Question 1

What is the difference between a water bath, a circulator, and an immersion circulator?

Accepted Answer

A water bath is a heated (or heated/cooled) reservoir that holds fluid at a setpoint for submerged samples. A circulating bath adds a pump that moves the fluid for better temperature uniformity and can drive an external loop. An immersion circulator is a head-only unit that clamps onto your own tank to turn it into a controlled bath, which is useful when you already have a vessel or need a larger reservoir.

Question 2

Should I use water or oil in a thermostatic bath?

Accepted Answer

Use distilled or deionized water for setpoints up to roughly 90C; it is cheap, clean, and transfers heat well. For work above water's boiling point or below 0C, switch to a heat-transfer oil or a dedicated low-temperature fluid rated for your range. Always confirm the fluid is compatible with the bath and rated above your maximum temperature, and follow the unit documentation for fill level and maintenance.

Question 3

What temperature range and stability do I need for calibration work?

Accepted Answer

Calibration and reference measurements depend on stability and uniformity, not just reaching a number. A stirred or circulating bath holds tighter stability (often a few hundredths to a few tenths of a degree C) than a still bath, and uniformity across the reservoir matters when several probes or vessels are immersed at once. Match the temperature span to your task and prioritize a low stability figure for demanding calibration.

Question 4

Can a water bath provide heating and cooling, or only heating?

Accepted Answer

Both types exist. Heating-only baths reach above ambient but cannot cool below room temperature on their own. Heating/cooling units add refrigeration to run sub-ambient and down to the low end of their rated range. If your protocol needs setpoints below ambient, choose a refrigerated circulator rather than a heating-only bath, and check the lowest temperature it can actually hold under your load.

Question 5

What is the difference between an open bath and an external (closed-loop) circulator?

Accepted Answer

An open bath controls the temperature of items placed directly in its reservoir, such as beakers, flasks, or sample racks. A closed-loop circulator pumps fluid out through hoses to jacketed equipment, a reactor, or a condenser and back, controlling temperature externally. Many circulating models do both. For driving a jacketed vessel or distillation glassware, confirm the unit has adequate pump flow and pressure for your tubing.

Question 6

How do I size the reservoir and pump for my application?

Accepted Answer

Pick a reservoir whose volume and opening fit your largest vessels with room to circulate, since a tank that is too small loses stability as cold items go in. For external loops, the pump must move fluid through your apparatus fast enough to carry heat and hold setpoint, so check both flow rate and maximum pressure (head) against your hose length and fittings. Reading these figures on each product page prevents undersizing.

Extraction

Temperature Control

Processing

Separation

Drying

Support Equipment

Water Baths & Circulators

DC-0510 Low-Temperature Thermostatic Bath Circulator — 10L

DC-1010-II Low Temperature Bath Circulator — 10L, 1.5kW

Frequently asked questions

GX-2015 High Temperature Circulating Oil Bath — 15L, 300°C

MTST 10L Heated Circulator Water/Oil Bath — RT~300°C

MTST BD-0506 Refrigerated Circulator — -40 to 99°C, 6L

MTST BS-06 Heated Circulating Bath — 6L, RT+10 to 100C

MTST GYY-100L High-Temperature Circulating Oil Bath — 100L

MTST High-Temperature Oil Bath Circulator — 20L

Swiben 10L High-Temperature Thermostatic Circulator — RT~300℃

Swiben DC-1006 Heating & Refrigerated Circulator — 6L, -10 to 100°C

Swiben DFY-5/80 Low-Temperature Thermostatic Bath — 5L, -80 to 98°C

Swiben GYY-100L Heated Circulator — RT~200°C Oil Bath

Swiben GYY-50L Circulating Oil Bath — 50L, RT~200°C, 5.5kW

ZZKD DC-0506-II Thermostatic Bath Circulator — 6L

ZZKD DC-0510-II Heating/Cooling Circulator — 10L, -5 to 160°C

ZZKD DC-1006 Heating/Cooling Circulating Bath — -10 to 100°C, 6L

ZZKD DC-6006 Low-Temperature Bath Circulator — 6L, 3.2kW

ZZKD DCW-0506L Refrigerated Circulating Bath — 6L, -5 to 100°C

ZZKD DCW-0508L Refrigerated/Heating Circulator Bath — 8L

ZZKD DCW-0510L Refrigerated/Heating Circulator Bath — 10L

ZZKD DFY-10/10 Refrigerated Circulator Bath — 5L/10L, 110V

ZZKD GX-2005 5L High-Temperature Circulating Oil Bath — RT~300°C

ZZKD GX-2005 High-Temperature Circulating Oil Bath — 5L, RT–300°C

ZZKD GX-2010 High-Temperature Circulating Oil Bath — 10L, RT–300°C