DRETOP ZYC-312LR Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker Incubator

Overview

The DRETOP ZYC-312LR Air-Bath Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker Incubator integrates precise thermal regulation with controlled orbital agitation in a dual-shelf vertical configuration. Engineered for reproducible cell culture, microbial fermentation, enzyme kinetics, and molecular hybridization studies, this instrument employs forced-air convection heating and cooling (R-series model) to maintain uniform temperature distribution across both shelves—critical for multi-condition comparative experiments. Unlike water-jacketed systems, the air-bath design eliminates condensation risks, simplifies maintenance, and ensures rapid thermal equilibration. The unit operates on an orbital shaking principle with a fixed 26 mm amplitude and variable frequency (0–300 rpm), delivering consistent shear profiles suitable for suspension cultures, biofilm formation assays, and aerobic bioreactor pre-cultivation. Its dual-shelf architecture supports independent experimental replication or parallel condition testing without cross-contamination.

Key Features

• Two independently accessible stainless-steel shelves (950 × 550 mm each), enabling simultaneous operation of distinct culture conditions under identical environmental parameters.
• Brushless DC motor with constant-torque output across full speed range; zero carbon brush wear, no lubrication required, and operational lifespan exceeding 20,000 hours.
• PID-controlled microprocessor system with backlit LCD interface displaying real-time temperature (±0.1 °C resolution), rotational speed (±1 rpm accuracy), and elapsed time—fully programmable timer up to 999 hours.
• Three-dimensional eccentric triple-wheel drive mechanism with soft-start ramping to suppress liquid splash during acceleration—essential for handling low-volume Erlenmeyer flasks, deep-well plates, and fragile suspension cultures.
• Electrostatically coated steel exterior and 304 stainless-steel interior chamber with reinforced tempered glass double-door viewing window and integrated LED illumination for non-invasive process monitoring.
• Comprehensive safety architecture including over-temperature cutoff, over-speed lockout, audible/visual alarms, automatic restart after power interruption, and encrypted parameter settings to prevent unauthorized modification.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZYC-312LR accommodates standard laboratory vessels via interchangeable fixtures: universal spring clamps (supporting 50–5000 mL flasks), tube racks (15–50 mL), custom bottle adapters, and optional O₂-permeable inlet ports for aerobic cultures requiring supplemental gas exchange. Its internal dimensions (1030 × 650 × 850 mm H) allow upright placement of stacked flasks or multi-layer microplate stacks. Designed and tested per IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment safety, the unit meets CE marking requirements and supports GLP-compliant workflows through traceable parameter logging and audit-ready USB data export. Optional UV-C germicidal irradiation (254 nm) enables periodic decontamination of internal air circulation pathways—reducing airborne microbial load in long-term continuous operation scenarios.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition is managed via embedded firmware supporting timestamped storage of all setpoints and measured values (temperature, speed, runtime) directly to internal memory. A USB 2.0 port enables one-click download of CSV-formatted logs compatible with Excel, MATLAB, or LIMS platforms. No proprietary software installation is required: exported files contain column headers, ISO 8601 timestamps, and units per SI convention. For regulated environments, the system supports 21 CFR Part 11-aligned operation when paired with validated third-party electronic lab notebook (ELN) solutions—enabling secure user authentication, change tracking, and electronic signatures for audit trails. All calibration offsets (temperature sensor, tachometer) are stored separately and editable only by authorized personnel using password-protected access.

Applications

This shaker incubator serves core workflows across academic, pharmaceutical, and industrial life science laboratories. It is routinely deployed in: bacterial growth curve analysis (E. coli, Bacillus spp.) under defined aeration and thermal stress; yeast fermentation optimization (S. cerevisiae, P. pastoris); mammalian cell line expansion prior to transfection or bioreactor inoculation; antibody production in CHO suspension cultures; environmental microbiology (wastewater bioaugmentation studies); and plant tissue culture initiation under light-controlled conditions (when used with external photoperiod modules). Its 4–60 °C range supports psychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermotolerant strain cultivation, while the dual-shelf layout facilitates DOE-based experimental designs—e.g., evaluating media composition vs. agitation rate interactions across identical thermal baselines.

FAQ

What is the maximum flask capacity per shelf?
Each shelf supports up to 36 × 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks or 8 × 5000 mL carboys using standard spring clamps—load distribution must remain balanced to ensure mechanical stability at ≥250 rpm.
Does the unit support remote monitoring or network connectivity?
No built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi interface is provided; however, USB data export enables integration with facility-wide monitoring systems via intermediate PC-based middleware.
Can the UV sterilization function be scheduled automatically?
UV activation is manual-only via front-panel toggle switch; no programmable scheduling is implemented due to safety interlock requirements per IEC 62471.
Is refrigeration performance validated across the full 4–60 °C range?
Yes—cooling capacity is certified at ≤4 °C ambient (25 °C room temperature) with ≤±0.3 °C uniformity across both shelves per ASTM E145-22 Annex A4 test protocol.
Are calibration certificates available for purchase?
NIST-traceable temperature and speed calibration reports are available as optional add-ons, delivered with accredited third-party certification (ISO/IEC 17025:2017).