ZiQi ZOB Series Digital Display Lift-Type Water & Oil Bath Circulator (Heating-Only, Non-Circulating)

Overview

The ZiQi ZOB Series Digital Display Lift-Type Water & Oil Bath Circulator is a precision-engineered laboratory heating platform designed for applications requiring stable, controllable thermal environments in non-circulating liquid media. Unlike recirculating bath systems, the ZOB series operates as a heating-only, static-bath instrument—optimized for gentle, uniform heat transfer via conduction and natural convection in water, silicone oil, glycerol, or other compatible heat-transfer fluids. Its defining mechanical feature is the vertically adjustable stainless steel inner bath, enabling ergonomic sample immersion and retrieval without manual lifting of vessels or repositioning of sensitive apparatus. Engineered for reproducibility in routine thermal protocols—including enzymatic reactions, solvent evaporation, sample pre-warming, polymerization initiation, and calibration standard equilibration—the ZOB series complies with fundamental design principles outlined in ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory equipment validation and meets general safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 for electrical equipment used in laboratory settings.

Key Features

• Seamless 304 stainless steel inner bath fabricated via one-piece deep-drawing process—eliminates weld seams, enhances corrosion resistance, and simplifies cleaning and sterilization.
• Digital PID temperature controller with high-contrast LED display provides real-time bath temperature readout and intuitive setpoint adjustment (1 °C resolution).
• Lift mechanism (manual lever or optional motorized actuator, depending on model) enables precise vertical positioning of the bath relative to benchtop or external instrumentation (e.g., stirrers, sensors, or reaction manifolds).
• Over-temperature protection circuit automatically de-energizes heating elements if sensed temperature exceeds user-defined or factory-set safety threshold—preventing thermal runaway and safeguarding samples and equipment.
• Cold-rolled steel enclosure with powder-coated finish ensures structural rigidity, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and long-term dimensional stability under repeated thermal cycling.
• Modular design supports multi-vessel configurations: single-hole (ZOB-2L) up to five-position layouts (ZOB-50L), with standardized hole diameters accommodating common lab glassware (e.g., 24/40, 29/32 joints).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZOB series accommodates a broad range of sample containers—from standard Erlenmeyer flasks and round-bottomed flasks to jacketed reactors and custom immersion probes—provided they are chemically compatible with the selected bath fluid and operating temperature. For oil baths, silicone oils (e.g., Dow Corning 200 Fluid) and polyethylene glycols (PEG-400) are routinely used between 100 °C and 250 °C; water-based operation is limited to ≤100 °C. All models conform to CE marking requirements for electrical safety (EN 61010-1) and electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1). While not inherently GLP/GMP-certified, the digital thermostat logs no audit trail; however, users may integrate external data loggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated workflows requiring electronic record integrity.

Software & Data Management

The ZOB series operates via embedded hardware control—no proprietary software, drivers, or cloud connectivity are required. Temperature setpoints and real-time readings are accessible solely through the front-panel LED interface. For laboratories requiring traceable thermal records, the unit features a 0–5 V analog output (optional on ZOB-10L and larger models) compatible with third-party data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Eurotherm controllers). No firmware updates or network configuration are supported; all calibration and maintenance procedures follow documented mechanical and electrical service protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4 (Equipment Management).

Applications

• Controlled-temperature incubation of biological samples prior to analysis (e.g., serum warming, agarose gel preparation).
• Thermal activation of catalysts or initiators in organic synthesis under inert atmosphere (when used with sealed reactor vessels).
• Calibration of thermocouples, RTDs, and infrared thermometers using NIST-traceable reference standards immersed in stable oil baths.
• Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations per ICH Q1A(R3) guidelines, where isothermal hold conditions at 40 °C, 50 °C, or 60 °C are specified.
• Pre-heating of solvents and reagents to minimize thermal shock during addition to exothermic reactions.
• Supporting gravimetric moisture analysis by maintaining constant drying temperatures in AOAC Method 925.09-compliant setups.

FAQ

Is the ZOB series suitable for use with corrosive solvents such as concentrated acids or halogenated hydrocarbons?

No. The 304 stainless steel bath is resistant to water, mild alkalis, and common organic solvents but not to strong oxidizing acids (e.g., HNO₃, aqua regia) or chlorine-containing compounds. Consult material compatibility charts before introducing aggressive media.
Can the lift function be automated across all models?

Motorized lift is available as an option on ZOB-10L and larger variants; ZOB-2L and ZOB-5L feature manual rack-and-pinion adjustment only.
Does the unit include a built-in temperature calibration offset function?

Yes—field calibration adjustment (±9.9 °C offset) is accessible via service mode, enabling correction against a certified reference thermometer.
What is the maximum recommended fill level for optimal thermal uniformity?

Maintain fluid level 2–3 cm below the top rim of the inner bath to prevent overflow during expansion and ensure consistent heat distribution across the vessel base.
Is external circulation possible with this bath?

No. The ZOB series lacks pump ports, inlet/outlet fittings, or pressure-rated seals required for external recirculation. It is strictly a static-heating bath platform.