Cascade 20L Bead Bath with 15L Lab Armor Beads

Bye-Bye Water Bath!

Traditional water baths are associated with messy condensation and the growing of harmful germicides. Cascade Sciences Bead Baths are the next generation of a decades-old lab bath technology.

With the included thermal beads, this 20L Cascade Bead Bath operates in a constant, stable, broad temperature range between -80°C to +180°C. The bath itself delivers exceptional temperature uniformity up to 80°C.

Zero Evaporation Saves Energy

In a water bath, the water is constantly evaporating. As water evaporates, it cools. Because evaporation has a cooling effect, a water bath must heat more frequently.

A bead bath uses 4X less energy when set to 65°C and 2X less energy at 37°C. The bead bath also provides more constant temperature with fewer temperature fluctuations during operation.

Cascade Sciences Bead Baths and Thermal Beads and Made in the USA and NRTL Certified

Cascade Sciences Bead Bath Features:

• High Thermal Efficiency
• Microbial/Biofilm Resistant
• Cross-Contamination Resistant
• Minimal Cleaning
• No Refilling
• No Rack or Accessory Needed
• Angled Incubation Possible
• Constant Volume  – No Evaporation
• Non-Corrosive
• Compatible with non-water tight vessels
• Independent build-in over-temp, burn-out protection
• No Warm Up
• Mobile or Field Use Compatible
• Non-Combustible

Thermal Beads Replace Water and Ice

Lab Armor™ Thermal Beads are small, dry, metallic thermal beads designed to replace water in laboratory water baths and ice in ice buckets. Their high thermal conductivity technology is patented and improves energy efficiency of standard water baths by over 50%. Improve lab cleanliness when using thermal beads in place of fluid in water baths.

Thermal Beads – Recyclable

Lab Armor™ Thermal Beads are formed from solid recyclable metal. The raw material used in Lab Armor™ Beads can be reused in other products.

Lab Armor™ Thermal Bead Features:

• Metal composition with smooth round surface
• Moisture and gas impermeable
• High thermal conductivity
• Working temperature range is -80°C to 180°C
• Non-toxic, non-vaporizing material
• Recyclable!
• Multiple uses – ice replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Lab Armor™ beads autoclavable?
They are not. The steam and pressure ruins the surface of the beads. We recommend a dry heat sterilization: 180°C for 2.5 hours. For a quick touch-up we recommend spritzing with 70% ethanol and stirring. If some debris falls into the beads we recommend placing them in a pail with water and a small about of Dawn, rinsing out multiple times, and then putting through the dry heat sterilization process.

How long can I use Lab Armor™ Beads under normal conditions?
Under normal conditions, Lab Armor™ Beads should last the life of the bath. If used incorrectly or if not maintained and cleaned properly, the surfaces of Lab Armor™ Beads can become damaged. We recommend that you avoid strong detergents, acids and bases. Bleach, for instance, may tarnish the surface of the Lab Armor™ Beads, reducing its fluidity and overall performance.

Can Lab Armor™ Beads be used as an ice bath?
There are a number of different ways to use thermal beads. Many customers place containers of beads in their refrigerators, incubators and ovens.

When creating an ice bath, be sure to keep the beads dry. We recommend separating the beads from the ice packs, which accumulate condensation. Some kind of mesh wire or fabric helps with this as well. Also, any condensation that builds on the surface of the beads will be able to drip through the mesh. It’s important to keep the beads from soaking in water for extended periods of time. Besides attracting contamination, excessive water contact will tarnish the surface of the Beads and reduce the fluidity of the bath. Also, as an alternative to ice packs, dry ice can be used to make a colder bath (<0ºC).