g., ISO 6222, EPA Method 1603)
• Protein refolding assays where aggregation risk necessitates controlled, low-shear agitation

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended load for continuous operation at 800 rpm?
The rated 4.0 kg capacity applies across the full speed range; however, for sustained operation ≥600 rpm with heavy flask loads, we recommend verifying mechanical balance and securing vessels with dual-point clamps to prevent resonant drift.
Is the RS232 interface optically isolated?
No—RS232 communication uses standard TTL-level signaling. For electrically noisy environments, use a shielded cable and ground the shaker chassis separately from the host PC.
Can the shaker be operated inside a cold room at 4°C?
Yes—the specified operating range includes −10°C to 40°C; however, condensation on internal electronics must be prevented via ambient humidity control (<80% RH, non-condensing).
Does the unit support password-protected parameter locking for regulated environments?
Not natively; parameter access remains unrestricted. For GxP settings, external control via RS232 with authenticated middleware is recommended to enforce change control.
Are calibration certificates available for speed and timer accuracy?
OHAUS provides factory calibration reports upon request (traceable to NIST standards); field recalibration services are supported through authorized service centers.