I. Standard Operating Procedures for Horizontal Thermostatic Shakers
1. Equipment Placement and Environmental Requirements
Place the shaker on a flat, sturdy workbench, away from moisture, vibration sources, and environments with highly corrosive gases. Ensure there is at least 10 cm of clearance behind the unit for heat dissipation; the surrounding area should be dry and well-ventilated, and the unit should be kept out of direct sunlight.
2. Power Supply and Safety Checks
Before plugging in the unit, verify that the voltage matches the equipment's requirements (typically 220V) and ensure the ground wire is correctly connected. Do not move the unit or touch internal components while it is running to prevent electric shock or mechanical injury.
3. Sample Loading and Balancing
Select appropriate containers (such as flasks or test tubes) based on experimental needs, ensuring they are intact and not overloaded. Distribute samples evenly around the geometric center of the shaking platform to avoid abnormal vibrations caused by unbalanced loads. If there are insufficient samples, fill empty slots symmetrically with containers holding an equal volume of liquid.
4. Parameter Setting and Operation
Timer Setting: Set the time according to the scale; for long-duration runs, set the timer to "Always On" (continuous operation).
5. Temperature Control:
Set the control switch to the "Set" position and adjust the knob to the target temperature (which must be higher than the ambient temperature).
Switch to the "Measure" position to monitor the internal temperature in real-time; heating stops automatically once the set value is reached (green indicator light turns on) and resumes automatically if the temperature drops.
6. Oscillation Control:
Turn on the oscillation switch and slowly adjust the speed knob to the desired frequency (operating at medium speed within the rated range is recommended to extend equipment lifespan). For dual-function models, the oscillation mode (e.g., reciprocating or orbital) must be selected beforehand.
7. Shutdown and Cleaning
To shut down, first turn the speed and temperature control knobs to their lowest settings, switch off all controls, and finally disconnect the power supply. Clean the interior and exterior surfaces; avoid using acidic or alkaline chemical thinners or gasoline to prevent corrosion.
II. Maintenance Methods and Schedule for Horizontal Thermostatic Shakers
1. Routine Maintenance
Cleaning: Clean the chamber and clamp plate after every use to prevent residual reagents from corroding the equipment.
Dust Prevention: Regularly clean the dust filter to prevent overheating and automatic shutdown caused by clogging.
Lubrication: Apply an appropriate amount of grease every 3 months to ensure smooth operation of the drive mechanism.
2. Periodic Inspection (Every 3 Months)
Inspect the motor and control components for water droplets or debris; clean dust from the axial fan.
Tighten fuses, control components, and all screws to prevent malfunctions caused by loosening.
Test the grounding connection to ensure safety and prevent the risk of electric leakage.
3. Maintenance During Long-Term Storage
Power on and run the unit for 5–8 hours monthly to drive out moisture absorbed by electrical components.
If the unit remains in "refrigeration" mode for an extended period, perform a heating/dehumidification cycle every 15 days: set the temperature to 40°C, open the chamber door, and run for at least 4 hours to expel moisture.
4. Troubleshooting
If a flask breaks, stop the machine immediately and remove all fragments and liquid to prevent chamber corrosion or short circuits.
Contact professional personnel for repairs regarding issues such as abnormal motor noise or heating system failure; unauthorized disassembly is strictly prohibited.
III. Key Precautions for Horizontal Thermostatic Shakers
1. Safety First
Keep children away from the equipment; operators must undergo safety training before use.
Disconnect the power supply before replacing fuses to prevent electric shock.
2. Balance and Stability
Ensure samples are distributed symmetrically during loading to avoid excessive vibration or drive shaft failure caused by unbalanced loads.
Do not move the equipment while it is running to prevent damage to the mechanical structure.
3. Environmental Control
Keep the operating area tidy and avoid piling up debris that could impede heat dissipation.
Maintain relative humidity below 85% to prevent moisture damage to electrical components.
4. Parameter Calibration
Calibrate the thermostatic control system before each experiment to ensure temperature accuracy. Performance testing is required for new equipment or equipment that has been idle for an extended period; it must be verified as functioning correctly before being put into use.