IKA INC 125 FC Digital Low-Temperature Incubator

Overview

The IKA INC 125 FC Digital Low-Temperature Incubator is an engineered solution for precise, stable, and reproducible temperature-controlled environments across microbiology, cell culture, enzymology, and stability testing applications. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, this incubator integrates compressor-based cooling with R290—a natural, low-global-warming-potential (GWP = 3) hydrocarbon refrigerant—ensuring compliance with F-Gas Regulation (EU No. 517/2014) and aligning with institutional sustainability mandates. Its operational range spans from −5 °C to +100 °C, bridging the functional gap between standard ambient incubators and dedicated cryo- or high-temperature units. The air-jacket heating system provides rapid thermal response (heating to 37 °C from ambient in ≤8 minutes), while forced convection—controlled via adjustable fan speed (0–100%)—ensures uniform heat distribution and minimizes stratification. Constructed around a robust stainless-steel (AISI 304) chamber with fully rounded internal corners and seamless welds, the INC 125 FC eliminates microbial harborage points and supports GLP-compliant cleaning protocols.

Key Features

• High-efficiency compressor cooling with R290 refrigerant—eco-certified, non-ozone-depleting, and compliant with international refrigerant phase-down directives
• Air-jacket heating system delivering fast, uniform thermal recovery: ≤4 minutes to re-stabilize at 37 °C after 30-second door opening (tested per DIN 12880)
• PT100 four-wire resistance thermometer for high-fidelity temperature sensing and closed-loop feedback control
• Double-door configuration: outer insulated door + inner tempered glass door—enabling non-invasive observation without compromising chamber integrity
• Hot-air decontamination cycle (100 °C / 2 h) validated for reduction of bacterial endospores and mycoplasma; supports lab-wide contamination control SOPs
• Automatic defrost with gravity-fed condensate drainage (10 mm ID tube) eliminating manual intervention and preventing moisture accumulation
• Configurable shelving system: up to six load-rated shelves (20 kg each); optional right- or left-hinged door orientation to accommodate lab layout constraints
• Digital interface with backlit LCD display showing real-time temperature, timer status, setpoint, and error codes; USB port for firmware updates and log export

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The INC 125 FC accommodates standard microbiological vessels—including Petri dishes, multiwell plates, flasks (up to 2 L), and roller bottles—within its 125 L working volume (550 × 550 × 415 mm internal dimensions). Its chamber geometry supports stacking configurations: two INC 125 FC units may be vertically stacked using certified mounting kits; alternatively, an INC 125 FS orbital shaker or INC 125 F static incubator can be integrated into a modular stack. All materials contacting the chamber interior meet USP Class VI and EU 10/2011 food-contact compliance. Safety architecture includes dual independent thermal cut-offs (DIN 12880 TB Class 1), a hardware-enforced setpoint limiter with safety switch, and IP20 ingress protection. The unit is designed for installation in controlled laboratory environments (15–32 °C ambient, ≤70% RH) and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1.

Software & Data Management

While the INC 125 FC operates via embedded microcontroller firmware (no PC dependency), its digital interface supports traceable operation through multiple built-in functions: a programmable countdown timer (up to 100 days), event-driven temperature hold cycles, and a cumulative operational hour counter. All parameter changes—including setpoint adjustments, timer activation, and sanitization initiation—are logged with timestamp and user-accessible via LCD scroll menu. Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages are available upon request, supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with validated electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems. Firmware updates are performed via USB—ensuring long-term regulatory alignment without hardware modification.

Applications

• Low-temperature microbial growth studies (e.g., psychrophilic bacteria, cold-adapted enzymes)
• Long-term stability testing of biologics, vaccines, and diagnostic reagents per ICH Q5C guidelines
• Controlled degradation assays requiring sub-ambient conditions (e.g., accelerated aging of polymers or lipid nanoparticles)
• Pre-incubation of samples prior to PCR, ELISA, or flow cytometry workflows where thermal consistency directly impacts assay sensitivity
• Environmental simulation for ecotoxicology and soil microbiome research under defined cold-stress regimes
• Storage and conditioning of temperature-sensitive standards, reference materials, and calibration controls

FAQ

What refrigerant does the INC 125 FC use, and why is it environmentally advantageous?
The unit employs R290 (propane), a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of just 3—significantly lower than legacy alternatives like R134a (GWP = 1430). Its use complies with EU F-Gas Regulation and supports institutional net-zero commitments.
Can the incubator be validated for GxP environments?
Yes. IKA provides optional Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) documentation packages, including test protocols, acceptance criteria, and blank execution records—designed to integrate with client-specific validation management systems.
Is remote monitoring supported?
The base model does not include Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity; however, real-time temperature and status data can be manually exported via USB, and third-party SCADA integration is feasible using analog voltage output (0–10 V) on request.
What maintenance is required for sustained performance?
Routine tasks include monthly inspection of the condensate drain line, quarterly verification of door seal integrity, and annual calibration of the PT100 sensor by an accredited metrology provider—consistent with ISO/IEC 17025 practices.
How does the hot-air decontamination cycle ensure sterility?
The 100 °C / 2 h cycle achieves ≥6-log reduction of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores when validated per ISO 14644-1 cleanroom protocols, making it suitable for labs requiring periodic chamber bioburden reduction without chemical agents.