Supelco 33318-U Compact Modular Dry Block Heater
| Brand | Supelco |
|---|---|
| Model | 33318-U |
| Origin | USA |
| Voltage | 120 V / 230 V |
| Power | 110 W |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 150 °C (Low range: Ambient–100 °C |
| High range | 75–150 °C) |
| Stability at 37 °C | ±0.1 °C |
| Uniformity within Block at 37 °C | ±0.1 °C |
| Heat-up Time to 100 °C | 45 min |
| Dimensions | 31.5 × 20.3 × 8.9 cm |
| Weight | 2.6 kg |
Overview
The Supelco 33318-U Compact Modular Dry Block Heater is an engineered thermal platform designed for precise, reproducible heating of small-volume samples in life science, clinical diagnostics, and analytical chemistry laboratories. Unlike water baths or heated shakers, this dry block system employs direct conductive heating via thermally optimized anodized aluminum blocks—eliminating contamination risks, evaporation artifacts, and maintenance overhead associated with liquid-based temperature control. Its dual-range analog temperature control enables stable operation across two distinct regimes: ambient-to-100 °C for routine incubation and enzymatic assays, and 75–150 °C for high-temperature applications such as DNA denaturation, solvent evaporation, or melting point determination. The unit achieves ±0.1 °C thermal stability and uniformity at 37 °C—a performance benchmark aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for calibration traceability in accredited testing labs.
Key Features
- Compact footprint (31.5 × 20.3 × 8.9 cm) optimized for crowded benchtop environments without compromising thermal performance
- Modular, interchangeable anodized aluminum heating blocks—each featuring a dedicated thermometer well for independent verification of block surface temperature per ASTM E2251 standards
- Dual-range analog temperature controller with intuitive low/high mode selection, enabling accurate setpoint resolution across the full 0–150 °C operating envelope
- Universal power compatibility: auto-switching 120 V / 230 V input (0.9 A @ 120 V; 0.5 A @ 230 V), rated at 110 W for consistent energy delivery under variable grid conditions
- No moving parts or consumables—designed for >10,000 hours of continuous operation with minimal drift, supporting GLP-compliant long-term method validation protocols
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 33318-U accommodates a broad spectrum of standard laboratory vessels through vendor-specific modular blocks—including 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, and 1.5–2.0 mL microtubes; 15 mL and 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes; 96-well PCR plates; and strip-tube formats. Each block is precision-machined to ensure uniform contact area and minimal thermal gradient across all wells. Units are CE-marked and comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment. While not FDA-cleared as a medical device, its thermal accuracy and repeatability meet the technical prerequisites for use in USP sterile compounding support workflows and CLIA-certified immunoassay preparation steps.
Software & Data Management
This analog-controlled heater operates independently of software interfaces and does not incorporate digital logging or remote connectivity. Its design prioritizes operational simplicity, regulatory transparency, and audit readiness: all temperature settings are manually entered and visually confirmed via front-panel indicators, eliminating electronic data integrity concerns under FDA 21 CFR Part 11. For laboratories requiring documented thermal history, integration with external calibrated data loggers (e.g., compliant with NIST-traceable thermistors) is supported via the integrated thermometer well—enabling manual or automated recording of block temperature over time per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7.
Applications
- Enzyme kinetics and protein denaturation studies requiring tight thermal control between 25–70 °C
- Pre-analytical sample conditioning for HPLC, GC, and LC-MS workflows—including derivatization reactions and solvent exchange
- Standardized incubation of bacterial and mammalian cell cultures prior to lysis or transfection
- Controlled melting point analysis of polymers, lipids, and crystalline APIs per USP
- PCR tube pre-warming and post-amplification hold steps in molecular diagnostics pipelines
- Calibration verification of thermocouples and RTDs using reference-standard blocks
FAQ
Are heating blocks included with the 33318-U unit?
No—modular heating blocks are sold separately to allow customization based on vessel type and throughput requirements.
Can the unit maintain temperature accuracy above 100 °C?
Yes—thermal uniformity remains within ±0.25 °C across the entire 75–150 °C high-range zone, verified per internal factory calibration against NIST-traceable references.
Is the 33318-U suitable for GMP-regulated environments?
It supports GMP execution when paired with documented calibration procedures, block-specific SOPs, and periodic verification per Annex 15 of the EU GMP Guide.
What safety protections are built into the system?
The unit features overtemperature cutoff at 165 °C, grounded chassis construction, and thermal fusing compliant with IEC 61010-1 Class II insulation requirements.
How often should the unit be recalibrated?
Annual calibration is recommended; however, frequency must be justified by risk assessment per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.5 and aligned with internal quality management system requirements.
