Guardian 5000 Sectional Block for Tubes

Quick Answer: The Guardian 5000 Sectional Block for Tubes is a wedge-shaped heating block segment with deep wells for test tubes, made to sit with other segments on the Guardian 5000 base plate. Because each segment is separate, one hotplate can heat tubes of one size and vials of another in the same run.

How Sectional Blocks Work

A full circle of wells in one block suits labs that use one tube size. Many labs do not: a biochemistry practical may need a few large tubes for a reaction, a set of smaller tubes for dilutions and some vials for standards. Sectional blocks answer that by splitting the heated area into wedge-shaped segments that are placed together on a 135 mm base plate, each segment drilled for a different vessel.

The listing photograph shows a machined, silver-coloured wedge of roughly a quarter circle with a curved outer edge and a concave notch at the inner point, where the segment fits around the centre of the base plate. Its top face carries several large, deep wells in two curved rows, plus a small hole near the corner for a temperature probe. The wells are deep enough to surround most of a test tube, which keeps the tube contents close to block temperature.

The well diameter and exact well count are not stated in the listing. If your work always uses one tube size, the one-piece uni-bloc for tubes needs no base plate and may be simpler.

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Seat each segment fully on the base plate so all segments heat evenly
• Fill empty wells with blank tubes if you need a very uniform temperature across the block
• Lift the assembled plate with handles, not by the segments
• Clean wells once cool and keep segments dry during storage

Applications

• Heating a few large tubes alongside vials or small tubes in one run
• Staging reagents and samples at the same temperature in a biochemistry practical
• Replacing one segment when a new tube size is introduced, instead of buying a full block

Why Choose LabEquip

The sectional block for tubes is ordered by labs that mix vessel sizes and want one Guardian hotplate to heat them all. LabEquip can put segments, base plate and handles on one quote from our general lab products range; contact us with the tube sizes you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sectional block?

It is a wedge-shaped segment of a heating block. Several segments sit together on a base plate, so each can hold a different tube or vial size.

Do I need the base plate to use this sectional block?

Yes. Sectional blocks are designed to be assembled on the Guardian 5000 base plate, which holds the segments together on the hotplate.

How many segments make a full circle?

The photographed segment is roughly a quarter circle, so four segments fill the base plate. They can be any mix of tube and vial segments.

What tube size fits the wells?

The listing does not state the well diameter. Tell us your tube size and we will confirm whether this segment fits it.

Can I leave some positions empty?

Yes. Empty wells or missing segments do not stop the block working, but a fully loaded plate gives a more even temperature.

How do I check the temperature of the tubes?

Place a probe in the small hole at the corner of the segment, or a thermometer in a water-filled tube, and let it settle.

Last Updated: September 2026