PRS-5-12 Precision Rocking Platform Shaker
| Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Import Category | Imported |
| Model | PRS-5-12 |
| Instrument Type | Rocking (Tilting) Oscillator |
| Timer Range | 1–999 min (digital programmable) |
| Oscillation Frequency | 0–80 rpm (adjustable, ±0.5 rpm repeatability) |
| Rocking Angle | 0–20° (continuously adjustable, calibrated scale) |
| Operating Temperature Range | Ambient to 40 °C (optional ambient-temperature-only configuration) |
| Platform Quantity | Single-tier stainless steel platform (300 × 250 mm, load capacity ≤ 5 kg) |
Overview
The PRS-5-12 Precision Rocking Platform Shaker is an engineered laboratory device designed for gentle, consistent, and controllable lateral motion of samples in tubes, flasks, microplates, and Petri dishes. Unlike orbital or reciprocating shakers, the PRS-5-12 employs a unidirectional rocking (tilting) motion—achieved via a cam-driven eccentric mechanism—that mimics natural sedimentation-disruption dynamics essential for hybridization, blotting, staining, washing, and cell suspension protocols. Its low-shear, low-acceleration profile ensures minimal mechanical stress on fragile biological matrices—including primary cells, tissue sections, and nucleic acid gels—while maintaining high reproducibility across repeated runs. The unit operates without internal heating or cooling elements by default, making it suitable for ambient-temperature applications; optional passive thermal shielding accessories are available for temperature-sensitive workflows.
Key Features
- Digitally programmable timer with 1–999 minute range and auto-shutdown functionality, supporting unattended overnight operation under GLP-compliant conditions.
- Stepless rocking angle adjustment from 0° to 20°, calibrated via integrated angular scale and verified at factory with optical inclinometer traceability.
- Variable speed control (0–80 rpm) with digital feedback loop ensuring ±0.5 rpm stability over 24-hour continuous operation.
- Single-tier platform constructed from electropolished 304 stainless steel (300 × 250 mm), corrosion-resistant and compatible with common lab solvents including 70% ethanol, 0.5% SDS, and PBS buffer.
- Low-noise brushless DC motor with thermal overload protection and EMI-suppressed drive electronics compliant with IEC 61326-1 for electromagnetic compatibility in shared instrumentation labs.
- Compact footprint (350 × 280 × 120 mm) and lightweight design (6.2 kg) enable seamless integration into biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, and multi-instrument benchtop configurations.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PRS-5-12 accommodates standard sample carriers without adapter kits: 1 × 100 mL flask, up to 4 × 50 mL conical tubes, 1 × 96-well microplate (with optional silicone mat), or 2 × standard Petri dishes (100 mm). Platform surface features non-slip rubberized coating and raised perimeter lip (3 mm height) to prevent lateral displacement during extended rocking cycles. The device conforms to ISO 13485:2016 requirements for manufacturing controls as applied to Class I medical device accessories, and its electrical safety design meets EN 61010-1:2010+A1:2019 for laboratory equipment. It supports audit-ready documentation packages required for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with validated LIMS or ELN systems for electronic record retention.
Software & Data Management
The PRS-5-12 operates via standalone front-panel interface with LED display and tactile membrane keys—no external software or drivers required. All operational parameters (time remaining, current rpm, active angle) are displayed in real time. For laboratories requiring electronic logging, optional RS-232 serial output (DB9 connector) enables integration with third-party data acquisition platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, Python-based PySerial scripts) to capture timestamped run logs. These logs may be exported in CSV format for inclusion in QA/QC reports, deviation investigations, or regulatory submissions aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 (result reporting).
Applications
- Nucleic acid hybridization (Southern/Northern blotting) with uniform probe diffusion and minimized membrane distortion.
- Antibody incubation and wash steps in Western blotting protocols, reducing background noise through consistent reagent exchange.
- Cell detachment and resuspension of adherent lines where centrifugation is contraindicated (e.g., iPSC-derived neurons).
- Agarose gel staining/destaining using ethidium bromide or SYBR Safe, improving signal-to-noise ratio versus static immersion.
- Enzymatic reactions requiring gentle mixing without foaming or denaturation (e.g., restriction digests, ligations, dephosphorylations).
- Environmental microbiology: biofilm dispersion assays and planktonic cell recovery from abiotic surfaces.
FAQ
Is the PRS-5-12 suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator?
No—the unit is rated for ambient-temperature operation only (15–30 °C, <80% RH non-condensing) and lacks humidity-sealed electronics or incubator-rated certifications (e.g., UL 61010-2-040). For incubator-compatible rocking, consult the PRS-5-12-INC variant with IP54-rated enclosure and extended thermal tolerance.
Can multiple PRS-5-12 units be synchronized for parallel processing?
Not natively—the device has no master-slave or network interface. However, identical parameter programming across units yields high inter-unit reproducibility (±1.2% coefficient of variation in timing and speed across five units tested per ISO 5725-2).
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual verification of rocking angle calibration using supplied protractor gauge and rpm validation with certified tachometer is recommended. No lubrication or consumable parts are specified in the service manual (Revision D, 2023).
