Thinking of Buying a Bath or Chiller? Here's What You Need To Know

Maintenance Tip: Baths & Chillers

Just keeping your bath or chiller clean goes a long way. That includes cleaning the air and fluid filters or the condenser to keep the unit performing at its best. Maintaining clean fluid at the right level is also important. Experts recommend that users inspect filters and water level every week, but if the unit is in a harsh environment, they may need to do inspections more frequently.

Will the type of preparation or downstream analysis influence which bath or chiller is ideal?

Depending on the sample type, there are a variety of different options available for water baths and chillers. Processes such as incubation of cultures may require that samples are continuously agitated. To accommodate this need, many manufacturers offer hot water baths with different shaking protocols, including reciprocal and orbital options. Other important considerations include the size of water bath, to ensure it will meet the needs of the vessels you require.

How does temperature sensitivity of the samples or process affect which type of bath or chiller should be used?

A wide variety of baths and chillers are available which can accommodate temperature sensitive samples. Most water baths are outfitted with heating and cooling capabilities, usually controlled by either analog or digital means. For more precise control on temperature sensitive samples, a circulating bath may be best. These baths can control temperature within ±0.1°C of the desired temperature.

How will non-routine analysis or samples determine the type of bath or chiller that’s best for the lab?

For laboratories that have a wide variety of processes or regularly run into non-routine samples or analysis, using a more robust system may help speed up preparation and downstream analysis. Many vendors offer advanced systems capable of highly precise temperature control, plus the ability to perform reciprocal or orbital agitation. Some systems also come with the ability to pre-program temperature controlled shaking protocols, which can save money by freeing up technician time.

For tips on buying a new immersion circulator in particular, see our video at LabManager.com/immersion-circulator-video

Start your bath or chiller search at LabManager.com/ProductFinder/Baths-and-Chillers