This article will introduce the precautions and common problems associated with using a constant temperature water bath shaker.
I. Working Modes of the Constant Temperature Water Bath Shaker
1. Rotary Shaking
This working mode is also called circular shaking, which involves 360° rotational shaking on a horizontal plane. In this mode, the liquid being shaken forms a vortex in the container, achieving a uniform effect.
2. Reciprocating Shaking
As the name suggests, this involves back-and-forth shaking. This method utilizes inertia to shake the sample. Why use this shaking method? Because when the liquid viscosity is high, this shaking method is much more effective than rotary shaking.
3. Dual-Function Shaking
This combines both rotary and reciprocating shaking methods. Depending on the sample characteristics and work requirements, either working mode can be selected.
II. Precautions for Using the Constant Temperature Water Bath Shaker
1. The shaker should be placed on a flat surface or a sturdy table, avoiding direct sunlight, and the room should be kept dry.
2. The power outlet should have a good grounding device. Before plugging in the power cord, the instrument switch should be turned off.
3. If any abnormal phenomena are observed after turning on the power, immediately unplug the power cord and have a professional technician check the instrument.
4. Pay attention to the temperature setting range and ambient temperature of different models. Setting the temperature outside the specified range may cause instrument damage or even safety accidents.
5. Before using the constant temperature water bath shaker, set the speed control knob to the minimum position and turn off the "shaking switch".
6. When setting the speed, pay attention to the fixing method of the experimental bottles. Excessive speed may cause the spring net to fail to restrain the experimental bottles, leading to accidents. When loading culture bottles, pay attention to the following points:
(1) Even distribution; (2) The liquid volume should not be too low to prevent the bottles from floating; (3) Seal the bottle mouth well to prevent condensed water droplets from dripping into the bottle.
7. Inject tap water into the water tank. The water level should be slightly higher than the liquid level inside the culture bottles. Do not use hard water such as well water, river water, or spring water, to prevent heating element rupture and affecting temperature control sensitivity.
8. Before each shutdown, all switches should be in the non-working state, the timer should be set to "zero", and the power should be turned off. 9. Do not use the heater when the water tank is empty. If the thermostatic water bath shaker is to be out of service for a long period, the water in the tank should be drained and the tank wiped dry with a soft cloth.
10. Do not move the machine during normal operation; do not allow objects to strike the thermostatic water bath shaker; keep children away from the machine to prevent accidents.
11. Ensure the power is disconnected before replacing components or performing repairs.
III. Analysis of Common Faults in Thermostatic Water Bath Shakers
Fault 1: Thermostatic water bath shaker does not heat, but oscillation is normal.
Solution: First, determine if the heating tube is damaged. If it is damaged, it needs to be replaced. Then, determine if the temperature control part is damaged; if so, it also needs to be replaced.
Fault 2: Thermostatic water bath shaker heats normally, but oscillation does not work.
Solution: Open the side panel of the control cabinet, connect the power supply, set the temperature control to 0 degrees, turn on the oscillation switch, and adjust the speed to the highest setting. Use a multimeter on the AC 250V range to measure whether there is a 220V voltage input to the transformer. If there is no voltage, the switch is faulty. Otherwise, measure whether there is a 12V voltage output from the transformer. If there is no output, the transformer is faulty. However, do not easily replace the transformer at this time, as this situation is often caused by a short circuit in the rectifier part of the circuit board or the motor. After eliminating the above possibilities, replacement can be performed.
Fault 3: Thermostatic water bath shaker heats normally, but the oscillation speed is slow.
Solution: Open the side panel of the control cabinet, connect the power supply, set the temperature control to 0 degrees, turn on the oscillation switch, and adjust the speed to the highest setting. Find the two adjustable resistors on the speed control board and adjust the right one counterclockwise to solve the problem.
Fault 4: Thermostatic water bath shaker temperature fluctuates significantly.
Solution: The cooling method may be set incorrectly; reset it according to the instruction manual.
Fault 5: The measured temperature is too high and frequently enters the over-temperature alarm state.
Solution: The starting control temperature is too high; open the ventilation holes on the back of the instrument or activate the cooling function.
Fault 6: The temperature inside the chamber fluctuates significantly and the temperature is too low.
Solution: This may be caused by frequently opening and closing the chamber door; avoid frequently opening and closing the chamber door during use. Fault 7: The constant temperature water bath shaker is not operating, and there is no display on the control panel.
Troubleshooting: Check if the external power supply is connected or if the fuse is blown, whether the instrument's power plug is properly inserted, whether the power outlet has power, and whether the power switch is turned on.
