PRIMA HD120-RT8 Low-Temperature Circulating Water Bath

Overview

The PRIMA HD120-RT8 Low-Temperature Circulating Water Bath is an engineered thermal control system designed for precision laboratory applications requiring stable, uniform, and programmable temperature environments across a wide operational range (−30 °C to +120 °C). Based on closed-loop refrigeration combined with resistive heating and high-efficiency magnetic drive circulation, the unit delivers exceptional thermal stability (±0.02 °C at 37 °C) and spatial uniformity (±0.05 °C), meeting critical requirements in analytical chemistry, materials testing, biopharmaceutical stability studies, and calibration laboratories. Its dual-mode operation—supporting both internal bath temperature regulation and external secondary temperature control via integrated recirculation—enables flexible integration into complex experimental setups such as jacketed reactors, viscometers, spectrophotometer cells, or chromatography column ovens.

Key Features

• High-precision PID digital temperature controller with 4-digit LED display and 0.1 °C resolution for both setpoint and real-time readout
• Dual-bath configuration options: HD120-RT8 (8 L working volume) and HD120-RT12 (12 L), each optimized for scalability without compromising thermal performance
• Integrated magnetically coupled circulation pump delivering up to 16 L/min flow rate and 280 mbar pressure—capable of driving fluid through extended external loops or high-backpressure systems
• Independent refrigeration module with R134a refrigerant; compressor operation can be disabled manually when only heating functionality is required, extending component life and reducing energy consumption
• Five dedicated front-panel keys for intuitive parameter entry, timer activation (1 min–99 h 59 min), and alarm acknowledgment
• Multi-layer safety architecture including adjustable overtemperature cut-off, liquid-level sensor for dry-run prevention, audible low-temperature alarm, and bottom-mounted drain valve for rapid bath servicing
• User-accessible two-point calibration function enabling traceable offset correction at user-defined reference temperatures—essential for GLP-compliant workflows
• Large open-top bath design (168 × 178 mm for RT8; 295 × 178 mm for RT12) facilitating easy sample immersion, probe placement, and accessory mounting

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HD120-RT8 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample formats—including glassware (Erlenmeyer flasks, beakers, reaction vessels), immersion probes, cuvettes, and external heat exchangers—without compromising thermal fidelity. Its stainless steel bath chamber and chemically resistant seals ensure compatibility with aqueous solutions, glycol-water mixtures, silicone oils, and other common heat-transfer media. From a regulatory perspective, the instrument supports audit-ready documentation practices: its programmable timer, calibrated temperature display, and configurable alarm thresholds align with ISO/IEC 17025 method validation requirements. While not certified as FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant out-of-the-box, the device’s deterministic control logic, non-volatile parameter storage, and user-accessible calibration logs provide foundational elements for laboratory-specific electronic record validation under GxP frameworks.

Software & Data Management

The HD120-RT8 operates autonomously via its embedded microcontroller and requires no external software for basic operation. All settings—including temperature setpoint, ramp rates, hold times, and alarm thresholds—are stored in non-volatile memory and persist after power cycling. For laboratories integrating the unit into larger data acquisition networks, analog voltage output (0–10 V) is available for external logging of bath temperature, enabling synchronization with DAQ systems or LIMS platforms. Optional RS232 or RS485 interfaces (available upon request) support ASCII command protocol for remote initiation, status polling, and error reporting—facilitating automated test sequences in QC/QA environments governed by ASTM E2877 or USP .

Applications

• Controlled-rate cooling/heating of samples prior to spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, UV-Vis)
• Thermal conditioning of polymer melts and rheological test specimens per ISO 6721 and ASTM D3418
• Stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations under ICH Q1A(R3) accelerated conditions
• Calibration of thermistors, RTDs, and infrared thermometers against NIST-traceable references
• Temperature-dependent kinetic studies in enzymology and reaction calorimetry
• External temperature control of HPLC columns, GC injectors, or electrophoresis apparatus

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum operating temperature for the HD120-RT8 model?

The HD120-RT8 achieves a full operational range of −30 °C to +120 °C, with refrigeration active down to −30 °C and heating capable up to +120 °C using the integrated 1.5 kW heater.
Can the refrigeration unit be disabled independently?

Yes—the compressor can be manually deactivated via the controller interface while retaining full heating and circulation functionality, allowing use as a high-stability heated bath up to 120 °C.
Is the unit suitable for use with silicone oil or other non-aqueous media?

The stainless steel bath and sealed magnetic pump are compatible with silicone oils, ethylene glycol/water blends, and other non-corrosive heat-transfer fluids; however, viscosity limits should be verified against the pump’s 16 L/min flow specification at operating temperature.
Does the HD120-RT8 support external temperature feedback control?

No—the system regulates based solely on internal Pt100 sensor input; external probe integration is not supported in standard configuration.
What safety certifications does the instrument carry?

The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment safety and carries CE marking; full certification documentation is provided with shipment.