Water bath is a device used for regulating the temperature of substances subjected to heat.
The vessel is surrounded by another vessel containing water which can be kept at a
desired temperature. Water bath is frequently used in chemistry labs for a number
of temperature related applications. Water baths are used to heat those substances,
which can't be heated directly on Bunsen burner or hot plate or any other media.
However only those materials can be heated with water bath whose boiling point is
less than that of water.
Applications of Water Baths
Water baths are excellent examples of the water's ability to retain heat for long time.
Water baths are used in an array of situations. Some of their applications include :
- Warming Reagents
- Coliform Determinations
- Sample Thawing
- Bacteriological Examinations
- Microbiological Assays
Water baths are used in diverse fields for various purposes. Some of the
industries where they are used frequently are :
- Educational Laboratories
- Clinical Laboratories
- Research Laboratories
- Food Technology Laboratories
- Waste Water Laboratories
Water Bath Controls
Water bath controls have various controller features associated with them to
control the temperature setting. They are used as a safety tool to prevent
excessive heating of substances.
- Temperature Control : All the water bath systems have a
control to set temperature. It can be wither digital control or a dial one.
Most often it is associated with an indicator light. If the light is on it
means water bath is heating. As the water bath attains the set temperature,
it will cycle on and off to maintain constant temperature.
- Safety Control : Along with the temperature control, most water baths
have a safety control. The safety control is used to set the maximum
temperature the water bath should attain. Normally it is set just above
the temperature control. An indicator light is attached with the safety
control. As soon as the water bath touches the temperature that the safety
control is set at, the light will go on. It is not possible for the water
bath to heat more than the safety setting even when the temperature setting
is higher. One should always have higher temperature setting for safety
control than the temperature control.
- Shaking Control: This control is available only with shaking water baths.
It provides additional control for shaking. The shaking mechanism can be
turned on or off. The speed of shaking can also be set.
Features of Water Bath
Some common features of water baths are :
- The water bath is found in analog as well as in digital control system.
- Some water baths offer a microprocessor temperature controller with digital temperature set and readout.
- The air jacket heating avoids hot spots.
- The recesses heating prevents burnout.
Types of Water Baths
Copper Water Bath
Copper water baths are used for indirect heating of flasks and other laboratory vessels.
The copper water baths are perfect for heating those substances or solutions which can't
be heated directly on flames or hot plates. Copper water baths can be of various design
and sizes. They can be hemispherical or circular in shape. Copper water bath is made from
thick copper sheet, with two handles and a set of concentric rings.
Stainless Steel Water Bath
The stainless steel water baths are used for the same purpose as other water baths.
They are designed and constructed for ease of use. They carry a number of safety
features for demanding continuous laboratory applications. Stainless steel water
baths have features, such as temperature control display, shaker trolley, shaker
speed control, drain tap, mains and access door indicators, and over temperature
protection.
