chilled water bath

Chilled Water Bath: A Multifunctional Laboratory Tool

A chilled water bath is a vital piece of equipment in scientific and industrial settings where temperature control is essential. It is a container that holds a temperature-controlled water bath, which can be used for a variety of applications that require maintaining a stable temperature.

Applications of Chilled Water Baths

Chilled water baths serve multiple purposes in different fields:

Sample Thawing: They are used to gently and evenly thaw frozen samples, preventing damage to the cellular structure of the samples.

Bacteriological Examination: Chilled water baths provide a stable environment for culturing bacteria at specific temperatures, which is crucial for the growth and study of microorganisms.

Reagent Heating: Certain chemical reactions require reagents to be at specific temperatures for optimal performance. Chilled water baths ensure this by gently heating the reagents.

Coliform Determination: In environmental and food testing, these baths are used to culture samples that detect the presence of coliforms, indicating contamination.

Microbiological Testing: These tests often require precise temperature control for accurate results, a function that chilled water baths perform well.

Types and Features of Chilled Water Baths

Modern chilled water baths come with advanced features that enhance their utility:

Digital Control Systems: These systems offer better temperature uniformity, stability, and control, making them particularly useful in applications that require high precision such as bacteriological examination and food processing quality control.
Laboratory Chillers and Water Baths: These devices are crucial for temperature control in experiments, helping to slow down or speed up reactions, cool lasers or condensates, and more. They are suitable for a variety of scientific disciplines.
Heating Baths: Used for the evaporation of liquids, these baths provide a controlled heating environment.
Technical Aspects of Chilled Water Baths

The technical parameters of a chilled water bath are essential for its proper functioning:

Flow Rate Range: The system should be able to handle a flow rate between 40 to 2400 m³/h.
Filter Precision: The filtering precision should be between 100 to 2000 μm to ensure the water quality is maintained.
Working Pressure: The system should operate within a pressure range of 0.1 to 1.6 MPa.
Pressure Loss: The pressure loss should not exceed 0.016 MPa to ensure efficient operation.
Drain Valve Size: A drain valve with a diameter of DN 50 mm should be standard.

Drain Time: The time taken to drain should be between 10 to 60 seconds.
Drain Water Consumption: The water consumption during draining should be less than 1%.
Applicable Temperature: The system should be able to operate at temperatures up to 85°C.
Power Supply: An alternating current three-phase 380V/50Hz power supply is typical.
Control Interface: The interface may include digital displays, knobs, and switches.
Filter Net Type: A 316 stainless steel filter net is common for durability and resistance to corrosion.
Maintenance and Efficiency

Regular maintenance of a chilled water bath is essential for its efficient operation. This includes cleaning the bath, checking for any damage, and ensuring that the temperature control mechanisms are functioning correctly. Efficient operation can also be enhanced by using baths with energy-saving features.

Innovations in Chilled Water Bath Technology

The technology behind chilled water baths is continuously evolving. Innovations are focused on improving energy efficiency, enhancing temperature control precision, and making the baths more user-friendly. With advancements in digital control systems and the incorporation of smart technologies, chilled water baths are becoming more reliable and easier to use.

Conclusion

Chilled water baths are indispensable in scientific and industrial applications where precise temperature control is required. With their various applications and advanced features, these baths ensure efficient and accurate temperature maintenance. As technology continues to advance, the performance and capabilities of chilled water baths will continue to improve, making them even more valuable tools in the laboratory and beyond.