Optima TM R Stirred Circulating Bath – GD120 Series

Overview

The Optima TM R Stirred Circulating Bath – GD120 Series is an engineered thermal management platform designed for precision temperature control in external applications requiring stable, uniform, and reproducible heat transfer. Utilizing a high-efficiency immersion heater, integrated centrifugal circulation pump, and PID-controlled feedback loop, the system maintains setpoint accuracy within ±0.02 °C at 37 °C — a performance benchmark aligned with critical biological and pharmaceutical validation requirements. Unlike passive water baths, the GD120 actively circulates conditioned fluid through external jackets, reactors, or analytical accessories via standardized 6/11 mm tubing interfaces. Its modular design accommodates five bath volumes (5–38 L), enabling scalability from benchtop incubation support to large-scale process simulation. The unit operates across a wide thermal envelope: standard models span 0–120 °C; low-temperature variants extend to −15 °C when paired with optional C1G or C2G recirculating chillers — fulfilling dual-role demand in enzymatic assays, material curing, and accelerated stability testing.

Key Features

• High-stability thermal regulation: ±0.02 °C stability and ±0.05 °C uniformity at 37 °C — validated per ASTM E29 rounding conventions and suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs.
• Dual-mode operation: Configurable for heating-only (0–120 °C) or heating/cooling (−15–120 °C) via plug-and-play chiller integration (C1G/C2G series).
• Intelligent circulation architecture: 17 L/min flow rate and 270 mbar pressure head ensure consistent thermal delivery to external devices, even under backpressure from long tubing runs or narrow-bore manifolds.
• Four-point memory storage: Retains up to four frequently used temperature setpoints with independent calibration offsets — reducing setup time during multi-step protocols.
• Two-point calibration capability: Enables user-adjusted offset correction against NIST-traceable reference thermometers, supporting audit-ready documentation for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned workflows.
• Robust safety system: Independent float-switch liquid-level detection, adjustable overtemperature cut-off, and high-decibel audible alarm meet IEC 61010-1 electrical safety standards for laboratory equipment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GD120 series supports a broad range of external thermal loads — including jacketed bioreactors, viscometers, spectrophotometer cells, and custom-built reaction blocks — provided fluid compatibility is maintained (e.g., water, silicone oil, or low-viscosity glycol mixtures). All models are CE-marked and comply with EN 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety. The LED display (4-digit, 13 mm height) provides clear real-time readout with 0.1 °C resolution, and internal logging supports manual verification of thermal history. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, the system’s two-point calibration, setpoint memory, and auditable alarm events facilitate integration into GxP environments when paired with validated electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS platforms.

Software & Data Management

The GD120 operates via standalone front-panel control — no software dependency required — ensuring operational continuity during IT infrastructure outages. Temperature settings, alarm thresholds, and calibration offsets are stored in non-volatile memory. For laboratories requiring digital integration, analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA output options (available as factory-installed accessories) enable connection to SCADA systems or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for centralized monitoring. Data export is performed manually via timestamped operator logs; automated CSV generation is not supported natively but may be implemented externally using third-party data acquisition hardware interfaced through the analog outputs.

Applications

• Cell culture incubator pre-conditioning and environmental chamber calibration
• Temperature-dependent rheological testing (e.g., Brookfield or Anton Paar viscometers)
• Accelerated stability studies per ICH Q1A(R3) guidelines
• Enzyme kinetics assays requiring sub-0.05 °C thermal homogeneity
• Calibration of infrared thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against reference standards
• Thermal cycling of polymer samples during DSC or TMA sample preparation

FAQ

Does the GD120 require external refrigeration to operate below ambient temperature?
Yes. Operation below ambient requires pairing with an external recirculating chiller (C1G for ≤−10 °C, C2G for ≤−20 °C). The base unit contains no integrated compressor.

Can the GD120 maintain temperature stability during continuous external flow?
Yes. Its 17 L/min pump and 270 mbar pressure head are rated for sustained operation with external loops up to 15 m in total length and ≤8 mm ID tubing.

Is the bath fluid level sensor compatible with oils and solvents?
The float switch is designed for aqueous and silicone-based heat transfer fluids. Compatibility with organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone) must be verified per Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) — prolonged exposure may degrade the float mechanism.

What is the recommended recalibration interval?
Annual calibration against a NIST-traceable reference thermometer is advised for GLP/GMP applications. Two-point calibration allows field adjustment without returning the unit to service.

Are replacement bath inserts available for different volume configurations?
No. Each GD120 model (S5, S12, etc.) features a fixed stainless-steel reservoir. Volume scalability is achieved by selecting the appropriate model at time of purchase.