Programmable Water Baths
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Programmable water baths are specialized laboratory equipment designed to maintain precise temperature control over a liquid medium. They allow users to set and program specific temperature profiles, which can be maintained over a period of time. This capability is essential for experiments and processes that require consistent thermal conditions.
Working Principle
Programmable water baths operate on the principle of indirect heating. A heating element generates heat, which is then transferred to a heat transfer medium such as water, glycol, or thermal oils. This medium surrounds the immersion coil or tube bundle, which contains the process fluid. The temperature control system, equipped with sensors and controllers, ensures that the desired temperature is maintained by regulating the heating process. This method provides even temperature distribution, minimizing the risk of hotspots and ensuring stable thermal conditions, which are crucial for accurate experimental results .
Applications
Programmable water baths are widely used in various scientific and industrial applications. In the oil and gas industry, they are employed to maintain the temperature of gases passing through coils, ensuring that the gas does not become too hot or cold for subsequent processes such as cleaning or moisture removal . In bioreactor systems, they are used to manage the heat load for reactions, particularly in small vessels where precise temperature control is critical .
Advantages over other Water Baths
Programmable water baths offer several advantages over traditional water baths. Their ability to maintain precise temperature control through programmable settings allows for more complex and varied temperature profiles, which is essential for experiments requiring specific thermal conditions. The indirect heating method used in programmable water baths ensures even temperature distribution, reducing the risk of thermal shock and overheating, which can be a limitation in non-programmable models .
Limitations
One limitation of programmable water baths is the potential for heat loss, especially in large applications with extra surface area exposed to ambient conditions. This can result in longer times to achieve the desired setpoint temperature . Additionally, the use of inappropriate fluids for the operating temperature range can lead to issues such as increased viscosity, which may affect the stirring mechanism and temperature distribution .
Considerations
When selecting a programmable water bath, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the complexity and features of the model. Operating expenses may include energy consumption and the cost of replacement fluids. Durability is influenced by the quality of materials used in construction, while accuracy depends on the precision of the temperature control system. Maintenance costs can include regular calibration and potential repairs to the heating elements or control systems. It is also important to consider the safety features, such as temperature alarms and automatic shut-off switches, to ensure safe operation .
from BEING Scientific Inc.
Performance and Features. PID temperature controller. CFC-free R404A refrigerant and a double service valve to prevent leakage. Programmable function with 7 progs and 9 steps in total. Convenience. Bright LCD display with a quickly adjustable dial knob. (0.1 ℃ resolution). Easy to set dual... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -20 to 150
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperautre Stability: 0.1800
from CANNON Instrument Company
CT-1000 series constant temperature bath accommodates viscometer tubes requiring a bath depth up to 12" and provides reliable temperature control from 20 °C to 150 °C. The unit accommodates up to 7 simultaneous viscosity determinations. Common Applications. Formulated oil analysis. Hydraulic... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 20 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperature Accuracy: 0.0100
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Thermo Scientific ™ AC150 is ideal when applications require greater pumping performance, ramp programming, application alarms and temperature ranges from −50 ° to +150 °C. Features include an enhanced digital display and easy –to –use touchpad settings, allowing you... [See More]
- Configuration: Controller
- Termperature Range: -50 to 150
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperautre Stability: 0.0180
from Sigma-Aldrich
MC, AC input 115 V, has adjustable high temperature cut-off [See More]
- Configuration: Controller
- Termperature Range: -20 to 200
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Volume: 4.5
from BEING Scientific Inc.
Performance and Features. PID temperature controller. CFC-free R404A refrigerant and a double service valve to prevent leakage. Programmable function with 7 progs and 9 steps in total. Convenience. Bright LCD display with a quickly adjustable dial knob. (0.1 ℃ resolution). Easy to set dual... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -20 to 150
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperautre Stability: 0.1800
from CANNON Instrument Company
For Kinematic Viscosity from 20 °C to 150 °C. ASTM D445/D446, ISO 3104/3105. The microprocessor-controlled CT-2000 series constant temperature bath accommodates viscometer tubes requiring a bath depth up to 12" and provides reliable temperature control from 10 °C to 150 °C. The unit... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 20 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperature Accuracy: 0.0100
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Thermo Scientific ™ A10 refrigerated bath circulators provide efficient cooling for open and closed applications, with temperatures ranging from −10 ° to +100 °C and maximum bath volume of 6 liters. Powerful bath circulators with a stainless-steel reservoir can be configured with... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -10 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperautre Stability: 0.0180 to 0.0360
from BEING Scientific Inc.
Being Instruments General Purpose Laboratory Water Baths provide users with a constant temperature environment that only can be obtained when samples are totally immersed in water. Our line of lab water baths come in a variety of sizes and are suitable for direct heating and auxiliary heating of... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 25 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Power: 500
from CANNON Instrument Company
For Kinematic Viscosity from 20 °C to 100 °C. ASTM D445/D446, ISO 3104/3105. The CT-500 series constant temperature bath accommodates viscometer tubes requiring a bath depth up to 12" and provides reliable temperature control from 20 °C to 100 °C . The unit accommodates up to 7... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 20 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperature Accuracy: 0.0100
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
The Thermo Scientific ™ A10B refrigerated bath features a large work area, enabling high throughput and workflow efficiency, with temperatures ranging from -10° to +100°C and maximum bath volume of 30 liters. Configure your refrigerated bath with a Thermo Scientific STANDARD or ADVANCED... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -10 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Power: 250
from BEING Scientific Inc.
Being Instruments General Purpose Laboratory Water Baths provide users with a constant temperature environment that only can be obtained when samples are totally immersed in water. Our line of lab water baths come in a variety of sizes and are suitable for direct heating and auxiliary heating of... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 25 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Power: 1450
from CANNON Instrument Company
For Kinematic Viscosity from 10 °C to 100 °C. ASTM D445/D446, ISO 3104/3105. The CT-600 series constant temperature bath, with its external thermoelectric cooler, accommodates viscometer tubes requiring a bath depth up to 12" and provides reliable temperature control from 10 °C to 100... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 10 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperature Accuracy: 0.0100
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
ARCTIC A24B Refrigerated Circulators. Thermo Scientific ™ A24B refrigerated bath features a large work area, enabling high throughput and workflow efficiency, with temperatures ranging from -24 ° to +200 °C and maximum bath volume of 27 liters. Configure your refrigerated bath with a... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -24 to 200
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Pumping Capacity: 17 to 24
from CANNON Instrument Company
For Kinematic Viscosity from −30 °C to +10 °C. ASTM D445/D446, ISO 3104/3105. The TE-1500 series constant temperature bath, with integrated thermoelectric cooling, accommodates viscometer tubes requiring a bath depth up to 12" and provides reliable temperature control from −30... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -30 to 10
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Power: 1000
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
The Thermo Scientific ™ A25 refrigerated bath circulator provides efficient cooling for open and closed applications, with temperatures ranging from −25 ° to +200 °C and maximum bath volume of 12 liters. Powerful bath circulators with a stainless-steel reservoir can be configured... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -25 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Power: 500
from CANNON Instrument Company
For Kinematic Viscosity from −30 °C to +30 °C. ASTM D445/D446, ISO 3104/3105. The microprocessor-controlled TE-3000 series constant temperature bath, with integrated thermoelectric cooling, accommodates viscometer tubes requiring a bath depth up to 12" and provides reliable temperature... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -30 to 30
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Power: 1000
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
The Thermo Scientific ™ A28F refrigerated bath circulator provides efficient cooling for open and closed applications, with temperatures ranging from −28 ° to +200 °C and maximum bath volume of 10 liters. Powerful bath circulators with a stainless-steel reservoir can be... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -28 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Power: 320
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
ARCTIC A40 Refrigerated Circulator. The Thermo Scientific ™ A40 refrigerated bath circulator provides efficient cooling for open and closed applications, with temperatures ranging from -40 ° to +200 °C and maximum bath volume of 12 liters. Powerful bath circulators with a... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -40 to 200
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Power: 800
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Thermo Scientific ™ A5B refrigerated baths feature a large work area, enabling high throughput and workflow efficiency, with temperatures ranging from -5° to +100°C and maximum bath volume of 20 liters. Configure your refrigerated bath with a Thermo Scientific STANDARD or ADVANCED controller... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -5 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Power: 200
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
A simple solution for direct cooling of small samples. Thermo Scientific ™ EK Immersion Coolers offer wide temperature ranges and integrated control. They can be used with open-bath circulators to provide the easiest way to cool small samples. A reliable and flexible alternative to tap water... [See More]
- Configuration: Controller
- Termperature Range: -45 to 150
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperature Accuracy: 0.1000
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
The Thermo Scientific ™ GLACIER Series G50 Ultra-Low Refrigerated Circulators are cost effective and offer extreme temperature performance. These circulators deliver high heating and cooling capacities for rapid heat-up and cool-down times. Fitted with adjustable castors, drainport and... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -50 to 200
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Power: 900
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
The Thermo Scientific ™ Horizon Fog Testing System is designed to recreate automotive interior out-gassing in a timely, measurable and repeatable way, utilizing various standards including DIN, ISO and SAE. The Horizon Fogging Test System fulfills the DIN, ISO, and SAE standards for fog... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 45 to 280
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Pumping Capacity: 24
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Thermo Scientific ™ PC200 Immersion Circulators are ideal for applications that require sophisticated control, multiple ramp programming and extreme temperature performance ranging from −50 ° to +200 °C. Features include an enhanced digital display and easy –to –use... [See More]
- Configuration: Controller
- Termperature Range: -50 to 200
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperautre Stability: 0.0180
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Thermo Scientific ™ PC201 Immersion Circulators feature a 3.0Kw heater for faster time to temperature, an all stainless steel pump with ceramic rotors and offer extreme temperature performance ranging from −50 ° to +300 °C. Features include an enhanced digital display and easy... [See More]
- Configuration: Controller
- Termperature Range: -50 to 300
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperautre Stability: 0.0180
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Ideal when visibility of your application is required, Thermo Scientific ™ SAHARA Acrylic S12T Heated Bath Circulators provide efficient heating from ambient plus 13 °C to a maximum of 80 °C, with maximum bath volume of 12 liters. The SAHARA series of heated bath circulators are... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 13 to 60
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Volume: 4 to 19
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Ideal when visibility of your application is required, Thermo Scientific ™ SAHARA Acrylic S19T Heated Bath Circulators provide efficient heating from ambient plus 13 °C to a maximum of 80 °C, with maximum bath volume of 19 liters. The SAHARA series of heated bath circulators are... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 13 to 60
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Volume: 4 to 19
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Ideal when visibility of your application is required, Thermo Scientific ™ SAHARA Acrylic S6T Heated Bath Circulators provide efficient heating from ambient plus 13 °C to a maximum of 80 °C, with maximum bath volume of 6 liters. The SAHARA series of heated bath circulators are... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 13 to 60
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Volume: 4 to 19
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Ideal when visibility of your application is required. Thermo Scientific ™ SAHARA PPO S14P Heated Bath Circulators maintain temperatures from ambient +13 ° to 100 °C, with maximum bath volume of 14 liters. The SAHARA series of heated bath circulators are available with a wide variety... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 13 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Volume: 14
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Perfect for internal or external circulation. Thermo Scientific SAHARA S13 stainless-steel heated baths are offered in a wide selection for efficient heating from ambient 13 ° to 300 °C, with maximum bath volume of 12 liters. The SAHARA series of heated bath circulators are available with a... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 13 to 150
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Volume: 7 to 11
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Perfect for internal or external circulation. Thermo Scientific ™ SAHARA S15 stainless-steel baths are offered in a wide selection for efficient heating from ambient 13 ° to 300 °C, with maximum bath volume of 17 liters. The SAHARA series of heated bath circulators are available with a... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 13 to 150
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Volume: 2 to 51
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Perfect for internal or external circulation, Thermo Scientific ™ SAHARA Series S3 stainless-steel baths are offered in a wide selection for efficient heating from ambient 13 ° to 200 °C, with maximum bath volume of 6 liters. The SAHARA series of heated bath circulators are available... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: 13 to 150
- Temperature Control: Heating
- Volume: 2 to 51
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Thermo Scientific ™ SC100 is one of the basic models in the new generation of superior quality thermostats that maintain temperature from −28 ° to +100 °C. Features include an enhanced digital display and easy –to –use touchpad settings, allowing you to easily tune... [See More]
- Configuration: Controller
- Termperature Range: 13 to 100
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperautre Stability: 0.0360
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Maintain temperature from −28 ° to +150 °C, with Thermo Scientific ™ SC150 Immersion Circulators. This basic model in the new generation of superior quality thermostats features an enhanced digital display and easy –to –use touchpad settings. Easily tune the... [See More]
- Configuration: Controller
- Termperature Range: 13 to 150
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperautre Stability: 0.0360
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Maintain temperature from −28 ° to +150 °C, while increasing immersion depth to accomodate larger or deeper baths. The Thermo Scientific ™ SC150L Immersion Circulator, one of the basic models in the new generation of superior quality thermostats, features an enhanced digital... [See More]
- Configuration: Controller
- Termperature Range: 13 to 150
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperautre Stability: 0.0360
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Thermo Scientific ™ Ultra-Low Temperature Circulators meet a variety of application needs. The ULT baths are designed primarily to circulate to external closed loop applications. Featuring ultra-low temperatures down to −80 °C or −90 °C, the ULTs have digital displays for... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -80 to 10
- Temperature Control: Heating; Cooling
- Temperautre Stability: 0.0540
from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Thermo Scientific Baths, Circulators & Chillers
Increase the number of samples that can be controlled with the Thermo Scientific ™ VersaCool ™ Refrigerated Circulating Bath. Featuring a new “headless ” design, VersaCool is suitable for use as a recirculating refrigerated bath or heated circulator to circulate fluid from... [See More]
- Configuration: Controlled Bath
- Termperature Range: -20 to 150
- Temperature Control: Cooling
- Power: 425