LAUDA Alpha RA 12 Cooling Bath, -25 to 100 °C, 9.5 to 14.5 L, L004606

If several samples are to be processed in parallel or a larger external component needs to be temperature-controlled, a small bath is often no longer sufficient. The LAUDA Alpha RA 12 has a stainless steel bath with a capacity of 9.5 to 14.5 l, thus covering the mid-range of the Alpha cooling thermostats, with the same operating temperature range of -25 to 100 °C as the smaller RA 8 and the larger RA 24.

Greater volume for external applications

The larger bath volume provides space for several sample vessels at the same time or for connecting an external device with higher requirements, such as a double-jacketed reactor or a cooling coil. As with the other Alpha models, the circulation pump delivers up to 15 L/min at a maximum of 0.2 bar; a pump connection set and a short-circuit hose are supplied as standard.

Cooling capacity across the operating range

Using ethanol as the bath medium, the RA 12 delivers a cooling capacity of 0.325 kW at 20 °C, 0.26 kW at 0 °C, 0.1 kW at -20 °C and 0.07 kW at the lower limit of -25 °C. The maximum heating power is 1.5 kW, the maximum power consumption is 1.8 kW and the current draw is 8 A. Cooling is achieved using the natural refrigerant R-290.

Control, display and safety

A fully electronic, continuous controller maintains temperature stability to within ± 0.05 K; the value is shown on a 1-line LED display. Low-level and over-temperature protection trigger an audible and visual alarm in the event of deviations, whilst an automatic compressor control system protects the compressor during continuous operation and reduces power consumption.

Dimensions and installation

The bath vessel measures 300 x 203 x 160 mm internally; the entire unit measures 365 x 500 x 605 mm (W x D x H) and weighs 34 kg. A drain connection at the rear simplifies the replacement of the bath medium; the condenser is air-cooled without the need for an additional water connection.

Typical applications

• Parallel temperature control of multiple sample vessels in analytical testing and quality control
• Operation of external double-jacketed reactors or cooling coils with medium-sized volume requirements
• Cold testing and material testing in the range between -25 and 0 °C
• Routine use in research and teaching where an RA 8 would be too small and an RA 24 would be oversized

Selection guide within the Alpha series

For smaller batches requiring little space, the LAUDA Alpha RA 8 with a capacity of 5.0 to 7.5 l is available; for larger volumes or higher cooling capacity, the LAUDA Alpha RA 24 with a capacity of 14 to 22 l is available. If no active cooling is required at all, the LAUDA Alpha A 12 heat thermostat, which is identical in design, covers the same temperature range without a compressor.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• LAUDA Alpha RA 12 cooling bath with stainless steel bath vessel, order number L004606
• Bath lid
• Pump connection set
• Short-circuit hose for pump connections
• Mains cable with angled Schuko plug (CEE7/7)
• Operating instructions as a PDF download

Regulatory information

This device is an electrical appliance within the meaning of the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). The WEEE registration number of the manufacturer, LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG, is DE 66424057. Information on the return of end-of-life equipment can be found on our Environment and Disposal page.

The appliance operates using the natural refrigerant R-290 (propane), with a charge of 0.060 kg and a GWP of 3. LAUDA states the CO2 equivalent as 0.0 tonnes.

Warranty and procurement service

LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG, Lauda-Königshofen, offers end customers a 5-year ‘Best’ warranty on this unit, effective from the date of delivery. This is subject to registration at lauda.de within three months of delivery and the use of genuine LAUDA temperature control fluids. The warranty covers material and manufacturing defects. Exclusions include, amongst others, wear parts such as filters and seals, damage caused during transport, damage resulting from unauthorised tampering, as well as cables, plugs, hoses and adaptors. LAUDA’s warranty terms and conditions (as at 03/2025) apply. Your statutory warranty rights remain unaffected.

For the RA 12, LT Laborhandel’s procurement service can, if required, put together a selection of suitable accessories, such as a temperature control fluid for the extended operating range, an additional storage tank for longer external circuits, or hoses for the pump connection. We can also request spare parts from the manufacturer on your behalf.