Water bath thermostatic shaker VS air bath thermostatic shaker

Mondo Home Updated on 2024-02-01

Water bath and air bath shakers are two types of equipment commonly used in laboratories that can be used to control temperature and shake samples. While they work similarly, there are some differences between them. This article will introduce the difference between a water bath thermostatic shaker and an air bath thermostatic shaker from the following aspects.

First, the working principle.

A water bath thermostatic shaker works by placing the sample to be measured in a container and then placing the container in a sink filled with water. The temperature inside the vessel is controlled by heating the water in the tank, and the sample inside the vessel is shaken by a shaker. Due to the good heat conductivity of water, the water bath thermostatic shaker can quickly transfer heat to the vessel, so as to achieve rapid heating and cooling.

An air bath shaker works similarly to a water bath shaker, except that it uses air instead of water. The sample to be tested is placed in a container, which is then placed in an air chamber filled with air. The temperature inside the vessel is controlled by heating the air in the chamber and the sample inside the vessel is shaken by an oscillator. Due to the poor heat conduction of air, the air bath incubator takes longer to transfer heat to the container, and the rate of heating and cooling is relatively slow.

2. Scope of application.

Because the water bath incubator can quickly transfer heat into the vessel, it is suitable for experiments that require rapid ramp-up and cooling. For example, in enzymatic reactions, where the desired temperature is often reached in a short period of time, it is more convenient and faster to use a water bath incubator.

In contrast, an airbath incubator is suitable for experiments that require a stable temperature over a long period of time. For example, in cell culture, where cells are often kept within a relatively stable temperature range, an air bath incubator can be used to better meet the demand.

3. Accuracy and stability.

Due to the good heat conduction performance of water, the temperature control accuracy and stability of the water bath constant temperature shaker are high. In general, the temperature control accuracy of a water bath thermostatic shaker can reach 01, and the temperature fluctuation is small. This makes the water bath constant temperature shaker more suitable for experiments that require high precision and stability.

In contrast, the temperature control accuracy and stability of the air bath incubator shaker is low. In general, the temperature control accuracy of the gas bath constant temperature shaker can only reach 1, and the temperature fluctuates greatly. This makes the gas bath incubator less suitable for experiments that require high precision and stability.

4. Security.

When using a water bath incubator shaker, you need to pay attention to safety issues. Because the water in the sink can produce steam and hot water spills, operators need to wear protective equipment such as gloves and goggles to avoid scalding and other accidents. In addition, the water level and water quality in the sink need to be checked regularly to ensure the proper operation and safe use of the equipment.

In contrast, when using an air bath incubator shaker, you need to pay attention to ventilation issues. Since the air in the chamber can generate a certain amount of pressure, operators need to ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the laboratory to avoid dangerous situations such as gas build-up and **. In addition, the gas flow and pressure in the gas chamber need to be checked regularly to ensure the proper operation and safe use of the equipment.

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