Yiheng TU-/TU-C Series Constant-Temperature Metal Bath

Overview

The Yiheng TU-/TU-C Series Constant-Temperature Metal Bath is a precision-engineered thermal management instrument designed for consistent, contamination-free sample incubation, enzyme reactions, DNA denaturation, reagent warming, and cell culture preparation in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and quality control laboratories. Unlike water baths, this metal bath utilizes solid-state aluminum heating blocks—thermally conductive, chemically inert, and non-porous—to deliver rapid, uniform heat transfer without evaporation, condensation, or microbial growth risks. The TU-10 and TU-100 models operate in heating-only mode (RT+5°C to 100°C), while the TU-100C integrates thermoelectric (Peltier) cooling for bidirectional temperature control (–10°C to 100°C), enabling applications requiring rapid cooldown after heat activation—such as restriction digest termination or cold-sensitive protein handling. All units employ PID-controlled microprocessor regulation with real-time digital feedback, ensuring stable thermal environments essential for reproducible assay outcomes under GLP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• PID-based microprocessor temperature controller with dual-display interface: simultaneous readout of actual block temperature and countdown timer (TU-100/TU-100C) or elapsed time (TU-10).
• Interchangeable anodized aluminum modules—including B-type (for 0.5–2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes) and E-type (supporting PCR strips, 0.2 mL tubes, 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes)—designed for rapid thermal equilibration and easy decontamination via autoclaving or ethanol wipe-down.
• Active air-cooling system (fan-assisted) integrated into the TU-10 and TU-100 models for accelerated cooling post-run; TU-100C adds Peltier-based active cooling for sub-ambient operation.
• Integrated safety architecture: over-temperature cut-off (hardware-independent thermal fuse), automatic fault detection with on-screen error codes, audible buzzer alert upon program completion or anomaly detection, and transparent polycarbonate lid to prevent accidental parameter alteration and minimize ambient thermal interference.
• User-accessible temperature offset calibration function allows traceable adjustment against NIST-traceable reference thermometers—critical for audit readiness in ISO 17025-accredited labs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TU-/TU-C series accommodates standard laboratory consumables across life science and pharmaceutical workflows. Modules conform to ANSI/SLAS dimensional standards for tube placement accuracy. Units are CE-marked and comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment. While not FDA 510(k)-cleared as a medical device, the system meets functional requirements for temperature-critical steps in USP (bacterial endotoxin testing), CLSI EP23-A (verification of analytical systems), and ISO 13485-supported manufacturing environments. The absence of liquid media eliminates cross-contamination risk—making it suitable for sterile processing areas when paired with validated cleaning protocols.

Software & Data Management

These units operate as standalone instruments with no proprietary software dependency. Temperature setpoints, timers, and calibration offsets are configured directly via front-panel keypad navigation. All operational parameters—including start time, target temperature, duration, and final alarm status—are retained in non-volatile memory during power interruption. Though lacking USB or Ethernet connectivity, the devices support manual data logging via external calibrated thermocouple probes (e.g., Fluke 54II) for IQ/OQ validation documentation. Audit trails are maintained through lab notebook entries referencing batch-specific module serial numbers and calibration certificates—fully compatible with 21 CFR Part 11–aligned electronic record practices when paired with compliant LIMS platforms.

Applications

• Molecular biology: DNA/RNA hybridization, restriction enzyme digestion, ligase reactions, and plasmid pre-warming prior to transformation.
• Clinical microbiology: Blood culture bottle warming, antigen extraction, and immunoassay reagent conditioning at standardized temperatures (e.g., 37°C for ELISA incubation).
• Pharmaceutical QC: Dissolution medium pre-equilibration, viscosity standardization of suspensions, and stability test sample conditioning per ICH Q5C guidelines.
• Food safety testing: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit reagent activation, pathogen enrichment step incubation, and mycotoxin extraction protocols requiring precise thermal ramping.
• Academic research: Teaching labs requiring robust, low-maintenance thermal platforms for undergraduate biochemistry experiments—particularly where water bath maintenance overhead is prohibitive.

FAQ

Does the TU-100C support continuous sub-zero operation?
No. The Peltier-based cooling system maintains a minimum operational temperature of –10°C, but sustained use below 0°C requires adequate ventilation and ambient room temperature ≤25°C to ensure thermal dissipation efficiency.

Can modules be sterilized in an autoclave?
Yes. All aluminum modules (B- and E-type) are rated for repeated autoclaving at 121°C for 20 minutes. Ensure complete drying before reinstallation to prevent thermal shock-induced warping.

Is temperature uniformity across the block specified?
Per internal validation per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 5.4.2, uniformity is ≤±0.8°C across the central 80% of any installed module at 37°C and 70°C—verified using a 9-point thermocouple array traceable to NPL standards.

What is the expected service life of the heating element?
Rated for >50,000 cycles (on/off) or ≥5 years of continuous daily use under nominal load conditions, assuming proper ventilation and avoidance of corrosive vapors.

Are spare modules available with custom well configurations?
Yes. Yiheng offers OEM module design services for non-standard tube formats (e.g., 96-well plate adapters, cryovial holders) subject to minimum order quantities and mechanical compatibility review.