ALISN HKC-150 Electric Constant Temperature Incubator

Overview

The ALISN HKC-150 Electric Constant Temperature Incubator is an engineered solution for stable, reproducible thermal environments in life science laboratories. Based on the principle of forced convection heating and precision PID fuzzy logic control, it maintains uniform temperature distribution across its 150 L stainless steel chamber—critical for consistent microbial growth, cell culture maintenance, enzyme activity assays, and biochemical incubation protocols. Its robust architecture integrates high-density polyurethane insulation (≥80 mm), a fully welded SUS304 interior with seamless rounded corners, and a calibrated air exchange system that ensures controlled atmospheric renewal without compromising thermal stability. Designed for continuous operation under ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom-adjacent conditions, the HKC-150 supports both fixed-point and multi-segment programmable temperature profiles—enabling complex incubation sequences such as gradual ramping for thermophilic strain adaptation or stepwise cooling for cold-shock protein expression studies.

Key Features

• PID fuzzy logic temperature controller with 0.1°C resolution and dual operating modes: fixed-setpoint and up to 8-segment programmable cycles
• Forced-air circulation system with variable-speed fan and rear-mounted blower—ensuring ≤0.8°C temperature uniformity (measured per IEC 61000-4-2 validation methodology)
• Triple-layer thermal barrier: 304 stainless steel inner chamber, 80 mm closed-cell polyurethane insulation, and powder-coated steel outer shell
• Three independently removable, load-rated stainless steel shelves (max. 15 kg/shelf), compatible with autoclaving and chemical sterilants
• Integrated fresh air intake with particulate filtration and top-mounted exhaust port—minimizing CO₂ accumulation and condensation risk
• Real-time fault diagnostics: sensor drift detection, door-open interlock alarm, over-temperature cutoff (independent mechanical backup), and ground-fault circuit interruption
• Ergonomic mobility: heavy-duty dual-brake casters with height-adjustable leveling feet for precise horizontal alignment on uneven lab floors

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HKC-150 accommodates standard microbiological vessels—including Petri dishes (up to 150 mm diameter), Erlenmeyer flasks (500 mL), test tube racks (16 mm × 100 mm), and multi-well plates—without airflow obstruction. Its chamber geometry and corner-radius design prevent laminar stagnation zones, supporting aerobic and facultative anaerobic cultures per ASTM D2568–2021 guidelines for incubator performance verification. While not certified to UL 61010-1 or IEC 61010-1 out-of-the-box, the unit meets essential safety prerequisites for laboratory use in non-explosive atmospheres (Class II, Division 1). It is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant quality control labs conducting USP / microbial enumeration, EP 2.6.12 bioburden testing, and ISO 11133:2014 culture media performance validation—provided site-specific IQ/OQ documentation is executed.

Software & Data Management

The HKC-150 operates via embedded firmware with no external PC dependency; however, optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface (add-on module) enables integration into centralized LabVantage or Thermo Fisher SampleManager LIMS platforms. All setpoints, runtime logs, alarm events, and temperature deviations are timestamped and stored locally for ≥30 days (circular buffer). Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated third-party data acquisition software—supporting electronic signatures, user-level access control (admin/operator/guest), and immutable export to CSV or PDF. Calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) are provided with each unit.

Applications

• Bacterial and fungal cultivation (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans) under CLSI M07-A10-recommended conditions
• Enzyme kinetics studies requiring stable sub-physiological temperatures (e.g., 25°C, 30°C, 37°C)
• Seed germination and plant tissue culture pre-incubation per ISO 20723:2019
• Quality assurance of sterile packaging integrity (ASTM F1608)
• Environmental simulation for accelerated stability testing of diagnostic reagents
• Pre-warming of culture media, buffers, and consumables prior to aseptic processing

FAQ

Does the HKC-150 support humidity control?
No—this is a dry-air constant temperature incubator. Humidity management requires auxiliary systems (e.g., external humidifier + sealed chamber modification), which are not validated or supported by ALISN.
Can the incubator be validated for GMP environments?
Yes—when accompanied by vendor-supplied IQ/OQ protocols and executed by qualified personnel using NIST-traceable reference thermistors, the HKC-150 satisfies baseline qualification for Category B equipment per EU Annex 15.
What is the maximum ambient temperature rating for continuous operation?
The unit is rated for uninterrupted use at ambient temperatures up to 30°C and relative humidity ≤80% non-condensing, per GB/T 23792–2009 Clause 5.3.
Is the stainless steel chamber electropolished?
No—the inner surface features a #4 brushed finish (Ra ≤0.8 µm), optimized for cleanability and corrosion resistance under repeated alcohol or hydrogen peroxide wiping.
How often does the temperature sensor require recalibration?
Annual calibration is recommended; ALISN provides accredited calibration services with uncertainty reporting per ISO/IEC 17025:2017.