Frequently Asked Questions
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 Beads under normal conditions?
Under normal conditions, Beads should last the life of the bath. If used incorrectly or if not maintained and cleaned properly, the surfaces of Beads can become damaged. We recommend that you avoid strong detergents, acids and bases. Bleach, for instance, may tarnish the surface of the Beads, reducing its fluidity and overall performance.
What is the general temperature performance of the beads at high and low temperatures?
Beads have been tested using various water bath models at a range of temperatures. In most traditional water baths, the further the set temperature is from ambient temperature, the greater the thermal gradient will be in the bath. Therefore, at an operating temperature of 37ºC to 42ºC, the thermal gradient in a common water bath is typically +/-1-3ºC, whereas at 55-65ºC it is closer to +/-3-8ºC depending on the design of the bath and the amount of Beads used. For applications that require greater temperature control, a Bead Bath can be used.
Can 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).
