Introduction
An air bath oscillator is a laboratory instrument that provides a temperature-controlled air environment with the shaking, used for the incubation and the mixing of the samples at a controlled temperature, and it is used in the biology, the microbiology, the chemistry, and the research laboratories. The air bath oscillator consists of an insulated chamber with the heating and the temperature control, a shaking platform that holds the flasks and the tubes, a motor that provides the orbital or the reciprocating shaking, and a control and a display unit, and it provides a controlled temperature and a continuous shaking, with features such as the adjustable temperature, the shaking speed, and the timing; the air bath oscillator is used for the incubation of the microbial cultures with the shaking, for the growth of the cultures, for the mixing and the incubation of the reactions, for the extraction, for the dissolution, for the hybridization, and for many other applications, and it is available in various sizes, with the different numbers of the flask positions and the shaking capacities; the air bath oscillator provides a uniform temperature and the agitation, which are important for the growth and the reactions, and it is an essential instrument for the incubation and the shaking in the laboratory. Air bath oscillators are used in the microbiology and the biology laboratories, in the chemistry laboratories, in the pharmaceutical industry, in the food industry, and for many other applications. With their temperature control and the shaking, air bath oscillators are essential for the incubation and the mixing.
Air Bath Oscillator LABO-T2011
Air Bath Oscillator offers a temperature range of RT+5°C to 65°C, ensuring optimal conditions. It features automatic memory recall to restore settings after power interruptions. The st...
Air Bath Oscillator LABO-T2012
Air Bath Oscillator offers a rotation rate adjustable between 40 and 300 rpm. It is designed with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel chamber for durability. Its sturdy housing ensures...
Air Bath Oscillator LABO-T2010
Air Bath Oscillator offers a power consumption of 300 W for efficient operation. It features an display for easy monitoring of temperature and time settings. Its compact design saves val...
Air Bath Oscillator LABO-T2022
Air Bath Oscillator features a 30 mm vibration amplitude that ensures efficient sample agitation. It offers a reliable performance balance between temperature control and mechanical shak...
Air Bath Oscillator LABO-T2021
Air Bath Oscillator long-duration experiments with a programmable timer up to 9999 hours. It includes a universal spring fixture for secure placement of varied sample containers. The bui...
Air Bath Oscillator LABO-T2020
Air Bath Oscillator offers a wide temperature range from room temperature +5°C to 50°C. Its orbital shaking mode ensures gentle, uniform mixing for consistent results. It features a mi...
Air Bath Oscillator LABO-T2013
Air Bath Oscillator combines both reciprocating and gyrophonic (orbital) motion and has a 520 × 420 × 200 mm working space. It supports a temperature range of RT+5 to 60°C, with a ±0...
Air Bath Oscillator LABO-T2011
Air Bath Oscillator uses reciprocating oscillation mode and offers a working area of 520 × 420 × 200 mm. It features a color large screen cultivation needs in research and industrial l...
Air Bath Oscillator LABO-T2012
Air Bath Oscillator uses gyrophonic (orbital) motion for smoother, circular shaking. It is compatible with global power standards which are 110 V 60 Hz and 220 V 50 Hz. The oscillator ha...
Air Bath Oscillator LABO-T2010
Air Bath Oscillator operates in an orbital shaking mode for smooth and uniform motion. It offers a spacious working area of 520 × 420 × 200 mm, suitable for various lab containers. The...
Standards
ASTM E2488-09(2014)-Standard Guide for the Preparation and Evaluation of Liquid Baths Used for Temperature Calibration by Comparison
Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.
Features
1. Air bath oscillator for controlled-temperature incubation and shaking of samples in a heated air chamber.
2. Incubator shaker with orbital shaking platform, temperature control (ambient to 60-80 C) and variable speed.
3. Suitable for microbiology, molecular biology, cell culture, chemistry and research laboratories.
4. Includes incubator chamber, shaking platform, controller, racks/clamps, power cord and operation manual.
5. Supports simultaneous incubation and agitation of flasks, tubes and plates for cell culture, microbial growth and reactions.
FAQ
Q1: What testing scenarios is this oscillator mainly applied to?
A: The air bath oscillator (incubator shaker) is used in microbiology, molecular biology, cell culture, chemistry, and research laboratories for simultaneous controlled-temperature incubation and orbital shaking of samples, providing a heated air chamber with a shaking platform to maintain uniform temperature and agitation for microbial cultures, cell cultures, and chemical reactions. It supports microbiology (bacterial culture (E. coli, Bacillus, etc.) in flasks for protein expression, plasmid prep, growth curves; shaking provides aeration (oxygen transfer) and uniform temperature; typical 37 C, 150-250 RPM; yeast culture (S. cerevisiae, Pichia) at 30 C, 200-300 RPM for protein expression, fermentation studies; fungal culture (molds, actinomycetes) for secondary metabolites, antibiotics; environmental samples (water, soil enrichment cultures)), molecular biology (protein expression (bacterial/yeast culture for recombinant protein production - IPTG induction at specific OD, temperature optimization), plasmid DNA preparation (overnight E. coli culture for miniprep/midiprep), phage culture/amplification, competent cell preparation), cell culture (mammalian cell suspension culture (CHO, HEK293, Jurkat) in shake flasks for protein production, virus production; typically 37 C, 5% CO2 (some models have CO2 control - air bath may not; for CO2-dependent cells, use CO2 incubator shaker), insect cell culture (Sf9, High Five) for baculovirus expression at 27 C), chemistry (solution reactions requiring agitation and temperature control (synthesis, dissolution, extraction), enzyme reactions/kinetics (controlled temp + mixing), staining/destaining (Western blot gels, gels), hybridization (Southern/Northern blot, in situ), and general lab mixing at controlled temp), and research/education (teaching labs, student experiments, method development). Air bath oscillator principle: A heated chamber (air bath) with an orbital shaking platform inside. Temperature is controlled by heater + fan (circulating hot air for uniform temperature, typically ambient+5 to 60-80 C; some to 100 C). The platform orbits (circular motion, 10-50 mm orbit diameter) at variable speed (30-400 RPM). Samples (flasks, tubes, microplates) are clamped to platform. Shaking provides: aeration (for aerobic cultures - oxygen transfer increases with shaking speed), mixing (uniform temperature, concentration), and prevents sedimentation. Air bath (heated air) vs water bath: air bath is cleaner (no water contamination, no corrosion), can reach higher temps, but temperature uniformity may be slightly less than water bath (water has higher heat capacity). Air bath is more common for modern incubator shakers. See 3292 (constant temperature oscillator) for similar product - this entry focuses on air bath specifics.
Q2: What standards does the oscillator comply with?
A: The air bath oscillator follows relevant ISO, IEC, ASTM and GB/T standards including ISO 9001 (quality management), IEC 61010 (laboratory electrical equipment safety), ISO 17025 (if used in accredited labs - equipment qualification), and GB/T standards for laboratory incubators and shakers. The hardware complies with applicable temperature accuracy (+/- 0.5-1 C, uniformity +/- 1-2 C), speed accuracy (+/- 5-10 RPM), safety (over-temperature protection, motor overload, imbalance shutdown), and electrical safety (IEC 61010, proper grounding). For cell culture/microbiology, follow aseptic technique and biosafety guidelines (BSL-1/2 depending on organism; decontaminate chamber after use). For pharmaceutical use, follow cGMP (21 CFR Part 211) and equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ). For food/beverage microbiology, follow FDA/BAM or ISO methods. For regulated labs, maintain calibration records (temperature calibration with certified thermometer, speed calibration with tachometer, as-found/as-left data). For CO2 control (if equipped), follow CO2 calibration. For noise, follow lab standards (incubator shakers can be noisy 50-70 dB - place in dedicated room or use noise-reducing models). For refrigerated models (if cooling), follow refrigerant standards. This model is air bath (heating only, no cooling) - for below-ambient temp use refrigerated incubator shaker.
Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole oscillator and key components?
A: The whole air bath oscillator is covered by a 12-24 month warranty (lab equipment often 1-2 years; some 3 years). The chamber, heating element, fan, shaking mechanism (eccentric, drive), motor, controller, and platform are covered, while belts/drive (wear - belt can stretch/break, replace periodically), bearings (wear - high speed, replace if noisy), racks/clamps (accessories), and fuses are consumables/accessories. Damage from improper use, overloading platform (exceeding weight capacity - causes imbalance, motor strain, bearing wear), imbalance (uneven load distribution - causes vibration, shutdown, damage; distribute samples evenly), running without load (some models require load; check), liquid spills into chamber/drive (corrosion, electrical hazard - clean promptly), using flammable solvents without explosion-proof (fire risk - use ATEX model or fume hood), over-temperature (heater failure, blocked fan - can overheat samples/chamber), or unauthorized repair is excluded. Extended warranty and service contracts (preventive maintenance, calibration, belt/bearing replacement) may be available. Motor/drive lasts 5-10 years; heating element 3-7 years; belt 1-3 years; bearings 2-5 years; controller 5-10 years.
Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?
A: Operation is straightforward for lab personnel (set temp, speed, time; load samples). No professional training required for basic use, but aseptic technique and culture handling are important. We provide operation manuals. Proper setup (place on stable, level bench (shakers vibrate - ensure bench is sturdy; do not place on unstable surfaces), connect power (dedicated circuit, proper grounding; shakers draw moderate power), install platform/racks (match flask sizes: Erlenmeyer flasks (125 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, 2 L), test tube racks, microplate holders; ensure clamps hold securely), pre-operation (check chamber (clean, no spills, no foreign objects), check platform (secure, no loose clamps), distribute load evenly (balance is critical - uneven load causes vibration, shutdown, damage; fill opposite positions equally; if odd number, use water-filled flask as counterweight), verify over-temp protection set (typically 5-10 C above setpoint), operation (load samples (flasks with caps loosened for aeration (for aerobic cultures - cap should allow gas exchange; use cotton plug, foam stopper, or vented cap; do not seal tightly (anaerobic conditions, pressure buildup)), close chamber door, set temperature (e.g., 37 C for bacteria, 30 C for yeast, 27 C for insect cells), set speed (150-250 RPM for bacteria, 200-300 for yeast, 100-150 for mammalian cells (gentler); optimize for your culture), set timer (if needed; otherwise continuous), start (allow 15-30 min for temp to stabilize before loading for critical work; monitor speed/temp), monitor (periodically check temp, speed, culture growth (OD), for long runs (overnight/weekend): ensure no spills, chamber closed, no unusual noise/vibration), post-operation (stop shaker, let platform coast to stop, remove samples, turn off temp (or leave for next use), clean chamber (wipe spills, disinfect (70% ethanol, quaternary ammonium) for microbial work; remove flask holders if needed), maintenance (daily: wipe exterior, check temp/speed, clean spills; weekly: clean chamber interior, inspect clamps/racks, check belt (if accessible), verify temp with thermometer; monthly: full calibration (temp, speed), inspect belt tension, lubricate per manufacturer, check bearings (noise); semi-annually/annually: professional maintenance (belt replacement, bearing service, motor check, heater verification, controller calibration), troubleshooting (temperature not reaching (heater failure, fan not working (check), door not closed (heat loss), room temp too high/low, insulation poor, sensor fault - service, close door, check fan), speed unstable / not reaching (belt loose/broken (replace/tighten), motor failure, overload (reduce load), imbalance (redistribute load), controller fault - service, balance load), excessive vibration / noise (imbalanced load (redistribute), loose platform/clamps (tighten), bearing failure (service), belt wear (replace), unstable bench (move to sturdy bench) - balance, tighten, service), samples spilling (flasks not secured (tighten clamps), speed too high (reduce), cap too loose (use proper closure), overfilled flasks (fill max 20-30% volume for good aeration) - secure, reduce speed, proper fill), and safety (MACHINERY (moving platform - keep hands out while running; do not open chamber while shaking (wait for stop); secure long hair, clothing; use proper clamps), TEMPERATURE (chamber gets warm (37-60 C) - burn hazard; allow to cool before cleaning interior; do not touch heating element), BIOLOGICAL (microbial/cell cultures may be pathogenic (BSL-1/2) - follow biosafety protocols, disinfect chamber after use, do not spill cultures, autoclave waste; for BSL-2, use dedicated shaker in BSL-2 lab), CHEMICAL (if using solvents/reagents: flammable solvents in open flasks at elevated temp = fire/explosion risk - use sealed vessels, explosion-proof model, or fume hood; corrosive chemicals can damage chamber - clean spills immediately), ELECTRICAL (proper grounding, do not spill liquid on controls, unplug before service (lockout/tagout), do not use with wet hands), do not overload platform (check weight capacity; typically 5-20 kg), do not run imbalanced (causes excessive wear, can walk off bench, damage motor/bearings), do not seal aerobic culture flasks tightly (needs oxygen; pressure can build; use vented caps/cotton plugs), for mammalian cells requiring CO2: standard air bath shaker does not control CO2 (atmospheric CO2 ~0.04%; cells need 5% CO2 for bicarbonate-buffered media) - use CO2 incubator shaker or use CO2-independent media (HEPES buffer), for long-term culture (days): monitor evaporation (use humidified chamber or water tray to maintain humidity; air bath can dry out samples), do not use for applications requiring below-ambient temp (air bath heats only; use refrigerated incubator shaker for 4-25 C), for flammable solvents: use explosion-proof (ATEX) model or operate in fume hood with sealed vessels) are important for safe incubator shaker operation.
Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?
A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.
Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?
A: Calibration recommended every 6-12 months: temperature (with certified thermometer at multiple points (e.g., 25, 37, 45 C); accuracy +/- 0.5-1 C, uniformity +/- 1-2 C across platform), shaking speed (with tachometer at multiple setpoints; accuracy +/- 5-10 RPM), and timer (if used). Routine checks: temperature verification (weekly, with thermometer), speed check (monthly, tachometer), and over-temp protection test (semi-annually). If unit is moved, belt replaced, motor serviced, or readings seem off, recalibrate. For GMP/pharma/cell culture labs, follow applicable schedules and maintain records (calibration certificates, as-found/as-left data, thermometer ID, maintenance logs). For critical cell culture/protein expression, verify temperature uniformity across platform (corners vs center can vary 1-2 C - use multiple thermometers or data logger). For CO2 models (if equipped), calibrate CO2 sensor monthly. Belt tension and bearing condition should be checked during maintenance (not calibration but related to performance). For regulated labs, include incubator shaker in equipment qualification (IQ/OQ initially, PQ periodically).
Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?
A: Belts (replacement - specific to shaker model; use OEM or certified compatible), bearings (specific to model), racks/clamps (specific to platform and vessel size (flask clamps, test tube racks, microplate holders; use OEM or compatible with same platform hole pattern), flasks/vessels (universal lab glassware/plastic), and cleaning/disinfecting supplies are available from lab supply companies, though belts, bearings, and racks are often shaker-specific (use OEM or certified compatible to maintain fit, balance, and warranty). Long-term consumable cost includes belt replacement (periodic, $20-$100), occasional bearing replacement, and racks/clamps (purchased as needed for different vessel sizes). Energy cost is moderate (heater + motor).
Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?
A: Customization includes chamber size/platform (small bench (platform 30x30 cm, 1-4 flasks) to large floor (platform 50x70+ cm, 6-10+ L flasks)), temperature range (ambient+5 to 60 C (standard, for cell/microbe), 80 C (for higher temp applications), 100 C (special)), speed range (30-300 RPM (standard), 30-400 RPM (high-speed for yeast/bacteria), low-speed (10-200 RPM for gentle cell culture)), orbit diameter (19 mm (standard, general), 25 mm (higher oxygen transfer, for bacteria), 50 mm (large orbit, for high aeration or large volumes)), type (air bath (heating only, this product), refrigerated (heating + cooling to 4 C, for below-ambient), CO2 (with CO2 control for mammalian cell culture), humidified (for long-term culture to prevent evaporation)), features (digital controller (temp, speed, timer), LCD display, programmable (ramp/soak cycles), data logging (USB, software), over-temp protection, imbalance shutdown, slow start/stop, door switch (stops shaking when door opens), racks/clamps for various vessels (Erlenmeyer flasks, baffled flasks, test tubes, microplates, culture tubes), accessories (extra racks/clamps (various sizes), spare belt, flask sets (baffled/non-baffled), temperature logger, validation package (IQ/OQ/PQ for pharma), certifications (CE, ISO 9001, IEC 61010, ATEX (for flammable)), language and accessories. Additional racks, clamps, and accessories can be ordered separately.
Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?
A: Standard delivery includes air bath oscillator (chamber, platform, controller), basic racks/clamps, power cord, and instruction manual. On-site installation is not required for standard bench models (unbox, place on stable bench, install racks, calibrate, use). On-site training is not included for standard orders but can be arranged at additional cost (for GMP/pharma/cell culture teams on IQ/OQ, aseptic technique, calibration, maintenance). Remote guidance provided. For large floor models or GMP use: on-site installation/commissioning may be recommended. Always calibrate temperature/speed and test with water-filled flasks (balance) before use with samples.
Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?
A: The air bath oscillator incubates and shakes various samples including microbial cultures (bacteria (E. coli, Bacillus, Pseudomonas), yeast (S. cerevisiae, Pichia), fungi (molds, actinomycetes), algae), cell cultures (mammalian suspension cells (CHO, HEK293, Jurkat) - note: may need CO2 control for bicarbonate-buffered media; insect cells (Sf9, High Five), plant cells), chemical solutions (reactions, dissolutions, extractions, enzyme assays, staining/destaining, hybridization), and general lab samples requiring temp + agitation. NOT compatible with: Samples requiring below-ambient temperature (air bath heats only; use refrigerated incubator shaker for 4-25 C), mammalian cells requiring 5% CO2 without CO2 control (standard air bath has no CO2; use CO2 incubator shaker or CO2-independent media (HEPES)), highly flammable solvents in open vessels (fire/explosion risk at elevated temp - use sealed vessels, ATEX model, or fume hood), samples that produce hazardous aerosols (pathogenic BSL-2+ - use sealed vessels, biosafety cabinet for handling, dedicated shaker), very large/heavy vessels beyond platform capacity (check weight limit; balance load), and applications requiring very high speed (>400 RPM) or very low speed (<30 RPM) beyond range. For anaerobic cultures: use sealed vessels with anaerobic conditions (the shaker provides agitation but not anaerobic atmosphere - use anaerobic jar or gas-purged sealed flasks). For tissue culture adherent cells: incubator shaker is for suspension cultures; adherent cells need static incubator (unless using microcarriers in suspension). For long-term culture (>3 days): use humidified chamber or water tray to prevent evaporation (air bath can dry samples). IMPORTANT: Air bath oscillator (incubator shaker) fundamentals: (1) What is it? A combination of incubator (temperature control) and orbital shaker (agitation) in one unit. Samples are simultaneously incubated at controlled temp and shaken for aeration/mixing. (2) How it works: - Heated air chamber (air bath) with fan for uniform temperature. - Orbital platform (circular motion, 10-50 mm orbit) driven by motor/belt/eccentric. - Variable speed (30-400 RPM). - Temperature: ambient+5 to 60-100 C. - Flasks/vessels clamped to platform. (3) Key applications: - Bacterial culture (E. coli for protein/plasmid): 37 C, 150-250 RPM. - Yeast culture (Pichia for protein): 30 C, 200-300 RPM. - Mammalian suspension cells: 37 C, 100-150 RPM (gentle), may need CO2. - Insect cells: 27 C, 100-150 RPM. - Chemical reactions/enzyme assays: temp + mixing. (4) Air bath vs water bath: - Air bath: cleaner (no water), higher temp range, less maintenance, but slightly less uniform temp. - Water bath: more uniform temp (water high heat capacity), but water contamination/corrosion, lower max temp (~60 C), more maintenance. - Modern incubator shakers are mostly air bath. (5) Key parameters: - Orbit diameter: 19 mm (standard), 25 mm (more aeration), 50 mm (large volume). - Speed: 150-250 RPM for bacteria, 100-150 for mammalian cells. - Flask fill: 20-30% of flask volume for good aeration (e.g., 50 mL in 250 mL flask). - Temperature uniformity: +/- 1-2 C across platform. (6) Safety: - Moving parts (keep hands out, wait for stop). - Warm chamber (burns). - Biological (disinfect, BSL protocols). - Flammable solvents (sealed vessels, ATEX if needed). - Balance load (even distribution, counterweights). (7) Common errors: - Imbalanced load -> vibration, shutdown, damage. - Overfilled flasks -> poor aeration, spilling. - Sealed flasks for aerobic culture -> no oxygen, pressure buildup. - No CO2 for mammalian cells -> media pH drifts (use HEPES or CO2 shaker). - Running without load (some models) -> belt/drive wear. - Not disinfecting -> cross-contamination. - Belt not maintained -> speed drift, failure. (8) Choosing the right shaker: - Microbial/bacterial: Standard air bath, 37 C, 250 RPM, 25 mm orbit. - Mammalian cells: CO2 + humidified, 37 C, gentle speed. - Below-ambient: Refrigerated incubator shaker. - Large volume: Floor model, large platform, 50 mm orbit. - Flammable solvents: ATEX/explosion-proof. - Budget: Bench model, basic controls vs advanced (programmable, data logging).
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