OHAUS ISRK04HDG Refrigerated Orbital Shaker Incubator

Overview

The OHAUS ISRK04HDG Refrigerated Orbital Shaker Incubator is an integrated life science platform engineered for precise, reproducible sample agitation under tightly controlled thermal conditions. It combines Peltier-based active cooling and resistive heating with a low-profile orbital drive mechanism—operating on the principle of uniform circular motion at a fixed 3 mm orbit diameter—to deliver consistent mixing performance across the full temperature range from –20 °C to +65 °C. Unlike conventional shakers limited to ambient or heated-only operation, the ISRK04HDG enables cryogenic cell culture maintenance, cold-sensitive enzymatic assays, and temperature-gradient optimization studies without external refrigeration units or ice baths. Its design adheres to core laboratory infrastructure requirements: stable operation in non-condensing environments (5–40 °C ambient, ≤80% RH), compact footprint for benchtop integration, and compliance-ready architecture supporting GLP/GMP workflows.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled orbital drive with digital speed regulation (1–50 rpm) and real-time feedback loop for ±0.5 rpm stability under load
• Peltier thermoelectric cooling + resistive heating system enabling continuous, bidirectional temperature control from –20 °C to +65 °C with ±0.3 °C accuracy at setpoint (typical)
• Touch-panel LED interface displaying simultaneous readouts of actual/programmed temperature, speed, elapsed time, and remaining timer duration
• Programmable timer with dual-mode functionality: countdown mode (1 s–160 h) and elapsed-time tracking; retains last-used parameters through power interruption
• Integrated safety suite including motor overload detection (audible/visual alert), ramped acceleration/deceleration to minimize splashing, high-temperature warning indicator (illuminates at ≥40 °C internal air temp), and spill-guidance channeling within chamber base
• Optically transparent polycarbonate lid with sealed gasket—maintains thermal integrity while permitting non-invasive visual monitoring of cultures or gels

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ISRK04HDG accommodates standard laboratory vessels including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), deep-well microplates, Petri dishes, and hybridization tubes via optional platform adapters. Its orbital motion profile ensures homogeneous suspension of mammalian cells, bacterial cultures, and protein gels without vortex-induced shear stress or foam generation. The unit meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for electrical equipment used in laboratory environments. While not certified for medical device use, its firmware architecture supports audit trails and parameter locking—facilitating alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations when paired with validated LIMS or ELN systems. Temperature and speed calibration certificates are available upon request per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited protocols.

Software & Data Management

The ISRK04HDG operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded PC or network interface. All operational parameters—including temperature setpoint, speed, tilt angle (0°–15°), and timer configuration—are stored in non-volatile memory and persist across power cycles. For traceability, users may manually log settings and runtime data into lab notebooks or electronic records. Optional RS-232 serial output (available via accessory port) permits connection to external data loggers or SCADA systems for time-stamped acquisition of temperature and speed values at user-defined intervals. Firmware updates are performed locally using OHAUS-provided utility software and USB-to-serial adapter.

Applications

• Mammalian and insect cell culture maintenance under hypothermic (4–15 °C) or physiological (37 °C) conditions with continuous orbital mixing
• Western blotting workflows: uniform antibody incubation, gentle stripping, and buffer exchange during membrane processing
• Nucleic acid hybridization (Southern/Northern blotting) requiring precise temperature and agitation synchronization
• Enzyme kinetics assays where reaction rates are sensitive to both thermal drift and mixing efficiency
• Protein solubilization and refolding studies conducted across sub-zero to hyperthermic ranges
• Microbial growth profiling under controlled thermal stress regimes (e.g., cold shock, heat shock)

FAQ

Does the ISRK04HDG support programmable temperature ramps?
No—the unit maintains a single user-defined setpoint continuously; it does not implement multi-step thermal profiles.
Can the orbital platform be replaced with a reciprocating or rocking deck?
No—mechanical configuration is fixed to 3 mm orbital motion; alternative motion types require separate OHAUS models (e.g., IKA HS 501, which is not compatible with ISRK04HDG accessories).
Is validation documentation included with shipment?
Factory calibration reports are provided; IQ/OQ/PQ protocol templates and third-party certification services are available through OHAUS Field Service upon order specification.
What is the maximum flask capacity supported on the standard platform?
Two 2 L Erlenmeyer flasks (balanced loading) or up to four 1 L flasks; asymmetric loads exceeding 10 kg total mass may trigger overload protection.
How frequently should temperature and speed sensors be recalibrated?
OHAUS recommends annual verification against NIST-traceable references; frequency may increase based on usage intensity and internal quality procedures.