SHA-B Water Bath Constant-Temperature Shaker

Overview

The SHA-B Water Bath Constant-Temperature Shaker is an engineered laboratory platform designed for precise temperature-controlled agitation of liquid samples in immersion-based applications. It operates on the principle of conduction-heated water bath thermal regulation combined with mechanically driven oscillation—ensuring stable thermal equilibrium across the sample chamber while maintaining consistent mixing kinetics. Unlike air-jacketed shakers, the water bath configuration delivers superior temperature uniformity (±0.5 °C), minimal thermal gradient, and reduced evaporation risk—critical for long-duration microbial culture, enzyme kinetics, solubility studies, and cell suspension maintenance. Its dual-mode oscillation mechanism (reciprocating and orbital) enables method flexibility across diverse biological and biochemical protocols, including bacterial inoculation, yeast propagation, antigen-antibody incubation, and reagent equilibration prior to downstream analysis (e.g., ELISA, PCR setup, or HPLC sample prep).

Key Features

• Stainless steel water bath chamber with corrosion-resistant interior and integrated water level sensor for safe dry-run prevention
• Dual oscillation mode selection: reciprocating (linear back-and-forth motion) and orbital (circular motion), switchable via front-panel toggle
• Digital LED display showing real-time setpoint and actual values for both temperature (°C) and speed (rpm)
• PID-controlled heating system with over-temperature cutoff and auto-recovery function compliant with IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity standards
• Adjustable speed range: 0–300 rpm (typical operational range for microbiological applications: 80–220 rpm)
• Thermal insulation jacket minimizing ambient heat loss and improving energy efficiency during extended runs (≥12 h)
• Non-slip platform with universal clamping system accommodating standard flasks (50–2000 mL), test tubes, and multi-well plates (with optional adapter)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHA-B accommodates a broad spectrum of sample containers used in life science laboratories—including Erlenmeyer flasks (100–1000 mL), centrifuge tubes (15–50 mL), glass vials, and shallow-dish formats—without requiring custom fixtures. Its water bath depth (≥150 mm) ensures full submersion of common vessel heights. The unit complies with GB/T 14710–2009 (Chinese Environmental Adaptability Standard for Medical Electrical Equipment) and meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per GB 4824–2019 (Class B industrial equipment). While not certified to UL/CSA or CE for direct EU/US market placement, its design aligns with foundational safety principles referenced in ISO 13485:2016 (for in vitro diagnostic support workflows) and supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with external audit-trail-capable data loggers.

Software & Data Management

The SHA-B operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded microprocessor or network interface. All operational parameters are manually configured via tactile rotary dials and push-button controls. Temperature and speed values are displayed locally but not logged or exportable. For regulated environments requiring traceability (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned labs), integration with third-party USB-connected data acquisition systems (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300 or Testo 176 T4) is recommended. These devices can record time-stamped temperature and vibration amplitude data at user-defined intervals (1–60 s), generating CSV-compatible audit trails suitable for internal quality review or regulatory submission packages.

Applications

• Microbial culture expansion: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and fungal strains under controlled aeration and thermal conditions
• Vaccine adjuvant formulation and antigen stability assessment during accelerated aging studies
• Enzyme activity assays requiring simultaneous thermal control and gentle homogenization (e.g., lipase, amylase, protease kinetics)
• Cell line passaging and suspension culture maintenance for CHO, HEK293, and insect cell lines
• Soil extract preparation and heavy metal leaching tests in environmental toxicology screening
• Standard solution preparation for atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and ICP-MS calibration workflows

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended fill volume for the water bath chamber?
The chamber holds up to 18 L of deionized or distilled water. For optimal thermal response and mechanical stability, maintain water level between 8–15 L depending on vessel height and load mass.

Can the SHA-B be operated continuously for 72 hours or longer?
Yes—its sealed heating element and low-noise induction motor are rated for uninterrupted operation up to 168 h (7 days) under nominal load (≤12 kg total mass) and ambient temperatures ≤30 °C.

Is condensation management included in the design?
The unit features a removable drip tray beneath the platform and sloped chamber walls to channel condensate toward a central drain port (optional accessory). External desiccant trays are advised for high-humidity lab environments.

Does the oscillation frequency affect temperature stability?
Within the specified speed range (0–300 rpm), temperature deviation remains within ±0.5 °C due to the high thermal mass of the water medium and PID feedback loop compensation for convective losses.

Are replacement parts such as water bath inserts or clamps available separately?
Yes—stainless steel platform inserts (part #SHA-B-INSERT-SS), silicone-coated clamp sets (part #SHA-B-CLAMP-KIT), and calibrated PT100 probe assemblies (part #SHA-B-TEMP-PROBE) are stocked and shipped globally within 5 business days.