WIGGENS Wtherm-B1/B2/B3 Series Heated Circulating Bath

Overview

The WIGGENS Wtherm-B1/B2/B3 Series Heated Circulating Bath is a precision-engineered temperature control system designed for laboratory applications requiring stable, uniform thermal environments across a broad operational range (+5 °C to +95 °C). Utilizing resistive heating elements integrated into high-grade stainless-steel coil tubing—resistant to corrosion and scale formation—the unit delivers rapid thermal response and long-term reliability. Its dual-mode circulation architecture supports both internal bath homogenization and external closed-loop cooling or heating of auxiliary equipment (e.g., reactors, spectrophotometer cells, or viscometer jackets), making it suitable for integration into multi-instrument thermal management systems. The device operates exclusively in heating mode and does not include refrigeration capability, aligning with applications where ambient-assisted warming suffices.

Key Features

• PID-based digital temperature control ensures consistent setpoint maintenance with ±0.05 °C stability across the full operating range.
• 1.5 kW heating capacity enables rapid ramp-up to target temperatures, minimizing experimental downtime.
• High-flow circulation pump (10 L/min, max. 0.23 bar) supports flexible flow routing: internal recirculation only, external loop only, or user-defined internal/external flow ratio.
• Integrated low-level detection via mechanical float switch triggers audible/visual alarm and automatically de-energizes heating elements to prevent dry-run damage.
• Over-temperature safety cut-off operates independently of the main controller, providing redundant thermal protection compliant with IEC 61010-1 requirements for laboratory electrical equipment.
• Three-button intuitive interface and clear LED display simplify operation without software dependency—ideal for routine QC labs and teaching environments.
• Optimized internal component layout and generous airflow clearance ensure sustained controller performance under continuous duty cycles.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Wtherm series accommodates aqueous solutions, silicone oils, glycol-water mixtures, and other non-corrosive heat-transfer fluids compatible with stainless-steel wetted parts. Bath vessels are constructed from electropolished 304 stainless steel; transparent acrylic models (e.g., Wtherm-5M, -13M) offer visual monitoring while maintaining identical thermal specifications. All units comply with CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC, 2014/35/EU LVD) and conform to EN 61010-1:2010 for safety in laboratory use. While not certified for GMP or GLP environments out-of-the-box, the system supports audit-ready documentation when paired with external calibration logs and preventive maintenance records aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The Wtherm-B1/B2/B3 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded data logging or PC connectivity. Temperature setpoints, real-time bath readings, and alarm status are displayed locally on the LED interface. For laboratories requiring traceable thermal history, third-party USB or RS232 data loggers may be connected via optional analog output modules (0–10 V or 4–20 mA), enabling integration into SCADA or LIMS platforms. All models support manual calibration offset adjustment per ASTM E1137/E1137M protocols, and users are advised to perform periodic verification using NIST-traceable reference thermometers per ISO 17025 Section 6.5.

Applications

• Calibration of temperature-sensitive analytical instruments (e.g., refractometers, densitometers, and conductivity meters).
• Thermal conditioning of samples prior to rheological, viscometric, or spectroscopic analysis.
• Stabilization of enzymatic reaction vessels and incubation chambers in life science workflows.
• Temperature control of external jacketed reactors, condensers, or chromatographic columns in synthetic chemistry labs.
• Material testing per ASTM D5236 (distillation of heavy hydrocarbons) and ISO 3104 (kinematic viscosity of petroleum products), where precise bath temperature is critical to measurement repeatability.
• Educational demonstrations of heat transfer principles, fluid dynamics, and PID control theory.

FAQ

Does the Wtherm series support refrigeration or cooling functionality?
No. The Wtherm-B1/B2/B3 models are heated-only circulating baths. Cooling requires an external chiller connected to the external loop port.
What is the maximum allowable fluid height for safe operation?
The bath must be filled above the minimum level indicated by the float switch—typically ≥2 cm above the heater coil—and never exceed the marked upper fill line to avoid overflow during thermal expansion.
Can the pump operate without fluid in the bath?
No. Dry-running will damage the pump and trigger immediate shutdown via the low-level safety circuit.
Is the stainless-steel bath compatible with aggressive solvents like acetone or chloroform?
Not recommended. These solvents may degrade seals and compromise structural integrity over time. Use only water, silicone oil, or ethylene glycol/water blends approved for stainless-steel contact.
How often should temperature calibration be performed?
At minimum before each critical experiment series, after any physical impact or transport event, and at least daily in regulated QC environments—per internal SOPs aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7.