TAITEC V·BR-36 Compact Incubated Orbital Shaker

Overview

The TAITEC V·BR-36 Compact Incubated Orbital Shaker is a precision-engineered benchtop instrument designed for controlled microbial culture, phage propagation, and solubility studies under regulated temperature and agitation conditions. Utilizing orbital shaking dynamics—where the platform rotates in a circular motion with a fixed 20 mm amplitude—the system ensures uniform mixing and optimal oxygen transfer across small-volume vessels. Its air-jacketed thermal architecture delivers stable temperature control from ambient +5°C to +60°C, enabling applications ranging from mesophilic bacterial growth (e.g., E. coli) to highly oxygen-demanding processes such as bacteriophage amplification. The unit’s compact footprint (300 × 377 × 323 mm) and lightweight design (~12 kg) make it ideal for space-constrained laboratories, biosafety cabinets, or multi-instrument workstations without compromising mechanical stability—even at maximum speed.

Key Features

• High-speed orbital agitation (50–500 rpm) optimized for enhanced aeration in low-volume cultures (1.5 mL microtubes to 100 mL Erlenmeyer flasks)
• Patented Platform Auto-Balancing Technology (PAT.P): eliminates vibration transmission and desk movement at 500 rpm—no mounting or leveling required
• Digital PID temperature control with ±0.3–1.0°C accuracy (measured at 25°C ambient), verified per IEC 61000-4-30 standards
• Integrated 60-minute mechanical timer with audible end-of-cycle alert
• Multi-layer safety architecture: dual thermal cutoffs, current-limiting circuit protection, automatic motor brake upon lid opening, and real-time sensor health diagnostics
• Modular platform compatibility: supports 12 interchangeable accessory platforms for standardized labware including microcentrifuge tubes, conical tubes, and triangular flasks

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The V·BR-36 accommodates a broad range of sterile and non-sterile sample containers through its expandable platform ecosystem. Certified accessories include horizontal and angled fixtures for 1.5/2.0 mL microtubes (V·BR-1140), 15 mL and 50 mL centrifuge tubes (V·BR-1816/V·BR-1816S/V·BR-3508/V·BR-3508S), and 50 mL or 100 mL Erlenmeyer flasks (V·BR-0050/V·BR-0100). All platforms are manufactured from autoclavable, chemically resistant polypropylene and comply with ISO 13485:2016 material traceability requirements. The instrument meets EN 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and carries CE marking for laboratory equipment within the EU. While not inherently GLP/GMP-certified, its digital temperature logging capability (via optional RS-232 interface) supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data integrity workflows when integrated with validated LIMS environments.

Software & Data Management

The V·BR-36 operates via an embedded microcontroller with a high-contrast LED display and tactile membrane keypad—designed for glove-compatible operation and minimal firmware dependencies. Though standalone in core functionality, the unit supports optional serial communication (RS-232) for remote parameter setting, runtime monitoring, and timestamped temperature/agitation logs. When paired with TAITEC’s LabLink™ Suite (v3.2+), users can generate audit-trail-enabled reports compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards. All calibration events—including factory-set temperature offset verification—are stored internally with date/time stamps and user ID fields, fulfilling essential traceability requirements for QA/QC laboratories conducting ASTM D2510 (microbial growth kinetics) or USP microbiological testing protocols.

Applications

• Bacteriophage propagation requiring high O₂ transfer rates and strict temperature consistency (e.g., T4, lambda phage in LB broth at 37°C)
• Small-scale E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, or yeast cultivation for plasmid prep, protein expression screening, or metabolic profiling
• Solubility assessment of poorly water-soluble compounds (e.g., APIs, polymers) under controlled thermal agitation per ICH Q5C guidelines
• Cell suspension maintenance for transient transfection assays or primary cell line passaging
• Reagent homogenization and dissolution kinetics studies where shear-sensitive components must remain intact

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum operating temperature?
The unit maintains temperatures from ambient +5°C to +60°C. Performance at the extremes may vary depending on ambient lab conditions; full specification compliance is guaranteed at 25°C ambient.
Can the shaker be used inside a CO₂ incubator?
No—the V·BR-36 is an air-jacketed system not rated for humidified or CO₂-enriched atmospheres. It is intended for ambient-air laboratory environments only.
Is calibration documentation provided with the instrument?
Yes—a NIST-traceable temperature calibration certificate is included at time of shipment, covering three points across the operational range (25°C, 37°C, and 55°C).
How is mechanical stability achieved at 500 rpm without mounting?
TAITEC’s PAT.P (Platform Auto-Balancing Technology) dynamically counterbalances rotational inertia using asymmetric mass distribution and tuned elastomeric dampers—validated per JIS B 7711:2019 vibration emission limits.
Are replacement platforms available with sterilization validation data?
All accessory platforms carry ISO 13485-compliant manufacturing records and are qualified for steam sterilization (121°C, 20 min, 15 psi). Sterilization cycle validation summaries are available upon request.