CZGY SHX-150 BOD Incubator

Overview

The CZGY SHX-150 BOD Incubator is a precision-engineered, microprocessor-controlled environmental chamber designed specifically for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) testing in accordance with standard methods including ASTM D5210, ISO 5815-1, and EPA Method 405.1. It operates on a dual-mode thermoregulation principle—combining Peltier-assisted refrigeration and resistive heating—to maintain stable, reproducible temperatures within the critical 20 °C ± 1 °C range required for 5-day BOD₅ assays. Unlike general-purpose incubators, the SHX-150 features optimized airflow dynamics via front-to-rear convection channels and insulated stainless-steel chamber walls, minimizing thermal gradients across the working volume. Its structural architecture adheres to GLP-compliant laboratory equipment design principles: cold-rolled steel outer casing with epoxy powder coating, 304 stainless-steel interior liner, and high-density mineral wool insulation (≥50 mm thickness) between cavity and shell—ensuring energy efficiency and long-term thermal stability under continuous operation.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based PID temperature control with real-time LCD display (0.1 °C resolution, ±0.5 °C fluctuation)
• Dual-mode thermal regulation: 300 W heating element + 183 W compressor-based cooling system
• Uniform air circulation via rear-mounted axial fan and baffle-guided airflow path (±1 °C uniformity across full 150 L volume)
• Three-tier adjustable 304 stainless-steel shelving system with load capacity ≥15 kg per shelf
• Integrated UV-C germicidal lamp (254 nm) for chamber decontamination between cycles (standard on mold-capable variants)
• Programmable timer with dual-unit selection (minutes/hours) supporting up to 9999 units per cycle
• Built-in BOD test socket (optional factory-installable) compliant with DIN 38409-H21 and APHA 5210B wiring specifications
• Robust mechanical door seal and double-glazed observation window (tempered glass, anti-fog coating)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHX-150 accommodates standard BOD bottles (300 mL glass or plastic), dilution water flasks, and multi-vial sample racks without spatial interference. Its interior dimensions (450 × 450 × 750 mm) allow vertical stacking of two layers of 24-bottle racks (ASTM D5210 configuration). The unit meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per IEC 61326-1 and electrical safety standards per IEC 61010-1. While not humidity-controlled, its sealed chamber design prevents condensation buildup during low-temperature operation (5–15 °C), making it suitable for cold-adapted microbial assays and nitrification inhibition studies. All electronic components are rated for continuous duty at ambient temperatures up to 35 °C and relative humidity ≤80% non-condensing—validated per IP20 ingress protection classification.

Software & Data Management

The SHX-150 operates as a standalone instrument with embedded firmware; no proprietary software is required for basic operation. However, optional RS-232/RS-485 serial interfaces enable integration with external data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO series) or LIMS platforms supporting Modbus RTU protocol. When equipped with the optional thermal printer module, it generates time-stamped calibration reports and cycle logs—including start/end timestamps, setpoint history, and deviation alerts—supporting 21 CFR Part 11 audit-trail readiness when paired with validated third-party logging software. Firmware updates are performed via USB port using vendor-provided HEX files; version history and checksum verification are retained in non-volatile memory.

Applications

• Standard 5-day BOD₅ determination in wastewater treatment plants and environmental monitoring labs
• Carbonaceous and nitrogenous oxygen demand profiling (CBOD/NBOD) under controlled temperature regimes
• Seed acclimation and microbial activity screening for activated sludge respirometry
• Incubation of membrane filtration (MF) and multiple-tube fermentation (MTF) samples per EPA 1603/1604
• Long-term stability testing of biodegradable polymers per ISO 14855
• Controlled-temperature storage of prepared reagents and reference standards prior to analysis

FAQ

Is the SHX-150 certified for regulatory BOD testing?
Yes—it conforms to the physical and operational requirements outlined in ASTM D5210, ISO 5815-1, and EPA Method 405.1 for temperature stability, uniformity, and incubation duration control.
Can humidity be added post-purchase?
Humidity control is not available as a retrofit option due to structural and sealing constraints; however, optional external humidification chambers (e.g., VWR 1260-0010) can be operated in tandem with temperature synchronization.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Compressor oil inspection every 24 months; condenser coil cleaning quarterly; UV lamp replacement annually (or after 8,000 hours); calibration verification semiannually using NIST-traceable PT100 probe.
Does the unit support GLP documentation workflows?
With optional printer and serial interface, it supports generation of raw temperature logs meeting ALCOA+ data integrity criteria when used with validated external software—though full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires site-specific validation protocols.
Are custom internal dimensions available?
Yes—CZGY offers OEM dimensional modifications (e.g., extended height for tall reactors) subject to minimum order quantity and structural validation per ASME BPVC Section VIII.