Types of Water Bath
A water bath is a piece of scientific equipment used to maintain a steady temperature for a
prolonged time when incubating samples.
A water bath is preferred over an open flame when heating flammable substances. It is employed
to enable some chemical reactions at high temperatures.
A big container filled with warm water makes up a hot water bath. It has different design
combinations, sizes, and proportions. A laboratory water bath’s container capacity ranges from
12 to 32 liters for a standard model and 50 to 100 liters for a large water bath. Most water baths
feature a digital or analog interface that users may use to set the desired temperature. In contrast,
some water baths include a reader that uses a current to regulate the temperature. A shaker is
another feature of the water bath that is useful for homogenizing the test solution
Water Bath
Its mostly utilized in clinical and microbiology labs, university labs, environmental research, and
even food technology for warming reagents, sample thawing, corrosion tests, and bacteriological
investigations, among other applications. A water bath is a tool that needs additional supporting
instruments to function. An incubator, a micropipette, a centrifuge, and a laboratory oven are
typically used in tests involving a water bath.
Principle of Water Bath
The sensor converts the temperature of the water into a resistance value, which is then amplified
and compared by an integrated amplifier. This produces the control signal, which effectively
regulates the average heating power of the electric heating tube and keeps the water at a constant
temperature.
Parts of Water Bath
Container
A laboratory water bath’s container comprises an insulated metal, like stainless steel. Test
samples are maintained in hot water for a lengthy time in a container.
Container lid
It is mainly constructed of insulated metal or heat-resistant glass. The lid keeps the container
covered, preventing water evaporation.
Heater
Temperature sensors are used as a heater in a laboratory water bath to help create heat.
Thermometer
It helps gauge the water bath’s temperature. It may be integrated or added on its own.
Thermostat or regulator
It aids in maintaining a steady temperature in a water bath.
Propeller or stirrer device
It is found in circulating water baths which promotes water circulation inside it.
Outlet
It aids in removing the water from the container.
Indicator light
It should be present in every water bath. The water bath is warming up while the light is on. The
light will be turned off to maintain the desired temperature if the water bath achieves it.
Types of Water Bath
Shaking Water Bath
The water bath’s shaking characteristic is more precisely controlled for liquid flow. An on/off
switch controls the shaking. In microbiological techniques, regular shaking allows liquid-grown
cell cultures to mix continuously with the air. The features of the shaking water bath include
high-precision temperature control, easy temperature adjustment, a precise and clear indication,
and outstanding and dependable performance. For easier experimental observation, lighting
equipment is provided in the workshop. The cabinet has a fan, and a forced-air convection unit
fitted to disperse heat more evenly.
Some of the main benefits of this type of water bath include the user-friendly keypad operation,
the straightforward bath drains, the programmable shaking frequencies, etc.
Circulating Water Bath
It is also known as a stirrer water bath. In the baths with circulating water, the water is properly
circulating. Stirrers or circulating water baths may be useful for applications where the samples
must have consistent or uniform temperatures. The circulating water bath uses continuously
circulating water to efficiently and dependably obtain and maintain the desired water
temperatures required for the cooling or heating of samples and reagents. It enables quick
heating or cooling of samples across a wide temperature range. Enzymatic and serologic testing
may be used for these purposes. It receives proper circulation, which leads to a more stable
temperature.
Schematic diagram of circulating water bath
Non-circulating Water Bath
Such laboratory water baths rely on the convection mechanism rather than heating the water
uniformly. As a result, the water bath’s capacity to control temperature is less exact. We can also
add accessories to stir the water bath to enhance heat transmission. Water baths are safe to use up
to 99.9 °C. When the temperature is greater than 100 °C, substitutes may be used.
Polycarbonate Water Bath
Inside the bath, there is a controlled heating system. The container is made of transparent
polycarbonate, and its temperature can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fig: Digital Polycarbonate water bath
Analog and Digital water bath
Analog water bath
The most basic kind of water bath is an analog one. It is affordable and simple to use. However,
it only has a few issues. The analog water bath’s accuracy is lower than the digital water bath’s,
which is the first issue. There isn’t a display board in addition to that. The water’s true
temperature won’t be visible as a result.
Digital water bath
An upgraded version of an analog water bath is a digital water bath. It’s extremely pricey.
However, using it is simple. This version is more accurate. Similar to that, it has a display board
that enables the user to view the real temperature of the bath’s water.
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