Dry Bath Incubator BK-HW Series
Benchtop dry bath incubator providing precise temperature control from RT+5°C to 105°C with ±1°C accuracy for tube and microplate incubation applications.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Neuroscience · ConductScience
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The Dry Bath Incubator BK-HW Series provides precise temperature-controlled incubation for laboratory samples in tubes, vials, and microplates. This benchtop unit operates across a temperature range from room temperature +5°C to 105°C with ±1°C control accuracy and ±0.5°C uniformity across the heating block. The system features programmable timing from 1 minute to 99 hours 59 minutes, enabling both short-term sample preparation and extended incubation protocols.
The instrument incorporates temperature deviation correction functionality and achieves heating rates of ≤40 minutes from room temperature to 100°C. With 0.1°C display resolution and ±1°C temperature fluctuation, the BK-HW Series delivers consistent thermal conditions for enzymatic reactions, protein denaturation, nucleic acid hybridization, and microbial culture applications requiring controlled heating without water or CO2 atmosphere.
How It Works
The dry bath incubator operates through resistive heating elements integrated within aluminum heating blocks that provide direct thermal contact with sample containers. The heating system uses proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control to maintain precise thermal conditions within the specified range. Temperature sensors continuously monitor block temperature and provide feedback to the control system for automated adjustment of heating power.
The aluminum heating blocks are designed with precision-machined wells that accommodate various tube sizes and formats, ensuring efficient heat transfer from the block to sample containers. The system's temperature deviation correction feature compensates for ambient temperature variations and thermal mass differences, maintaining uniform heating across all sample positions.
Programmable timing control allows users to set incubation periods with automatic shutoff, while the digital display provides real-time temperature monitoring with 0.1°C resolution. The heating rate specification of ≤40 minutes to reach 100°C from room temperature enables rapid sample processing while maintaining temperature stability throughout extended incubation periods.
Features & Benefits
Automation Level
- semi-automated
BK-HW100
- BK-HW100G
Temp Setting Range
- RT+5°C~105°C
0°C~105°C
- 0°C~105°C
Temp Control Range
- RT+5°C~105°C
RT-20°C~105°C(TEC)
- RT-20°C~105°C(TEC)
Time Setting Range
- 1min~99h59min
Temp Fluctuation
- ≤±1°C
Module Temp Uniformity
- ≤±0.5°C
Temp Control Accuracy
- ≤±1°C
Temp Display Accuracy
- 0.1°C
Heating Rate
- ≤40min(RT~100°C)
≤25min(26°C~100°C)
- ≤25min(26°C~100°C)
Cooling Speed
- /
Temp Deviation Correction
- Yes
Brand
- ConductScience
Research Domain
- Analytical Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Environmental Monitoring
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical QC
Weight
- 4.3 kg
Dimensions
- L: 19.5 mm
- W: 30.0 mm
- H: 21.5 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1°C accuracy with ±0.5°C uniformity | Entry-level models often provide ±2-3°C accuracy | Tighter control ensures reproducibility for temperature-sensitive enzymatic reactions and diagnostic assays. |
| Heating Performance | ≤40 minutes to reach 100°C from room temperature | Basic units may require 60+ minutes for full temperature range | Faster heating reduces protocol time and improves laboratory workflow efficiency. |
| Temperature Range | RT+5°C to 105°C operation | Many models limited to ambient +10°C starting point | Lower minimum temperature accommodates protocols requiring incubation just above room temperature. |
| Timer Programming | 1 minute to 99h59min programmable timing | Basic models often limited to 24-48 hour maximum timing | Extended timing capability supports long-term stability studies and bacterial culture applications. |
| Temperature Correction | Automatic temperature deviation correction | Manual calibration adjustment only | Maintains accuracy across different ambient conditions without user intervention. |
The BK-HW Series provides tight temperature control with ±1°C accuracy and rapid heating performance in a compact benchtop design. Extended programming capability up to 99+ hours and automatic temperature correction support both routine sample preparation and demanding analytical protocols.
Practical Tips
Verify temperature accuracy monthly using a calibrated thermometer in a reference tube filled with mineral oil or glycerol for better thermal contact.
Why: Thermal transfer fluids provide more accurate temperature readings than air-filled tubes.
Clean heating block wells regularly with appropriate solvents to remove residue buildup that could affect heat transfer.
Why: Contamination in wells creates thermal barriers that reduce heating efficiency and temperature uniformity.
Preheat the block for 10-15 minutes before adding samples to ensure thermal equilibrium and stable operating conditions.
Why: Thermal equilibration prevents temperature overshoot and ensures consistent conditions from the start of incubation.
If temperature readings appear inconsistent, check that tubes are fully seated in block wells with proper thermal contact.
Why: Poor contact between tubes and block surfaces creates temperature measurement errors and uneven heating.
Document actual incubation temperatures and times for critical experiments rather than relying solely on setpoint values.
Why: Independent temperature verification ensures data integrity and supports quality assurance requirements.
Use thermal-resistant gloves when handling heated blocks or samples, especially at temperatures above 60°C.
Why: Direct contact with heated surfaces at high temperatures can cause burns and sample handling accidents.
Match heating block well size closely to tube diameter to maximize heat transfer efficiency and temperature accuracy.
Why: Optimal tube-to-well fit ensures uniform heating and prevents temperature gradients within individual samples.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Dry bath incubator main unit
- Standard heating block (typical)
- Power cord
- User manual and documentation
- Calibration certificate (typical)
- Temperature probe (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor, with technical support available for installation guidance and troubleshooting assistance.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What is the temperature stability and uniformity across the heating block?
Temperature control accuracy is ±1°C with module uniformity of ±0.5°C across all positions, ensuring consistent thermal conditions for all samples simultaneously.
How quickly does the unit reach target temperatures?
Heating rate is ≤40 minutes from room temperature to 100°C. Consult product datasheet for specific heating curves at different temperature setpoints.
What tube sizes and formats are compatible with this system?
Compatibility depends on the specific heating block installed. Consult product datasheet for available block configurations and tube size specifications.
Can the unit maintain temperatures below room temperature?
No, the standard model operates from room temperature +5°C minimum. Some variants may offer thermoelectric cooling (TEC) options - consult product specifications.
What is the maximum incubation time that can be programmed?
Timer settings extend from 1 minute up to 99 hours 59 minutes, accommodating both rapid protocols and extended incubation periods.
How does the temperature deviation correction feature work?
The system automatically compensates for ambient temperature variations and thermal load differences to maintain stable setpoint temperatures throughout the incubation period.
What type of calibration verification is recommended?
Use a calibrated reference thermometer in a tube with thermal transfer medium to verify temperature accuracy. Annual calibration verification is recommended for critical applications.
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